Honda Passport vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Honda Passport presented a bold and rugged appearance, characterized by its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions. Its design was a modern interpretation of a rugged SUV, with a long 113.6-inch wheelbase and a flat hood that replaced the previous model's sloped design. The front end featured bracket-shaped amber running lights framing the upper grille and a thin hood scoop above the Honda emblem. The Passport's wider and visually stronger stance made it resemble competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee, while still maintaining a distinct Honda identity. The profile view, with its blacked-out D-pillar and large rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also bore similarities to the pre-2024 Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. Fun features included nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel for leaning equipment. The rear showcased a blocky tailgate with a two-tone design and standard roof rails and 18-inch wheels.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, offering a single body style for 2027. Its tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty appearance. The RS model added 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 storage space in the center console. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite its econobox-like footprint, the Bolt offered a surprisingly agile driving experience.

The 2026 Honda Passport, particularly in TrailSport trims, was engineered for both on-road and off-road performance. It featured improved approach and departure angles, better ground clearance, and skid plates. The Passport came standard with 18-inch wheels, enhancing ride comfort and off-road traction. The TrailSport Elite trim offered a multi-view mode with four camera angles for trail navigation. Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system was standard, along with seven distinct drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. The Passport retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road environments, with the V6 engine providing ample power and the steering demonstrating satisfying weight at low speeds. The Passport's fuel economy was estimated at 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined in RTL trim, with a maximum driving distance of around 450 miles.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. It was powered by a motor from Chevy's Equinox EV, delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was estimated to be in the low seven-second range for 0-60 mph, offering quick real-world performance compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, and its low center of gravity contributed to agile handling on curvy roads. The EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed of 150 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Honda Passport boasted a new 12.3-inch touchscreen but retained physical buttons and knobs for controls, emphasizing simplicity. It excelled in cargo space, offering 44 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 83.8 cubic feet with seats folded, making it the most capacious in its segment. The Passport also provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom and ample storage cubbies and cup holders. TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims featured a panoramic moonroof, with the latter adding ventilated front seats. An Adventure Package included a removable rear cargo shelf that doubled as a table.

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. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 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. Up front, the Bolt featured ample storage, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. The Passport's touchscreen was easy to use, with bright colors and intuitive navigation. Additional tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. The TrailSport Elite trim added a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch 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, 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 featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. It also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2026 Honda Passport was equipped with Honda Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. It featured eight standard airbags. The previous-generation Passport had less-than-stellar crash test results, and the 2026 model's safety ratings were pending.

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