Honda Odyssey vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar design that echoed its predecessors, maintaining a traditional minivan aesthetic that was functional but not particularly stylish. Its interior followed suit with a straightforward layout featuring buttons, knobs, and physical switchgear, which, while old-school, were appreciated for their ease of use. The Odyssey was available in EX-L, Sport-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with the base EX trim discontinued, resulting in a higher starting price. The Elite trim, with its Smoke Blue Pearl paint and two-tone leather seats, offered a touch of class, but the overall design remained utilitarian.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt presented a slightly updated exterior that still resembled a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The Bolt's design straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with a tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility over sportiness. The interior saw more significant changes, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, and a relocated gear selector for improved storage. Despite the hard plastic surfaces that reinforced its budget feel, the Bolt offered practical storage solutions and a comfortable cabin for its class.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It lacked AWD and hybrid options, which were available in some competitors. The Odyssey's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with real-world tests showing slightly lower figures. Despite its minivan status, the Odyssey offered a rewarding driving experience with responsive handling and a comfortable ride, though it lacked a surround-view camera system.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery and a motor delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. Its acceleration was competitive for its class, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's ride was firm but not uncomfortable, and its low center of gravity contributed to agile handling. The EPA estimated a range of 262 miles on a full charge, with improved charging speeds and compatibility with various charging standards.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey excelled in its primary role as a people and cargo carrier, accommodating up to eight passengers and offering 140.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Elite trim provided comfortable power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, though taller drivers might find the seating position cramped. The second-row Magic Slide seats offered versatility but required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the Odyssey included numerous storage solutions and family-friendly features.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might desire more steering wheel adjustment. The rear seats provided good headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor enhancing comfort for center-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with additional storage under the floor. The Bolt lacked a frunk but compensated with practical storage options throughout the cabin, including a large bin with dividers and a wireless phone charger.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey received a technology update with a new 7-inch digital driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was criticized for dated graphics and limited voice recognition capabilities. The rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, proved challenging to use without the right cables, leading to frustration.

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. While it didn't support Apple CarPlay or standalone Android Auto, it offered logical menus and sharp graphics. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera and wireless charging. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey included Honda Sensing, a suite of driving-assistance systems with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. It received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, except for a "Poor" rating in a new evaluation. The Odyssey's safety features generally operated smoothly, though some aspects, like adaptive cruise control, could be improved.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available, but it was expected to perform well based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, with the optional Technology package adding advanced features like a surround-view camera. GM's Super Cruise system was available for an additional cost, offering hands-free highway driving.