Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new elements like fresh sheet metal, a new chassis, and additional color options such as Sun Blaze and Sapphire Blue. The Wilderness trim offered an exclusive Geyser Blue paint job. While the wheelbase and overall length remained similar, the Crosstrek featured a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space. The base model came with 17-inch alloy wheels and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The new frameless grille and wing bar design gave the front fascia a distinctive look, while black plastic cladding with air inlets improved aerodynamics. The split taillight design from the previous generation continued, enhancing trunk access. The Wilderness trim added unique exterior elements, increased ground clearance, and a ladder-style roof rack, while the interior featured StarTex synthetic leather and copper accents.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar appearance with subtle styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, offering a single body style for 2027. Its tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space. The interior received a more significant makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, creating more storage space. While the cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area had ample headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for center-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with additional storage options available.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a smaller 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with paddle shifters available on higher trims. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim featured a shorter final-drive ratio, enhancing off-road capabilities and increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CVT provided a pleasant driving experience, with simulated shift points and reduced droning. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a new dual-pinion steering rack. Fuel economy varied by engine and trim, with the 2.0-liter engine achieving 27 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined, while the 2.5-liter engine offered 26 city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. The Wilderness trim had slightly lower fuel economy due to its off-road focus.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor 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 responsive pedal inputs. One-pedal driving was available, with adjustable brake regeneration levels. 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 and increased charging speed of 150 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seats. The trunk provided 19.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured durable, easy-to-clean materials, with a protective cargo tray standard on higher trims. Cupholders were abundant, and the center console bin accommodated two 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles. The Wilderness trim added adventure-oriented features like Nalgene cupholders in the trunk and all-weather floor mats.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position, offering ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats provided good headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for center-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, 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. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the Base trim. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available as an option. The system's icons and graphics were crisp, but glare in bright sunlight and complex menus were drawbacks. In states with Right to Repair laws, Subaru removed certain features, such as remote start via the Subaru Starlink app.

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 features like a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus 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, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had a history of high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation since 2013. The NHTSA gave the 2023 model five stars overall, and similar results were expected for the 2024 model. Subaru's EyeSight safety system was standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 model included a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering for enhanced safety.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but high scores were anticipated based on the 2023 Bolt EUV platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost, offering advanced highway driving capabilities.