GMC Terrain vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and enhanced taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level brought a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, complemented by a suite of packages that elevated its MSRP to $41,810. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain remained GMC's entry-level model, with materials and execution reflecting its position. The pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up console space, were not intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone. Overall, the interior did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle priced over $40,000, despite some appealing design elements.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, including a more conventional front end. The model continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with a single body style for 2027. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, creating more storage space in the center console. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area, though lacking padding for the door armrests, provided adequate space. Cargo capacity was modest, but the Bolt offered ample storage solutions for personal items.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power delivery required learning to ride the torque swell, with a delay off the line but decent performance once rolling. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the torque band, though the absence of the previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was felt. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system. Torque steer was an issue in FWD mode, but switching to AWD mitigated this. The Terrain's suspension provided a good ride on pavement, though off-road performance was limited by ground clearance. Fuel economy met expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack and a motor from the Chevy Equinox EV, delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, 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 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 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior with numerous comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Terrain also featured a foldable front passenger seat for loading long items.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had 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. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and storage solutions included a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The test vehicle featured the Infotainment Package II, with connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, though the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package added a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

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 access to personal music libraries. 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 and quick responses. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain at the time of writing.

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