Hyundai Kona vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh and distinctive appearance, even though it visually resembled the 2024 model. Its futuristic design was highlighted by a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving it a unique presence in the crossover class. The Kona's design, with its myriad curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a satisfactory aesthetic from most angles. The newer model was notably larger, about six inches longer, enhancing both interior space and road presence. The introduction of the N Line S trim added a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, while other trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited progressively added visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solidly constructed and airy feel, with the addition of standard 64-color ambient interior lighting on select trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returned with a familiar look, featuring slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The front end included a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt maintained its tall and narrow stance, prioritizing 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, with 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. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the cabin offered some padded touchpoints, and the RS trim featured Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered options. The gas-powered models came with two engine choices: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), and a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured significant changes under the surface, with a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack that reduced costs and required fewer rare earth minerals. The Bolt's new motor, sourced from Chevy's Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. While this acceleration was modest by EV standards, it was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with adjustable brake regeneration levels, and its firm ride provided agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt's range improved to 262 miles on a full charge, and it featured a Tesla-derived NACS charge port with increased charging speed, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, providing adequate space for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The interior featured excellent storage options, including shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation features progressed from basic air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents on higher trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided a more upright driving position, offering ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were also upright, with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. 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, enhancing luggage space. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering good graphics and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The digital instrument cluster on SEL Convenience trim and above provided customization options. Audiophiles could upgrade to N Line or Limited trim for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed over-the-air software updates.

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 some Android Auto features were integrated. 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 sharp graphics. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Limited trim included parking assistance features. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

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, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system and other safety features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost.