Subaru Forester Hybrid vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid showcased a redesigned look that was more cohesive than its predecessor, albeit at the cost of some distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and less body sculpting gave it a visual heft reminiscent of a fun-sized Ford Explorer. The rugged appearance, accentuated by black plastic elements, hinted at its off-road potential. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard center section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats offering ample cushioning and support, especially in the top Touring trim with ventilated seats.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, presenting a more conventional gas-powered car appearance. Its tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty look. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though elbow touch points had thin padding. The RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area featured hard plastics and lacked padding for door armrests.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder engine, combined with a parallel hybrid system that included two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced 194 horsepower, surpassing the standard Forester's 180 hp. The hybrid system featured an all-wheel drive with a traditional driveshaft, promising better traction off-road. Acceleration was adequate, though the hybrid transmission made it feel slower than it was. The ride quality was firm, with the hybrid version excelling in off-road conditions thanks to Subie's X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack and a motor from Chevy's Equinox EV, delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. It achieved 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range, offering quick acceleration compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. The ride was firm, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's agility on curvy roads was enhanced by its low center of gravity. It offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid provided an unimpeded forward view from the driver's seat, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The cockpit had an open, airy feel, with ample space for front and rear passengers. The rear seats offered plenty of legroom and headroom, complemented by a panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets. The Forester Hybrid offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience.

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 provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt offered 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and ample storage options were available up front.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system featured large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views enhanced the off-roading experience. Other tech features included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured 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 and sharp graphics. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging capabilities.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model top scores, earning it a Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features included Subaru's EyeSight suite, with frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The systems functioned smoothly, with the adaptive cruise control being particularly impressive.

Crash test results for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt were not available at the time of writing, 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 blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system and other safety features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.