Mazda CX-30 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 was offered in eight trim levels, all featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The trims ranged from the S to the Turbo Premium Plus, with prices spanning from $27,870 to $39,395, including destination charges. The S Aire Edition, priced at $33,130, showcased a premium aesthetic with blacked-out exterior trim, white artificial leather upholstery, and suede-like dashboard trim. The Aero Gray paint provided a striking contrast with the black details, enhancing the upscale feel of the vehicle. Despite its thick lower-perimeter body cladding, the CX-30's design was both protective and visually appealing.

Mazda excelled in the CX-30's control layout and displays, although the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve. Once familiar, the controls became intuitive. The interior's upscale look was complemented by practical features, though the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. The CX-30's design and features made it feel like a more expensive vehicle, offering a premium experience at a competitive price point.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car. The model continued from the 2023 version, offering a single body style that balanced between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle enhancement. The interior saw a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, increasing center console storage.

The Bolt's cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though elbow touch points had thin padding. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite the abundance of hard plastics, the Bolt provided adequate interior space and utility. The rear seating area offered headroom and thigh support, while the flat floor reduced discomfort for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's design prioritized practicality and interior space over a sporty stance.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, with higher trims offering a turbocharger. The standard engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. The CX-30's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined for the standard engine and 25 mpg for the turbo. In testing, the naturally aspirated engine averaged 28.5 mpg on a mixed driving loop.

The CX-30's standard drivetrain was lively, offering a satisfying driving experience compared to competitors. The vehicle's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and brake-based limited-slip differential enhanced stability and traction. The CX-30 was engaging to drive, with precise steering, responsive brakes, and commendable grip. Its off-road capability was modest but sufficient for light adventures, thanks to its AWD system and Off-Road Traction Assist feature.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. The new motor, sourced from Chevy's Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was comparable to the previous model, reaching 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's one-pedal driving feature offered medium or high levels of brake regeneration, though it required acclimation for smooth low-speed maneuvers.

The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle's low center of gravity, courtesy of the heavy battery, contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt's EPA-estimated range improved to 262 miles on a full charge. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes. The Bolt's Tesla-derived NACS charge port and vehicle-to-load charging capability added to its practicality.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 had some limitations in practicality and utility. Its high ground clearance was offset by small door openings, making entry and exit challenging. The back seat was tight for adults, and the cargo area was small for the segment. The front seats were comfortable but snug, with only the driver's seat offering height adjustment. The air conditioning system struggled in hot weather, taking a long time to cool the interior.

Storage space in the CX-30 was reasonably good, with a roomy bin under the center armrest, sizable cupholders, and practical door panel pockets. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, this was one of the smaller measurements in the segment. The test vehicle included a spare tire under the cargo floor, adding to its practicality.

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 discomfort 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 Bolt's interior featured ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin. The vehicle lacked a frunk but compensated with practical storage solutions. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, enhancing its utility. The Bolt's design prioritized practicality and interior space, making it suitable for everyday use.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system, Mazda Connect, offered two screen sizes and varying functionality. The base S trim included an 8.8-inch display, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic voice recognition. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access features and Wi-Fi connectivity. Higher trims added wireless smartphone integration, a larger 10.25-inch screen, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.

Mazda's approach to features was tiered, with touchscreen operation limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect system was accessed via a center console knob, which required acclimation. The voice recognition technology was subpar, often misunderstanding commands. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered a more user-friendly experience.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured 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 Bolt's infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system assisted with charging station locations. The Bolt's vehicle-to-load charging capability allowed it to serve as a backup power source, though additional equipment was required.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 boasted impressive standard and available safety features, along with favorable crash-test ratings. Standard driver assistance systems included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Mazda’s Cruising and Traffic Support technology.

The CX-30's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems generally operated well, though occasional quirks were noted. The vehicle's driver assistance display effectively reduced distraction. The CX-30 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety performance.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but expectations were high 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, digital rear-view mirror, and more.

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 with such advanced technology. The Bolt's safety features operated smoothly, with no notable false alarms or glitches during testing.