Buick Envista vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path. Its sloping roofline gave it a "crossover coupe" appearance, reminiscent of high-end models like the BMW X4 and X6. Although a more traditional roofline might have enhanced rear visibility, the design was deemed acceptable. The coupe-like silhouette was paired with a new front-end design inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featuring a split lighting arrangement with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from models like the Envision and Encore GX, which adopted the styling as part of mid-cycle updates. The ST grade was marked by black exterior trim and 18-inch wheels, while the top-tier Avenir boasted bright trim and standard 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Envista's cabin mirrored the Trax but with smoother lines and softer materials, though some textures felt artificial. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Envista's interior was a step up from the Trax, offering a flat-bottom steering wheel and power-adjustable driver's seat options.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with minimal 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 previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, now offered in a single body style. 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 significant makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the cabin offered thin padding at touchpoints, and the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area, however, lacked padding for the door armrests.

The 2024 Buick Envista featured a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, borrowed from the Trax, delivered power smoothly, akin to a larger engine. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer all-wheel drive, distinguishing it from the Encore GX. The base models had a torsion-beam rear suspension, while models with 19-inch wheels received a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension for improved ride quality. The front suspension was a MacPherson strut setup, with Buick-specific bushings and damper tuning. The Envista handled Michigan's weathered roads well, though it felt unsettled on less-than-perfect pavement. Despite this, the Envista provided a more premium feel than the Trax, with quieter acceleration and a comfortable ride.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor from the Chevy Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. While not the fastest by EV standards, the Bolt was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and road noise was more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's low center of gravity, thanks to the heavy battery, contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles, a 15-mile improvement over its predecessor. It featured a Tesla-derived NACS charge port, with adapters for CCS and J1772 connectors, and increased charging speed to 150 kW.

The 2024 Buick Envista was 14.2 inches longer than the outgoing Buick Encore, with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch. This resulted in increased rear-seat legroom by three inches and greater shoulder room in both rows. However, the coupe-like design slightly reduced headroom, especially for second-row passengers. The seats were comfortable without being overly plush. The Envista's car-like design offered good outward visibility, with low side glass and a short hood aiding maneuverability. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the old Encore and the Trax.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position, providing 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, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. 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, and the release latches were easily accessible. While there was no frunk, 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 Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The user interface was similar to the Trax, with easy-to-use controls and retained buttons and knobs for climate and audio. However, the center stack's tilt toward the driver made controls a bit of a reach for the passenger. The Envista didn't offer a head-up display, and wireless phone charging was optional on all but the top Avenir trim.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured 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, digital rear-view mirror, additional safety features, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. It also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist.

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