Lexus RX vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Lexus RX, following its recent redesign, presented a polarizing exterior with its oversized trapezoidal grille and large air inlets, which seemed awkwardly integrated into the bodywork. This design choice was particularly jarring in lighter colors, and the hood's prominent bump added to the bulky appearance. The side profile continued this theme with bulging body panels and a floating-roof design that felt slightly out of place. However, the rear end offered a more cohesive look with a tidy design and a single light strip connecting the taillights. Inside, the RX's interior was more conventional and inviting, especially in the Luxury trim, which featured faux suede inserts and a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite some mismatched materials, the cabin was generally well-appointed with premium leather and sturdy construction.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with minimal 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's tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty appearance. The interior saw more significant updates, including a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastics, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area, though lacking padding, provided ample headroom and thigh support.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered four distinct models, starting with the RX 350, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in FWD or AWD. The RX 350h hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, routed through a CVT with standard AWD. The RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-liter inline-four with a hybrid powertrain, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The new RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid increased power output to 304 hp and offered up to 37 miles of electric-only range. While the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered, the RX 450h+ was more responsive, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The RX prioritized comfort with its soft suspension, resulting in noticeable body roll during cornering.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer 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. 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 levels of brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt was agile on curvy roads due to its low center of gravity. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated 262 miles of range, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed to 150 kW.

The 2024 Lexus RX provided ample front seat space with power adjustments, standard heating, and available ventilation. A rubberized wireless charging pad, USB ports, and novel cupholders enhanced convenience. The rear seats offered good legroom and visibility, with manual sunshades and rear climate controls. The RX had 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with folded seats. A power liftgate was standard, with hands-free operation optional.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered good headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional space. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and ample storage was available up front, including a large bin with dividers and a wireless phone charger.

The 2024 Lexus RX's infotainment system featured a touchscreen, with a 9.8-inch display in lower trims and a 14-inch display in higher trims. The system offered natural speech commands and cloud-based navigation, though connectivity issues were noted. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system provided excellent audio 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 music. 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 also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2024 Lexus RX earned five stars in overall and side collision protection from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, despite a "Poor" rating in the moderate frontal overlap test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features were available on higher trims.

Crash test results for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt were not 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, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system and other features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.