Jeep Cherokee vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee presented a more traditional design compared to its predecessor, the KL model. Its boxy shape was reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee from the 1980s and 1990s, although it risked blending in with other rugged-looking crossovers. The seven-slot grille, a signature Jeep feature, appeared less distinctive, resembling a knockoff rather than the original. The rear design was more successful, combining an XJ-like profile with aerodynamic elements and taillights featuring the unique “X” pattern. The Cherokee's proportions were well-suited for a compact SUV, sharing the Stellantis STLA Large platform with other models like the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S.

The Cherokee offered a consistent appearance across its trim levels, from the base to the Overland, with the latter featuring 20-inch wheels compared to the 18-inch wheels on other trims. The interior varied more significantly, with cloth upholstery in the lower trims and leatherette seats in the Limited and Overland, reflecting Jeep's environmental focus. The interior was primarily plastic, but Jeep opted for muted finishes over glossy surfaces, enhancing the style with a concave dashboard and a rotary shifter reminiscent of the Grand Wagoneer.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with minor styling changes that made the front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The grille insert was integrated into the bumper, and the model continued to straddle 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 subtle gloss black trim for a touch of flair. The interior saw more significant updates, including a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space, and additional storage pockets were added.

The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing the Bolt's budget feel, though elbow touch points had thin padding. The base LT trim featured cloth upholstery, while the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area also had hard plastics and lacked padding for the door armrests, maintaining the Bolt's focus on practicality over luxury.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee's powertrain was a departure from traditional Jeep offerings, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system. This setup delivered 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, positioning it between the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 hybrids. The standard all-wheel-drive system was basic by Jeep standards, with a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect system for improved fuel economy. Jeep's Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles enhanced its off-road capabilities, though the planned test drive was hindered by weather conditions.

The hybrid system impressed with its smooth transition between gasoline and electric power, and the Cherokee was notably quiet. However, the steering had significant play, requiring adjustments through the touchscreen to improve responsiveness. Regenerative braking was limited, with a "low mode" offering more but causing high engine RPMs on descents.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor from the Chevy Equinox EV provided 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph times similar to the previous Bolt EV. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, though it required adjustment for smooth low-speed maneuvers.

The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. 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 for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered comparable headroom and legroom to competitors like the Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage hybrids, with slightly more headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids. The dashboard and windshield design hindered forward visibility for shorter drivers, but the seats were comfortable. Upgrading to higher trims provided additional features like power seats and heated front seats. Rear-seat passengers had similar headroom to rivals, though competitors offered more legroom and cargo space. The Cherokee's 3,500-pound towing capacity was impressive, matching certain Toyota RAV4 Hybrid versions.

The dashboard maintained important analog controls, though some buttons were hard to find at a glance. The climate controls and seat heaters used touch sensors, which lacked feedback and were tricky to use while driving.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had 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 were also upright, with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt's flat floor reduced the penalty for center-seat passengers. 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.

While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin. Additional pockets and a wireless phone charger provided further storage options.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with USB-C ports for both rows on all but the base model. Wireless charging was standard on Limited and Overland models. The Uconnect 5 system was stable and upgradable via over-the-air updates, with 10 years of support guaranteed. However, the digital instrument cluster's graphics were plain, and vehicle settings were split between the touchscreen and dashboard buttons, causing some confusion. The native navigation system was laggy compared to Android Auto, and there was little difference between the audio systems in lower and higher trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running 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 was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source for homes.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist was also standard, with traffic-sign recognition on the Overland model and an optional surround-view camera system. Crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of writing.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were also unavailable, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on the 2023 Bolt EUV 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, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost.