Nissan Kicks vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed with young consumers and first-time car buyers in mind, drawing inspiration from sneaker culture to create a unique design concept. The vehicle's exterior was tougher-looking than most small crossovers, without being overtly sporty, and was built on Nissan's new CMF-B platform, which was slightly larger and offered more ground clearance. The Kicks was available in nine colors, with two-tone configurations on mid and top trims, and featured small details like a debossed Kicks logo and sneaker-tread-like rocker panel trim, which added a distinctive touch. The interior boasted a variety of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident, but overall, it offered a premium feel with comfortable Zero Gravity seats and optional synthetic leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The Bolt was tall and narrow, prioritizing utility and interior space, with the RS model adding gloss black exterior trim. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, with the push-button gear selector moved to the steering column for more storage space. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, but offered adequate space and comfort for passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was small for its class, but it provided ample storage options for personal items.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous flaws by introducing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new CVT, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous generation's powertrain, which was known for being loud and harsh. The Kicks offered all-wheel drive as a new option, enhancing its SUV-like feel and making it more viable in tough winter conditions. The AWD system used torque vectoring to improve traction, and combined with a multi-link suspension and retuned steering, the Kicks delivered a steady, balanced driving experience with minimal body roll. Noise control in the cabin was improved, and the Kicks offered good fuel economy, though it was slow to accelerate at times.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. A new motor from Chevy's Equinox EV provided 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, with 0-60 mph acceleration in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, and it offered one-pedal driving with adjustable brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt was agile on curvy roads due to its low center of gravity. The Bolt's range improved to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a good view of the road from the driver's seat, though the seating position was low and required manual adjustment. The proximity lock and unlock feature on SV and SR trims allowed for hands-free access. The Kicks' redesign allocated more cabin space to passengers, with a panoramic moonroof adding light and an airy feel. The Kicks boasted best-in-class cargo space, accommodating up to 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 60 cubic feet with them folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with just the driver's side window rolled down.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though 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 the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was small for its class, but it provided ample storage options, including a large bin under the floor and easy-to-reach release latches for the rear seatbacks. The Bolt lacked a frunk but offered ample storage for personal items up front.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks featured a base infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a four-speaker stereo. The SV trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and charging, while the SR trim offered a pair of 12.3-inch screens and a Bose audio system with headrest speakers. The screens were crisp and well-integrated, and the Bose system added personality to the Kicks, elevating the driving experience.

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 the system offered enough browsing control to satisfy users. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and quick responses, and the Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks came standard with a rearview camera and the Safety Shield 360 package, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. ProPilot Assist was standard on the Kicks SV, offering advanced driver-assistance features. The Kicks also offered a 360-degree monitor system, a first for a subcompact crossover, providing a detailed view of the vehicle's surroundings.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not yet been crash-tested, 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, and more. The optional Technology package added 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.