Mitsubishi Outlander vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander was available in ES, SE, and SEL trims, offering both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Its distinctive front design, featuring a thin upper eyebrow as a daytime running light and a large square headlight below, was a standout feature. Despite subtle changes to the grille and diffuser, the Outlander retained its unique, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the top SEL trim boasted quilted leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, with physical controls for the HVAC system. The Yamaha speaker faces, inspired by traditional Japanese patterns, added a touch of elegance, although some plastic elements detracted from the overall premium feel.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt EV, now offered in a single body style, prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent 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. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching for a sportier feel.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured an AWD system developed from rally racing experience, providing stability on curvy roads. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, comparable to competitors like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V. However, the Outlander's acceleration was lackluster, with the CVT transmission contributing to a droney, rubber-band feeling. The Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, but its fuel economy fell short of class leaders, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. The plug-in hybrid version offered more power, with 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and a fuel rating of 64 MPGe.

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, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with one-pedal driving available for enhanced brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to agile handling. The EPA estimated a range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a third row of seating, though it was cramped with only 18.7 inches of legroom, suitable for small children or occasional use. With the third row in place, cargo space was limited to less than 11 cubic feet, but folding it down expanded storage to 30 cubic feet. The driver's seat featured digital HVAC controls with physical buttons for fan control and seat heating. Heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available on higher trims. The cup holders accommodated large cups but struggled with smaller bottles during abrupt stops.

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. The rear seats offered 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 rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and release latches were easily accessible. Up front, ample storage options included a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a Yamaha premium sound system with eight speakers, or a 12-speaker, 1,650-watt system on upper trims. The system offered customizable sound modes and volume adjustments based on speed and ambient noise. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was standard, with physical controls for volume and camera system. Upper trims included a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect offered remote services, including starting heated seats and defrosters, with a five-year trial included.

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 music streaming. 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 helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was available for backup power, though additional equipment was required.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered basic ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 version received four out of five stars in frontal crashes and rollover tests. The IIHS rated the Outlander's headlights as "Good," with previous models receiving "Good" ratings in crashworthiness and "Poor" in front crash prevention.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on the 2023 Bolt EUV's 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, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such advanced technology.