Nissan Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar appearance with only slight styling changes. Its front end resembled a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV, featuring a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and an integrated grille insert in the bumper. The model continued from where the 2023 version left off, balancing between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, previously known as an "EUV." For 2027, Chevy offered a single body style, emphasizing 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 significant makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector moved to the steering column, creating more storage space in the center console. Despite the hard plastic surfaces dominating the cabin, the Bolt maintained a budget feel with thin padding at elbow touchpoints. The base LT trim featured cloth upholstery, while the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder combined smooth and chunky design elements, with restyled front bumpers and faux vertical air intakes below the headlights. The grille lost its thick chrome outline, replaced by a thin chrome line intersecting the Nissan badge on certain trims. At the rear, vertical creases below the taillights were removed, and new wheel designs, a Baltic Teal paint color, and satin-colored badges were introduced. Inside, the Pathfinder featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 9-inch unit, with buttons relocated for improved usability. The steering wheel adopted a polygonal shape, and the center console armrest lost its previous accents. The interior, made with quality materials, offered a modern yet classic feel, with semi-aniline leather on the Platinum trim adding a touch of luxury.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. 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 in the low seven-second range. Despite seeming slow by EV standards, the Bolt 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's agility on curvy roads was attributed to its low center of gravity from the heavy battery. The EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder continued with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, or 295 hp and 270 lb-ft in the Rock Creek with premium fuel. A nine-speed automatic transmission provided lazy acceleration, with the Pathfinder's performance on par with other V6 engines in its class. Without turbocharging or hybrid options, power and efficiency lagged behind competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for most trims, with the Rock Creek slightly lower. The Rock Creek trim, tested in Tennessee, was not recommended due to its loud Toyo Open Country A/T III tires, which negatively impacted grip and fuel economy. The Pathfinder's suspension was soft, allowing more lean and mid-corner wheel motions, detracting from its steering accuracy. It excelled in straight-line comfort, but needed better ride and handling balance.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers desired more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and adequate 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, and release latches were easily accessible. Up front, storage options included a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin, along with a rubberized wireless phone charger and additional dashboard pockets.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured "Latch and Glide" second-row seats, accommodating families with young children by folding and sliding forward with an installed car seat. Generous headroom and legroom were available in the first and second rows, while the third row was tight for taller passengers. The Pathfinder seated eight or seven passengers, with captain's chairs optional on upper trims. A removable console was standard on the Rock Creek and optional on SL and Platinum trims. The base S trim had 10 cupholders, while others had 12, and USB-C ports were standard, with additional ports on higher trims. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet behind the second row, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A roof rack and power liftgate were standard on most trims, with the Platinum offering motion activation and position memory.

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, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charge rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was possible with additional equipment.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though factory navigation was not offered. The system was user-friendly, with faster response times and better organization. SiriusXM satellite radio and NissanConnect remote services with in-car 5G Wi-Fi were standard. Upper trims introduced Qi2 wireless device chargers, Invisible Hood View, and Front Wide View. The SL trim gained a digital instrument panel, while the Platinum offered a head-up display and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Other models had a basic six-speaker system.

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, digital rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder included second-row side-impact airbags, curtain airbags for all rows, and front knee airbags. The Platinum trim added a front-center side airbag. Standard driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and junction assist. Active assists for lane-keeping and blind-spot systems were standard on SV and above trims. Traffic sign recognition was included on SL and Platinum trims, with ProPilot Assist available on most trims. The Pathfinder earned five stars from NHTSA, with four stars in the frontal crash test, and "Good" ratings in IIHS tests.