Lincoln Aviator vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator was a luxurious take on the Ford Explorer, offering a premium feel with its rear-wheel-drive unibody platform. Its exterior design was elegant, featuring a long dash-to-axle ratio, a slightly raked profile, and large 20–22-inch wheels. The reverse-horseshoe grille, adorned with chrome jewelry in the shape of the Lincoln logo, was flanked by LED headlights. The Aviator badge added a touch of class, while the full-width LED taillight and roof spoiler completed the sophisticated look. Inside, the Aviator's interior was its main attraction, especially in the Black Label trim. The base Premiere trim offered synthetic leather upholstery, while the Reserve trim upgraded to leather in various colors. The Black Label trim featured curated designs with upgraded leather and unique themes like Flight, Moonbeam, and Invitation, each offering a distinct appeal with high-quality materials and finishes.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight 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 straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, offering a single body style for 2027. Its tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty appearance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt's cabin underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, adding a sporty touch.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator focused on passenger comfort, offering a smooth and powerful ride with its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 383 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The power was delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all four wheels, with AWD standard on the Black Label trim. The Aviator could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds, providing ample power for passing. Its suspension system, featuring adaptive dampers, ensured a smooth ride, though it leaned towards a mushy feel with considerable body lean through corners. The optional Air Glide suspension added control and versatility, allowing for adjustments in ride height. The Aviator also came with a Class III trailer tow package, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. Its motor, borrowed from the Chevy 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. While not the fastest by EV standards, the Bolt offered quick acceleration compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, with adjustable brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offered a range of comfort features, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control in the base Premiere trim. The Reserve trim added a power tilt/telescoping steering column and quad-zone climate control. The Black Label trim provided a 30-way power-adjustable driver's seat with massagers and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Aviator could seat up to seven, with most versions featuring second-row captain's chairs. The third row was less comfortable for adults, suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 16.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered 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 provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt offered 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, providing more luggage space. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with a 5.8-inch second-row touchscreen. The Lincoln Digital Experience provided access to apps like Google Assistant and the Google Play store. Standard tech features included a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, digital key functionality, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Reserve trim added a head-up display and a Revel 14-speaker audio system, while the Black Label trim offered a high-end Revel 28-speaker audio system.

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 some features were integrated into the infotainment system. 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. The Bolt's navigation system could help drivers find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 system. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Aviator earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, though it lacked a rating for its headlights.

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