Chevrolet Traverse vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was a testament to Chevrolet's knack for crafting visually appealing SUVs, with its exterior styling drawing praise across the board. Inside, the Traverse continued this trend with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system that offered an attractive layout. However, the quality of materials used in the interior left much to be desired. The hard, glossy plastic and unconvincing Evotex artificial leather detracted from the overall impression, especially given the Traverse's higher price point.

The Traverse was available in several trims, including the LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. Our test vehicle, a Z71, featured off-road capabilities and came with additional options like Radiant Red paint and a panoramic sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and tech-savvy SUV.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with only slight styling changes that made it resemble 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 straddled 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, with the RS model adding subtle gloss black exterior trim.

Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring 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. Despite the hard plastic surfaces dominating the cabin, the Bolt offered practical storage solutions and a budget-friendly feel. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area lacked padding for the door armrests. Overall, the Bolt's design focused on practicality and utility, making it a suitable choice for those seeking an economical EV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it delivered ample power, allowing the Traverse to accelerate rapidly, especially with all-wheel drive (AWD) engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured a unique suspension system that increased ground clearance to 7.7 inches, along with all-terrain tires and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse Z71 excelled on trails and rough terrain, providing a smooth ride even on poorly maintained roads. Despite its size, the Traverse handled well, with minimal tire noise and touchy brakes. It achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations during testing.

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, borrowed from the Chevy Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was quick, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range, making it competitive with gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, offering medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's agility on curvy roads was surprising, thanks to its low center of gravity. It offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed of 150 kW.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted impressive interior volume, with ample space for front seat occupants and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, while our test vehicle had individual captain's chairs. The third-row seats provided adequate comfort but lacked a view due to the rear window design. Storage space was commendable, with 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel, but the rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support. The Bolt's flat floor reduced the penalty for center-seat passengers. It offered 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, providing a practical solution for carrying larger items. 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 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and access to various apps. It also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a simple interface and effective voice commands. The Traverse also had an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

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. While Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, the system offered Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming. 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 helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. It also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors with active steering assist. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs to offer such an advanced system.