Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized appearance with its new generation, fitting seamlessly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were distinct, placing it below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB. The GLA's dimensions were on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was three inches taller and slightly shorter in length than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that contributed to its muscular look. Despite small-looking windows, the seating positions offered ample visibility. Standard LED headlights and optional adaptive LED headlights were available. Inside, the GLA 250 featured less-than-premium surfaces, though the seats were well-appointed. However, the interior didn't quite match up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. It continued from the 2023 version, balancing between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle enhancement. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. The cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though touchpoints had thin padding. The RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area had abundant hard plastics and lacked padding for door armrests.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was available in three variants, with a fourth on the way. The GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 offered an enhanced turbocharged engine with 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The GLA's AWD system could be regulated using drive modes, and the AMG models featured additional drive dynamics modes and high-performance components. The GLA 250 had a MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link rear axle, providing good ride quality but with noticeable road noise. Its 37.4-foot turning circle was less maneuverable than competitors, and steering was typical for its class.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and rare earth mineral usage. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-60 mph time 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, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt was agile on curvy roads, thanks to its low center of gravity. It offered an EPA-estimated 262 miles of range, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed from 55 kW to 150 kW.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's added height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed fantastic headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offered more legroom than before, accommodating smaller adults comfortably. The five-seat GLA came standard with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo space was 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with plenty of space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were also upright, with ample headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt offered 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and there was ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 7.0-inch display screens. The system included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, wireless charging, a WiFi hot spot, a head-up display, and navigation. The MBUX system was easy to use, with intuitive scrolling and selection functionality. Voice-activated controls responded quickly, and the GLA introduced a car-wash function for convenience.

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 a surround-view camera system, a 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. The Bolt's navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. It also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, vehicle-exit warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-drowsiness monitoring, and crosswind assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety technologies, while the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera system and parking assist. Without the Driver Assistance Package, the GLA's safety features felt lacking compared to less expensive SUVs.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, 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 a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.