Hyundai Kona vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was offered in four distinct trim levels, each differentiated by wheel size and design, along with subtle styling modifications. These trims ranged from the SE to the Limited, with prices spanning from $27,100 to $34,135, including a $1,600 destination charge. The Kona's design was polarizing, with its bold Neoteric Yellow paint on the Limited trim making it even more so. Despite its divisive appearance, the Kona exuded quality and refinement, with features like beautifully perforated H-Tex artificial leather and a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated four adults. The vehicle's technological sophistication was underscored by its widescreen digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by traditional analog controls for ease of use. However, the use of white control labels on a metallic background posed readability issues during the day due to glare.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, presenting a more conventional gas-powered car appearance. It featured a single body style, straddling the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space, with the RS model adding gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, boasting a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite its budget feel, the Bolt provided ample storage options and a practical interior layout.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options, with the SEL Premium and Limited trims featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant upgrade from the base 2.0-liter engine, which delivered 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine was paired with a more satisfying eight-speed automatic transmission, while the base engine used a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Kona's AWD option improved ride quality with a multi-link rear suspension. Fuel economy for the turbocharged engine ranged from 26 to 28 mpg, with AWD producing the lower number. However, the Kona's ride and handling were criticized for being poorly sorted, with suspension isolation issues and brake overheating concerns during testing.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack and 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 quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range. 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 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed of 150 kW.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was a practical small SUV with generous interior room and cargo space. The Limited trim offered interior upgrades such as ambient lighting, H-Tex artificial leather, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Kona's front storage space was impressive, with a tray embedded into the dashboard and a roomy center console bin. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate provided convenience, although it could open unintentionally. The Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided a more upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered 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, enhancing luggage space. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona featured a widescreen configurable digital display, with the Limited trim offering two 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a lifetime complimentary subscription to Bluelink+ connected services. The Kona's digital key technology and Hyundai Pay system added convenience, while the infotainment system was intuitive and responsive. Additional tech features included a surround-view camera system and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

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 Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, the system offered logical menus and quick responses. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. 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 capabilities.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona boasted a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Kona also featured a rear occupant warning system and a safe exit warning system. The Kona Limited test vehicle included additional safety features such as a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The 2026 Kona received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.