Lincoln Aviator vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon than a traditional SUV, though the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, contrasting with the otherwise luxurious feel of the vehicle.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, presenting a front end more akin to a conventional gas-powered car. It straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with a tall and narrow stance prioritizing utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin, dominated by hard plastic surfaces, maintained a budget feel, though elbow touch points had thin padding. The RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area lacked padding for door armrests.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly thrilling to drive. The SUV excelled in providing a composed and calming cruising experience, with the adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlling body motions. However, the Aviator's fuel economy was disappointing, with an observed 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg rating. The SUV's ride quality was generally pleasant, though the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with larger road imperfections, generating noticeable road noise.

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 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, though it could be jumpy at low speeds. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more apparent due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's agility on curvy roads was surprising, aided by a low center of gravity from the heavy battery. The EPA estimated a range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though lacking massage functions. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with low, flat cushions and tight legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, tray for keys, and cupholders in the center console. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for 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'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, providing more luggage space. Up front, ample storage included a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings.

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 was user-friendly, with logical menus and sharp graphics. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were standard, with BlueCruise providing hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings 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, automatic emergency braking, 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 driving system was available for an additional cost.