Chrysler Pacifica vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar appearance, with only slight styling changes that made its front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. A thin slot was added behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The model continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with a single body style available for 2027. Its tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, with the push-button gear selector moved to the steering column. Despite the hard plastic surfaces dominating the cabin, the Bolt maintained a budget feel with some padded touchpoints.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica received a new face, with a lit-up logo and sharper lighting signature on trims above the base LX. While the new badge paired well with the Chrysler wordmark, the sharp angles and lines were not universally loved. The base LX retained a more reserved fascia. The side profile remained unchanged, and the Pacifica's rear featured a clean, modern light bar. Inside, the cabin largely mirrored last year's refresh, with comfortable seats and soft materials where hands and knees landed. However, below hip level, the cabin was dominated by plastic. The Pacifica's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and a practical layout, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. It was powered by a motor from Chevy's Equinox EV, delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was estimated to be in the low seven-second range for 0-60 mph, making it quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. 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 charging speed increase to 150 kW, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica was equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered more power than the Toyota Sienna's four-cylinder hybrid setup. However, the engine's exhaust note was hoarse, and the minivan wasn't well insulated against noise. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The Pacifica handled corners with composure, but the ride was less refined on rough pavement. The discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid left the V6 as the sole powertrain, with EPA estimates of 19 city, 28 highway, and 22 combined for FWD. The Pacifica's fuel economy couldn't compete with hybrid minivans, and real-world testing showed lower mileage than EPA estimates.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats provided 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 seats folded flat with the cargo floor, and there was ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a deep, tub-like shape that accommodated strollers and luggage effectively. The Pacifica's Stow 'n Go seating allowed the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, providing over 140 cubic feet of total cargo space. The sliding side doors were a practical feature, especially in tight parking lots. The Limited-trim tester featured second-row captain's chairs, offering ample legroom in the second row and usable space in the third row. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, with a ventilated wireless charging pad, concealed storage, and a pass-through beneath the center console.

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 Bluetooth pairing allowed for personal music library access. 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 also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica featured fully analog gauges, which felt outdated compared to rivals with digital displays. The 10.1-inch touchscreen ran Uconnect 5, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The blind-spot camera system activated with the turn signal, providing a live view on the center screen. Physical climate controls were easy to use, with heated seats standard and ventilated seats available on higher trims. The built-in navigation lacked compelling features, but the touchscreen's size and placement were well-proportioned.

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, 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 traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Enhanced Safety Sphere Package added a blind-spot camera and a front camera. The Pacifica received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in 2026, but the IIHS gave it mixed ratings, with a Marginal score in the moderate-overlap front test. Despite this, no minivan outperformed the Pacifica in that test.