GMC Yukon vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a chrome lover's dream, with even the base SLE model featuring enough shiny accents to give it a premium appearance. As one moved up the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized, multi-dimensional grille resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater, giving the vehicle a unique and commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium look.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returned with a familiar look, maintaining its tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility and interior space. The RS model added some 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 more storage space in the center console. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing the Bolt's budget feel, though the elbow touch points had thin padding. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with racy red stitching, while the rear seating area featured an abundance of hard plastics. Despite its budget materials, the Bolt offered a practical and functional interior with adequate space for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a range of up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case for better off-road control. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, with its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon's independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. A new motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph times in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. 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 low center of gravity, thanks to the heavy battery, contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of up to 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 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample first- and second-row passenger space, with a significant improvement in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon's nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and six inches of additional length, along with the independent rear suspension, contributed to the extra space. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced the traditional gear shifter, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with plenty of space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were also upright, with ample headroom and thigh support. The Bolt provided 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 in its upper position. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin. Additional storage included a rubberized wireless phone charger, dashboard pockets, and moderate door pockets.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, providing driving speed, speed limit, audio information, and safety aids. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless phone charging. The Denali trim featured a Bose 14-speaker audio system, though the sound quality was not as rich as expected. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured 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, 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, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charge rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat vibrated in potentially dangerous situations, and the rear camera mirror enhanced rearward visibility. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

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, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs to offer such an advanced system.