Kia Telluride vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a lineup that could be somewhat perplexing with its five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The base prices ranged from $36,390 to $51,390, excluding a destination charge of $1,415. The X-Line package, available for all but the LX and S trims, added features like standard all-wheel drive, a locking center differential, and increased ground clearance, with prices ranging from $46,485 to $52,785 plus destination. The X-Pro trim package further enhanced the EX X-Line or SX Prestige X-Line with 18-inch wheels, increased towing capacity, and a 110-volt power outlet, priced at $47,385 and $53,685 respectively, plus destination. Our test vehicle, the SX Prestige X-Pro, boasted comprehensive standard equipment and off-roading capability, with a final MSRP of $56,240, including destination.

The Telluride's design was both attractive and distinctive, though the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro treatments somewhat diminished its personality. Inside, the black-over-Terracotta interior contrasted sharply with the blue exterior, featuring luxurious elements like chevron-pattern Nappa leather and an artificial suede headliner. However, the lower cabin areas revealed the cost-cutting measures that allowed Kia to offer the Telluride LX for under $40,000. The dual-screen display on the dashboard appeared advanced, though some markings were hard to discern in daylight due to metallic finishes.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returned with a familiar look, maintaining its position between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The styling changes were minimal, with a more conventional front end and a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo. The Bolt EV prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance, with the RS model adding gloss black exterior trim for a slight visual enhancement. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, with the push-button gear selector moved to the steering column for more storage space.

The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing the Bolt's budget feel, though elbow touch points had thin padding. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area lacked padding for the door armrests. Despite these budget materials, the Bolt offered a practical and spacious interior, with a flat floor and adequate headroom for adults. The cargo area provided 16.2 cubic feet of space, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the LX, S, EX, and SX trims, while other versions featured standard all-wheel drive with a center locking differential. The AWD system was optional for the S, EX, and SX models. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adjusting to driver behavior. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, delivering a respectable 20.2 mpg over nearly 1,200 miles, aligning with the EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.

The X-Pro package's 18-inch all-terrain tires provided enhanced off-pavement traction but sacrificed some on-road grip. The Telluride's compliant suspension and Continental TerrainContact tires excelled on rough surfaces, offering a comfortable ride even on challenging roads. The SUV's off-roading capabilities were impressive, with a standard ground clearance of 8.0 inches, increasing to 8.4 inches for X-Line and X-Pro versions. However, the brake pedal behavior in heavy traffic was occasionally problematic, with delayed reactions and unexpected force.

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 delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph times similar to the previous Bolt EV, in the low seven-second range. While not the fastest by EV standards, the Bolt was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response and one-pedal driving available.

The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The heavy battery in the floor contributed to a low center of gravity, enhancing agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, a 15-mile improvement over its predecessor. A Tesla-derived NACS charge port was standard, with adapters for CCS and J1772 connectors, and charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige model's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat offered a lumbar massage function, enhancing comfort on long drives. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and storage solutions, while the overhead glass roof panel added to the travel experience. The third-row seat, when folded flat, offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third-row seats down, and 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's driving position was more upright, with plenty of space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered adequate headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo area held 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, providing more luggage space. Up front, ample storage options included a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display in the SX Prestige trim. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed a live video feed of blind spots during lane changes. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the data port was USB-A. The SiriusXM satellite radio and multi-device Bluetooth connectivity offered entertainment options, with the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivering impressive sound quality.

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, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses, and the navigation system helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's Drive Wise branding encompassed a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The SX Prestige X-Pro trim added features like a Blind Spot View Monitor, evasive steering assist, and a surround-view camera. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

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