Buick Encore GX vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Buick Encore GX was a standout in Buick's lineup, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. This refreshed model featured a striking new front design with sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille and angular LED lamps flanking it. The updated Buick logo added a modern touch, while the Avenir trim boasted a unique grille and chrome accents. The rear design remained largely unchanged from 2023, except for the addition of new LED tail lights on the top trims. The Encore GX offered a range of vibrant colors, including red, blue, maroon, and Copper Ice Metallic, with options for a contrasting black roof and mirrors. Inside, the most significant change was the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. Despite some cheap-feeling plastics, the interior exuded a premium, techy vibe.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with subtle styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, offering a single body style for 2027. Its tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic 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. While the cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, enhancing the overall feel.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its previous engine options, offering a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. An upgrade to a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine provided 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, along with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine delivered responsive performance, achieving 0-60 mph in about nine seconds. However, highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The Encore GX excelled as a city car, with a smooth-riding suspension and a selectable AWD system for added control.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. Its motor, sourced from the Chevy Equinox EV, produced 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was impressive compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, offering medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to agile handling. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but aligned with its competitors. It could tow up to 1,000 pounds and featured an available hands-free liftgate. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The interior included available heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with eight-way adjustable seats available on higher trims. A seven-speaker Bose audio system was also an option.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, enhancing versatility. Upfront, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, housed under a single glass pane. While visually appealing, the screens left much unused space. The Encore GX supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet available. The infotainment system was straightforward, with tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came equipped 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, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system assisted in finding charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with the Driver Confidence package, including lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was also standard. Additional features like rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The NHTSA awarded the Encore GX a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were pending, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and more. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.