Mazda CX-50 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a range of models, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid, each with multiple trim levels. The top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus featured new white leather seats and a retractable cargo cover, bringing its price to $44,920. The CX-50's design was wide and squat, resembling a lifted wagon more than an SUV, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Its sporty styling, flared fenders, and appealing paint colors, including the new Cypress green, added to its visual appeal. The interior boasted a white leather option with 20-inch silver wheels, providing a sharp contrast against the black dashboard and center console. However, the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches, and the center air vent was poorly integrated. The partially digital gauges were clear, but the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained 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 EV was offered in a single body style, prioritizing utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt received a more dramatic makeover with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. The cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, but the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area had an abundance of hard plastics and lacked padding for the door armrests.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, available in turbocharged, hybrid, and naturally aspirated forms. The base 2.5 S produced 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined and could tow up to 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged version offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, towing up to 3,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was lower, averaging 22.1 mpg in mixed driving. The CX-50 Hybrid, rated at 38 mpg combined, used Toyota-sourced components and produced 219 hp, but its mid-range passing power was limited. The CX-50's steering was crisp, and the suspension provided excellent body control, though the ride was firm. The Meridian Edition was best suited for off-roading, but the CX-50 excelled in on-road driving and inclement weather.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and rare earth mineral usage. 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. While not the fastest EV, it was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs and responded immediately to pedal inputs. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and road noise was more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. It offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed of 150 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 provided easier access than a sedan but sat lower than many crossovers, affecting visibility. The front seats were firm, with power-adjustable options, heating, ventilation, and memory settings. Dual-zone climate control was standard, but the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with generous foot room and comfortable backrests. Storage space was decent, but Mazda prioritized aesthetics over practicality, with limited rear-seat storage. The power rear liftgate revealed a cargo area with 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded.

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'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. 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 Mazda CX-50 featured clear gauge displays with a 7-inch screen for data panels. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen offered sophisticated graphics and logical menus, with touchscreen functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system was operated via a control knob and buttons, requiring acclimation. Alexa built-in was available for voice assistance, but the Mazda Connect voice assistant was less reliable. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the charger was partially hidden. Lower trims had an eight-speaker audio system, while others featured a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, showing blind-spot warnings. The test vehicle included a surround-view camera system and front camera view for parking assistance.

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 Android Auto features were integrated. Bluetooth pairing was necessary for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, additional safety features, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Separate physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system helped find charging stations. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with the i-Activesense collection of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and more. Preferred models added parking sensors, while Premium models included traffic-sign recognition and speed-limit assist. Hybrid Premium Plus and Turbo models featured an adaptive front lighting system. The Turbo Premium Plus test vehicle had a surround-view camera system, active blind-spot assist, and other advanced safety features. However, false forward collision warnings and lane-departure warnings were observed during testing. The NHTSA gave the CX-50 a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+.

Crash test results for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt were not available at the time of writing, 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, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.