Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, a unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel center caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors were used. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered high-end features such as 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made the front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The model continued from the 2023 version, blending the characteristics of a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space. The interior saw a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, creating more storage space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt's cabin offered practical storage solutions and a budget-friendly feel. The RS trim added Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle various terrains, although its size limited its off-road capabilities. The cabin was quiet, and the air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the vehicle felt ungainly at higher speeds.

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 Chevy's Equinox EV provided 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, and it offered one-pedal driving with adjustable 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 charging speed of 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor that benefited 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, including a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Fire TV for Auto. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, though the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

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 Bluetooth pairing allowed for music streaming. 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 sharp graphics and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, 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, 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 driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such advanced technology.