Kia Seltos vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates. The exterior featured redesigned headlights and grille, with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillights, giving the vehicle a refreshed appearance without significant cost increases. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, adding a sharp aesthetic. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," though the test model retained the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made the front resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The model continued as a single body style, combining elements of a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle enhancement. Inside, the Bolt received a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the cabin offered thin padding at touchpoints, with the RS trim upgrading to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission. The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios, with minimal body roll and responsive steering on various road surfaces.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and rare earth mineral usage. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt offered an EPA-estimated 262 miles of range, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim offered a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos featured an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim had a removable cargo cover.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might desire more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt held up to 16.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional space. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the vehicle offered ample storage for personal items.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for volume and climate settings. The SX trim offered an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

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, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, with navigation assistance for charging stations and vehicle-to-load charging capability.

The 2024 Kia Seltos included standard driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim offered smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, with additional features like junction-turning function and drive-away warning.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were pending, 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, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost.