Nissan Rogue vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was available in five trims, with the SV trim being particularly popular due to its balance of features and price. Priced at $30,930, excluding destination charges, the SV offered amenities like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Wi-Fi hotspot, and adaptive cruise control. Our test drive focused on the Platinum trim, which was equipped with optional AWD and featured luxurious touches such as semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard in the SL and Platinum models, provided seamless Google navigation, which was especially useful during our drive in rural Tennessee. The Rogue's exterior, finished in Champagne Silver Metallic with a sporty black roof, was complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels. Additional packages like the Tech Package and Platinum Premium Package added advanced features such as ProPilot Assist 2.1 and a head-up display.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar design, with subtle styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The Bolt's tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space, with the RS model adding gloss black trim for a slight visual enhancement. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up storage space. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastics, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite the budget feel, the Bolt provided ample interior space, with a flat floor in the rear seating area and a cargo capacity of 16.2 cubic feet. The rear seats folded flat, enhancing cargo versatility.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, which provided adequate performance for everyday driving. While it lacked the punch of a four-cylinder engine, the Rogue's drivetrain, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), delivered smooth acceleration without excessive noise. The CVT, a result of Nissan's extensive experience, contributed to a refined driving experience. The Rogue's steering was light and accurate, though not particularly sporty, and the braking system offered smooth pedal feel without any grabbiness.

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, produced 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, enabling 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 harsh, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to agile handling. The 2027 Bolt boasted an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed of 150 kW.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior was well-crafted, with quilted leather seating and upmarket trim in the Platinum model. The cabin layout was user-friendly, with physical controls for HVAC and heated seats. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, and rear legroom measured 38.5 inches, competitive among compact SUVs. The Rogue offered 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with a Divide-and-Hide storage system for added versatility. Creative storage solutions, like a compartment beneath the center console, enhanced practicality.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. While taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel, the rear seats provided good headroom and thigh support. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin beneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seats folded flat, and the release latches were easily accessible. Upfront, the Bolt featured ample storage options, including a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's entry-level trims featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while upper trims boasted a 12.3-inch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Google navigation was particularly helpful during our drive, and ProPilot Assist allowed for hands-free operation on pre-mapped roads. A wireless charging pad kept phones secure and charged during spirited driving.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came standard with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen. The infotainment system, running on a Google-based operating system, required Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was intuitive, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition 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 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet tested the 2025 model. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included ProPilot Assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic-sign recognition.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform well based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system and rear-pedestrian alert. GM's Super Cruise system was available for an additional cost, offering hands-free highway driving.