Lincoln Nautilus vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its design featured a new grille reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, with LED lighting extending through the grille to illuminate the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, boasting a full-width screen as its crown jewel, complemented by high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim, enhancing the vehicle's overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car. It featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and integrated the previous grille insert into the bumper. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. Despite its budget feel, the Bolt offered practical storage solutions and a flat floor for rear passengers, enhancing its utility.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $1,500, buyers could opt for a hybrid setup, delivering 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also boasted a range of over 600 miles. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the hybrid equipped with a CVT that avoided typical droning issues. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus offered a satisfying driving experience with its adaptive suspension and various drive modes.

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, sourced 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. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with one-pedal driving available for enhanced brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The EPA estimated a range of 262 miles on a full charge, with improved charging speeds up to 150 kW.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space measured 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded down in the Premiere trim, though slightly less in higher trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor enhancing comfort for center-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The Bolt lacked a frunk but compensated with ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included Google Maps and Alexa Built-in, with gaming and web browsing available when stopped. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard, though some controls were criticized for being distracting.

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. While Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, the system offered logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system and a wireless charging pad. The Bolt's navigation system helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available for backup power.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, such as lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was available, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways with automatic lane-change assist. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings, and the 2024 model was expected to perform similarly well.

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 and other advanced features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.