Audi Q7 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined design with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly adjusted, and the grille was updated with vertical inlays within its octagon frame, creating a more cohesive exterior. Customization options allowed buyers to choose different finishes for the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser, while the Black Optic package added black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. The laser-etched badging on the B-pillar was a unique touch, and the Q7 was available in eight colors, including the new Sakhir Gold. Inside, the updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior color choices. The interior featured piano black surfaces and stacked infotainment screens integrated into the dash, with HVAC vents stretching across the width, emphasizing the car's proportions.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt was offered in a single body style, combining elements of a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more significant makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, with thin padding on elbow touch points. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area featured hard plastics and lacked padding for door armrests.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine options for the Premium and Premium Plus trims. The 45 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 55 TFSI was a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The top Prestige trim came with the larger engine, providing smooth power delivery through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The Q7 featured various drive modes, including Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, All Road, and Off Road, catering to different driving preferences. The EPA rated the Q7 with the 55 TFSI engine at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph times similar to the previous Bolt EV, in the low seven-second range. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt was agile on curvy roads due to its low center of gravity. The EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support for the driver. The Prestige trim added a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, 360-degree camera, and ventilated and massaging front seats. The Executive package included four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and sun shades. The Q7 had three rows of seating, with the third row suitable for children. Cargo space measured 14.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 35.7 and 69.6 cubic feet when the third and second rows were folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow center console and small door pockets.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt had 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor in its upper position. Up front, there was ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system on a 10.1-inch center screen, with a smaller screen below for HVAC controls. A large configurable digital gauge cluster was also included. The menu structure was user-friendly, but the screen required a hard push on its tiles. Audi offered Google Maps as its native navigation system, which could be displayed over the entire gauge cluster. The Audi App Store allowed downloads of third-party programs, and the myAudi app offered 110 themed wallpaper options for the MMI system.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, but some features were built into the infotainment system. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could help drivers find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source for a home.

The 2025 Audi Q7 included advanced driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It could park itself in both parallel and perpendicular spaces. However, the lane-centering system was less robust than competitors, and the Q7 lacked automatic lane-changing capabilities. The NHTSA gave the Q7 five out of five stars overall, with four stars for front crash and rollover. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model but awarded the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on the 2023 Bolt EUV platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.