Dodge Durango vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Dodge Durango retained its classic design, despite its competitors undergoing multiple redesigns since its third generation debuted in 2011. Dodge managed to keep the Durango appealing with minor updates, such as a refreshed grille, lighting, and bumpers in 2021, along with new wheels and colors. The Durango's signature wraparound LED taillight, reminiscent of a racetrack, remained a standout feature. Its robust stance and front end gave it a tough, no-nonsense attitude, making it a popular choice for police cruisers. The America250 package, introduced at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, added unique interior and exterior touches, including black leather seats with blue perforations and flag graphics. Despite its age, the Durango's interior showed signs of wear, with outdated switches and cheaper plastic materials. However, its analog controls and logical layout provided a refreshing experience, complemented by a large touchscreen that was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV returned with a familiar look, maintaining its position between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The styling changes were minimal, with a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and an integrated grille insert. The Bolt prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance, with the RS model adding gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the cabin offered adequate comfort with padded elbow touchpoints and sturdy materials. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area lacked padding for the door armrests.

The 2026 Dodge Durango was predominantly powered by V8 engines, with a 3.6-liter V6 available on the base GT and GT Plus trims. The V6 produced 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but struggled to move the 5,000-pound vehicle. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, an option on GT and GT Plus models, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, significantly boosting towing capacity to 8,700 pounds. The SRT Hellcat featured a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 710 hp, while the 6.4-liter V8 on the Durango R/T produced 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission and multiple AWD modes provided smooth performance, though steering accuracy was lacking. The SRT Hellcat offered exhilarating power and handling, with adaptive dampers standard on Hellcats.

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, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with responsive pedal inputs and one-pedal driving available. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt 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 2026 Dodge Durango offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with a standard second-row bench seat on most trims. Captain's chairs were optional on GT Plus and GT Premium trims, while the Hellcat models featured a bench without the third row. The third row was tight by modern standards, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85.1 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and 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 Bolt offered ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2026 Dodge Durango featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, while other trims had a nine-speaker Alpine stereo. The Durango lacked semi-automated driving functions and convenience features like rear-seat entertainment, but the Hellcat's infotainment system included performance functions such as launch control.

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. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source.

The 2026 Dodge Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but lacked recent IIHS ratings. It featured a driver's knee airbag and central side airbag, but its dated body structure limited crash performance. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitors and parking sensors, with forward automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning available on higher trims.

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, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system and other safety features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.