INFINITI QX80 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold and commanding presence typical of body-on-frame SUVs. Its design was characterized by a tall, upright stance with high shoulder lines and a simple two-box profile. The front featured a distinctive black, two-part grille with vertical slats inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. At the rear, a taillight light bar spanned the width, echoing the piano key design. The QX80 Sport trim added a wider mesh pattern for its frameless grille and dark matte chrome exterior trim, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the QX80 offered a luxurious and modern cabin with high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim. The technology was seamlessly integrated with four available screens, including one for rear passengers, and the Sport models featured a Dusk Blue interior theme.

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 design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The interior underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, but the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite its econobox-like footprint, the Bolt provided ample headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 marked a significant shift in performance with its transition from a 5.6-liter V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. This new powertrain delivered an impressive 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, while full-time four-wheel drive was optional on the base trims and standard on the top trims. The QX80's 4WD system lost low-range gearing, focusing on Auto and 4H modes. Despite the absence of a V8's baritone, the V6 emitted a pleasing howl and offered immediate power delivery, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The body-on-frame platform boasted 25% more torsional rigidity and 57% more lateral stiffness, maintaining a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The suspension system included front and rear double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, and air springs with adaptive dampers on higher trims. The QX80's ride quality was generally comfortable, though its size and mass made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

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

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a massive SUV, measuring 211.2 inches long on a 121-inch wheelbase, providing ample space for up to seven passengers. The interior featured synthetic leather as standard, with eight-way power-adjustable seats and front-seat heating. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs had power adjustments, and the Autograph trim included massaging seats. The third-row bench was spacious, accommodating adults or children comfortably. Power-folding third-row seats were standard, with controls accessible from the touchscreen or rear cargo area. Cargo space was generous, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 59 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row.

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 enhancing comfort 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 release latches were easily accessible from the cargo area. 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 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with advanced technology, featuring a pair of 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The infotainment system included Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 5G connection provided an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot and remote services. The QX80's infotainment screen was user-friendly, though some controls were buried under sub-menus. The vehicle boasted a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system available on higher trims. Additional features included a head-up display, dashcam, and in-car camera for selfies. The surround-view camera system offered nine camera views, including an Invisible Hood view and a Front Wide View.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured 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, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging. The vehicle-to-load charging capability allowed the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, active blind-spot monitors, rear automatic braking, and more. The optional ProPilot Assist 2.1 allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of publication.

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, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.