Genesis GV80 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options and five trims, with the top Prestige trim featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine. The redesign enhanced its already handsome appearance, with a more aggressive front fascia, deeper grille, and subtle rear changes. The interior was equally stunning, with quilted Nappa leather seats and unique accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The center console featured three tactile dials, including a gear selector and drive mode selector, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. It offered a single body style, straddling the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather. Despite its econobox-like footprint, the Bolt prioritized utility and interior space, offering a surprisingly agile ride.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 maintained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The top trim featured a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims came with all-wheel drive, with modes for snow and eco driving. The larger engine provided satisfying acceleration, though the SUV was best suited for cruising rather than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and linear, ensuring confident stops even on rough roads.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. Its motor delivered 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph times in the low seven-second range. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with adjustable brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the low center of gravity provided agility on curvy roads. The Bolt's range improved to 262 miles, with faster charging capabilities and a Tesla-derived NACS charge port.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and the new Mood Curator. The top trim included heated armrests, three-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. However, the seats were uncomfortably rigid, making long trips less enjoyable. Most trims seated five passengers, with a power-adjustable second row offering ample legroom. Cargo space was similar to the 2024 model's 35 cubic feet, and the GV80 could tow 6,000 pounds.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the release latches were easily accessible. Upfront, there was ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. The infotainment system had clean graphics but was hindered by complex menus. Standard technology included wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and four USB-C ports. The top trim offered a 12-inch head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. The 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system provided adjustable surround sound.

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, requiring Bluetooth pairing for 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 for backup power.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 included advanced driver’s aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist system featured an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 version received high marks. The IIHS gave the 2024 model top scores in crashworthiness and average scores in crash avoidance.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were pending, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on the 2023 Bolt EUV. 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, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such an advanced system.