Lincoln Navigator vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator presented a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to embrace a subtler elegance. While it retained some sparkle, the addition of the Jet Appearance or Black Label Special Edition package introduced blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo and light bars to stand out. The overall design was simpler and cleaner, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator shifted to a minimalist cabin design, enhancing the perception of quality despite some ergonomic challenges. The 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles added a touch of sophistication, though some interior elements like the tweeter speaker housings and door defogger vents appeared less refined.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The Bolt's tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space, with the RS model adding subtle gloss black exterior trim. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Despite the dominance of hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt offered adequate comfort with padded touchpoints and sturdy materials. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it boasted a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system and 8.9 inches of ground clearance made it versatile for various terrains. During a test drive near San Diego, the Navigator achieved an impressive fuel economy of 20.3 mpg, surpassing its EPA rating of 17 mpg. Despite its hefty weight, the Navigator accelerated swiftly, with driving modes like Excite enhancing responsiveness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The steering wheel's size and shape were less than ideal for such a large SUV, but the Navigator excelled on smooth highways, offering a quiet and composed ride with the aid of BlueCruise.

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, produced 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Bolt from 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. While not the fastest by EV standards, the Bolt's acceleration was impressive compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, with adjustable brake regeneration levels. The Bolt's firm ride allowed drivers to feel road imperfections, but it remained agile on curvy roads due to its low center of gravity. With an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles, the Bolt improved upon its predecessor. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, enabling a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in providing ample interior room and cargo capacity, though taller passengers might find the rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats offered up to 24-way power adjustment, with the Black Label trim adding massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system enhanced comfort through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. Second-row captain's chairs were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, but knee room was limited due to thick front seats. The third-row seat offered good leg support but was also affected by hard plastic seatback panels. The Navigator L variant provided expanded cargo volumes, with a new Split Gate tailgate design for easier access. However, the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered more cargo space.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. While taller drivers might desire more telescoping extension from the steering wheel, the rear seats provided sufficient headroom and thigh support. The Bolt's flat floor minimized discomfort for center-seat passengers. With 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Bolt offered adequate capacity for most users. A large bin beneath the floor and easy-to-reach release latches for the rear seatbacks enhanced practicality. Although lacking a frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system, featuring a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch center touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, the reduction of physical controls posed challenges, as adjustments for air vents and seat settings required navigating the touchscreen. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and various trailering-related technologies. However, the Navigator lacked a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and night vision technology.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came equipped 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, Bluetooth pairing allowed access to personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system assisted in finding charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging capability allowed the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered an extensive array of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Unique features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist enhanced safety. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with driver-signaled automatic lane changes and in-lane repositioning. However, crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt shared its platform with the 2023 Bolt EUV, suggesting similarly high crash test scores. 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, digital rear-view mirror, and additional safety features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs to offer such advanced technology.