Ford Bronco vs Chevrolet Bolt

Ford's 2025 Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while avoiding an overly retro design. Its boxy shape was modernized with rounded corners, and the front featured a prominent rectangular grille flanked by round headlamps. The Bronco offered multiple removable top options, enhancing its open-air experience. The Sasquatch package added 17-inch aluminum wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires, a HOSS 2.0 suspension, and electronic-locking axles, boosting its off-road prowess and giving it a more aggressive appearance. With seven versions available, including the high-performance Bronco Raptor, the Bronco catered to a wide range of buyers. The Big Bend model, equipped with the Sasquatch package, stood out with its Velocity Blue Metallic color, offering a balance of style and capability.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight 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 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. The RS model added 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 cabin, dominated by hard plastic surfaces, maintained a budget feel, but the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching for a sportier look.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, enhancing road performance but not towing capacity. The Bronco Raptor, with its 4,500-pound towing capacity, was the choice for those needing more towing power. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was optional on most models and standard on higher trims. The Sasquatch package improved off-road capability with locking differentials and large tires. All Bronco models featured four-wheel drive, with advanced systems available on select trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV provided 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 EV, the Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, with adjustable brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The EPA estimated a range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered ample space for two in the two-door model, though rear seat access was challenging. The four-door version provided more rear space and easier access. Models with the Sasquatch package sat high off the ground, requiring a step up into the cabin. Cargo space varied, with the two-door offering 22.4 cubic feet (53.3 with seats folded) and the four-door providing up to 83 cubic feet with the soft top. Storage cubbies, MOLLE mounting points, and sturdy handles added practicality. The four-door model featured new rear air conditioning vents and improved insulation for reduced road noise.

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 offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for center-seat passengers. 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 release latches were easily accessible. Upfront, ample storage included a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 infotainment software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-speaker audio system was standard, with an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes. The Bronco included five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes for specific trims, each with its own animation on the digital gauge cluster.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running 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, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was available for backup power.

The 2025 Ford Bronco did not come standard with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, but it was optional on the base trim and standard on higher trims. Features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control were standard. The Bronco received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS for various crash tests but had a "Marginal" rating for headlights. The NHTSA gave it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.

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