GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a larger and more imposing vehicle. It was 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had subtle detailing that added definition, though it was mostly visible in specific lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips drew inspiration from the C8 Corvette, adding a sporty touch.

The Acadia was available in three trims: the base Elevation, off-road AT4, and luxe Denali. The Elevation came with standard 18-inch wheels, while the Denali offered 20-inch wheels with an option for 22s. The AT4 featured model-specific 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Unique styling elements distinguished the Denali and AT4 models, with the Denali showcasing a toned-down grille inspired by bridge trusswork and the AT4 featuring red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. Inside, the Acadia's interior was redesigned for spaciousness, with larger screens and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the open feel. The AT4's interior materials were preferred over the Denali's, which, despite its leather seats and intricate stitching, didn't quite meet the luxe expectations.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV returned with a familiar look, maintaining its position between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. Styling changes were minimal, with a front end resembling a conventional gas-powered car. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty appearance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a slight visual enhancement. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up center console space. Despite the abundance of hard plastic surfaces, the cabin offered adequate padding at touchpoints.

The Bolt's interior was practical, with a flat floor and ample headroom in the rear seats. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin under the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, enhancing utility. Up front, storage options included a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin. The Bolt's infotainment system, shared with the Chevy Colorado, ran on a Google-based operating system, lacking Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto. However, it offered logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system and wireless charging pad.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-liter V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6 option, the turbo-four delivered strong and consistent performance, enabling a 5,000-pound towing capacity with an available towing package. However, the engine's coarse note was less appealing, particularly in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive on Elevation and Denali models, and all-wheel drive available. The AT4 trim featured standard all-wheel drive with a twin-clutch system for off-road driving.

The Acadia AT4 included a 1.2-inch ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode for low-speed off-road control. While capable on dirt roads, the AT4's off-road prowess was limited compared to more rugged models. The Acadia's suspension tuning varied with wheel-and-tire combinations, with the Denali's 22-inch wheels offering a comfortable ride despite their size. However, both the Denali and AT4 exhibited some wallowing and bouncing over road undulations, contributing to a larger-than-life feel.

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 the Chevy Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph acceleration in the low seven-second range. While not the quickest by EV standards, the Bolt's acceleration was impressive compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The 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 from the heavy battery. On a full charge, the 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of up to 262 miles, a 15-mile improvement over its predecessor. A Tesla-derived NACS charge port was standard, with adapters for CCS and J1772 connectors. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's interior offered a spacious feel, with a low dashboard and generous glass area. It provided more headroom across all three rows than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Acadia also boasted more first-row legroom, though the Kia and Toyota offered more legroom in the second and third rows, respectively. Cargo space was a highlight, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. These figures represented significant improvements over the 2023 model, giving the Acadia more cargo space than its rivals.

An underfloor storage bin behind the third row added utility, along with a spare tire. The Acadia featured a "presence-based" power liftgate for hands-free access to the cargo area. Up front, small-item storage was reasonable, with a small drive-mode switch freeing up space. However, the headlight controls were less intuitive, requiring touchscreen interaction for activation.

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 adequate thigh support. The flat floor reduced the penalty for center-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin under the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, enhancing utility.

While the Bolt lacked a frunk, it offered ample storage for personal items up front. A large bin with movable dividers, a floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin provided versatile storage options. The Bolt's interior was practical, with a rubberized wireless phone charger, additional dashboard pockets, and moderate door pockets.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured a standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports for each row were standard. An 8-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Bose system were available options. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience.

The touchscreen was intuitive, with icons for important menus and physical climate-control buttons for ease of use. The instrument cluster graphics were impressive, with multiple configurations available. However, small drive-mode icons could get lost among other notifications.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, shared with the Chevy Colorado. The infotainment system ran on a Google-based operating system, lacking Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto. Bluetooth pairing was necessary for personal music libraries, but browsing control was satisfactory. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad.

The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system helped locate charging stations. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. The Acadia also featured a rear-seat reminder and vibrating safety alert seat. An optional rearview camera mirror and surround-view camera system provided up to nine camera views. The Super Cruise driver-assist system was available on all trim levels, offering hands-free driving on highways and some surface roads.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were also unavailable, 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, 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 system was available for an additional cost, providing hands-free highway driving.