Mazda CX-50 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention for some, as it could be felt through clothing and was likened to thong undergarments, albeit not unpleasantly.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The interior underwent a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its 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 the door armrests. Despite these limitations, the Bolt provided ample interior space and storage options.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, though it wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offering a smart choice given Toyota's experience in hybrid technology. The CX-50 Hybrid filled the gap between the 187hp base engine and the 256hp Turbo models. Acceleration was expected to be similar to the RAV4 Hybrid, reaching 60 mph in 7.5 to 8 seconds. The driving experience was enhanced by sportier suspension tuning, providing engaging handling and agility. However, the sportier handling resulted in a firmer ride quality, though it remained smooth and quiet on highways.

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 delivered 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph acceleration 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, 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. On a full charge, the Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in practicality and space compared to competitors. While front seats provided ample room, rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but rivals offered more options. Cargo capacity was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, less than the non-hybrid CX-50 and class averages. However, the space was usable, with a standard power liftgate, a large storage bin under the cargo floor, and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases and shopping bag hooks.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. Rear seats were also upright, offering plenty of headroom and thigh support. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, small for the class but sufficient for most users. A large bin under the floor and easy-to-reach release latches for rear seatbacks added convenience. 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 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch horizontal infotainment system mounted atop the dashboard, controlled by a dial on the center console. While touchscreen functionality was limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the dial controller offered a nostalgic touch. All models came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The base audio system had eight speakers, while the Premium trim offered a 12-speaker Bose system.

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 features like a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. IIHS results were not available, but the non-hybrid 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Secondary features included a rear passenger reminder, driver attention monitor, and safe exit alerts.

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