Ford Bronco Sport vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact SUV that embraced rugged styling, setting itself apart from the more urban-focused Ford Escape. It featured a rectangular grille with round headlights and "Bronco" lettering, reminiscent of the larger Bronco model. While it didn't offer convertible features like its bigger sibling, the Bronco Sport maintained a square silhouette with a long, flat hood and upright greenhouse, giving it a cute yet robust appearance. The 2025 model introduced off-road packages like the Black Diamond and Sasquatch, which added modular steel bumpers, bash plates, and skid plates for enhanced off-road protection. The interior, though less distinctive, was functional, with new center-console grab handles and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, ensuring durability for off-road adventures.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. It featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and integrated the previous grille insert 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, 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 moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt offered sturdy materials and thin padding at touchpoints, with the RS trim upgrading to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport carried over its powertrain options from the previous year, with most trims featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with the 2.0-liter models offering manual-shifting capability. The Bronco Sport's AWD system included a dual-clutch rear-drive unit for torque vectoring, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The 2025 model introduced a one-pedal feature and the Sasquatch Package, which included 29-inch all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, and steel underbody protection. The Bronco Sport excelled in off-road conditions with its G.O.A.T. modes, offering a smooth transition between different terrains. Despite its off-road prowess, it remained composed and comfortable on-road, providing a balanced driving experience.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on 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 quick for its class, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, and its low center of gravity contributed to agile handling on curvy roads. The 2027 model offered an EPA-estimated range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed of 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport offered practicality without compromising its off-road focus. It provided more headroom in both rows compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Subaru Forester Wilderness. While it excelled in first-row legroom, it lagged in second-row legroom. The Bronco Sport offered 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 65.2 cubic feet with them folded, though higher trims had slightly reduced capacity. It featured a rotary shifter, wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports for convenience. The Bronco Sport could tow up to 2,700 pounds with the turbo-four engine, surpassing some rivals in towing capacity.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had 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 provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing discomfort for center-seat passengers. The Bolt 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, enhancing luggage capacity. While it lacked a frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport upgraded to the Ford Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The infotainment system provided detailed animations and easy-to-read text, with a split-screen setup for CarPlay. An available 360-degree camera system functioned as both a safety feature and an off-road aid, offering overhead and low-angle front views to spot obstacles.

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 it didn't support Apple CarPlay or standalone Android Auto, it offered Bluetooth pairing for music streaming. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, with separate physical climate controls to reduce distraction. 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 for backup power.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS awarded it "Good" scores in several tests and an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Reverse automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition were optional on higher trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, 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, digital rear-view mirror, and rear-pedestrian alert. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost, offering advanced highway driving capabilities.