Hyundai Tucson vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, introduced as part of the fourth generation in 2022, maintained its striking design into 2024. Its styling was characterized by sharp angles and unique features like headlights that seamlessly blended into the grille, creating a cohesive and modern appearance. Even in a typically unflattering color like white, the Tucson managed to look sharp and contemporary. Unlike some luxury brands that replicate designs across models, Hyundai ensured each vehicle had its own distinct style. The Tucson's interior was equally impressive, offering a modern and refined cabin with a user-friendly layout. However, the absence of a volume dial in favor of touch-capacitive buttons was a minor inconvenience. The Tucson's trim levels, from SE to Limited, offered a range of features, with the Limited trim providing luxurious amenities like ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with subtle styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The Bolt's design straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, offering a tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more significant makeover, featuring 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 Bolt maintained a budget-friendly feel with sturdy materials. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, adding a sporty touch to the interior.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or available all-wheel drive. While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide quick acceleration on highways, requiring significant throttle input. For those seeking more power, the Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid offered 226 and 261 horsepower, respectively. The Tucson's handling and ride quality were commendable, providing a comfortable and well-rounded driving experience, though not as sporty as some competitors.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. Its motor, borrowed from the Chevy Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was quick, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range, making it competitive with gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, offering 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 boasted an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with improved charging speed allowing for a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered impressive cargo space, with up to 74.8 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded, and 38.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. This made it one of the leaders in the compact SUV segment, second only to the Honda CR-V. The Tucson's hands-free power liftgate, available on SEL trims and above, provided convenience without the need for awkward foot movements. The Tucson comfortably accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The cabin featured deep cup holders and a center tray with a wireless charging pad for added convenience.

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, but the rear seats offered plenty of headroom and 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 deep center armrest bin, and a rubberized wireless phone charger.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson's standard infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, praised for its straightforward operation. Higher trims, like the SEL Convenience Package, XRT, and Limited, came with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel. However, these trims lost wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. The Tucson's remote start system was user-friendly, allowing drivers to start the vehicle remotely and simply drive away once inside.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came equipped 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 enough browsing control to satisfy users. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The Bolt's infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and quick responses. It also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera system, and Hyundai's Smart Park remote-parking feature. The Tucson received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ designation and the NHTSA giving it five stars in a frontal crash test.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system 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 to offer such advanced technology.