Subaru Forester vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Subaru Forester continued to build on its reputation for utility and safety with the introduction of a redesigned Wilderness model. This model featured a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, exclusive wheel designs, and distinctive anodized copper accents, making it easily recognizable. The Wilderness model's rugged appearance was polarizing, but it seemed to suit the Forester better than other Subaru models. Inside, the Forester Wilderness was designed for adventure, with water-resistant artificial leather seats and all-weather floor mats to handle mud and grime. Copper accents and Wilderness emblems added to the unique interior style. The 2026 Forester lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $31,445 to $43,045, and was manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained its familiar look, with only slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space, while the RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt received a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. Despite the budget feel of the hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt offered adequate comfort with cloth upholstery in the base LT trim and Evotex synthetic leather in the RS trim. The rear seating area, though lacking padding, provided ample headroom and thigh support.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the turbocharged option available in the Outback Wilderness, the Forester's lighter weight and continuously variable transmission (CVT) helped maintain responsiveness. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, though most drivers likely wouldn't use them. The Wilderness model's shorter final-drive ratio improved low-speed responsiveness off-road, and its towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds. The Active Torque Split all-wheel-drive system, with X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings, enhanced the Forester's off-road capabilities. The Wilderness model also boasted increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and underbody protection. Despite its off-road prowess, the Forester Wilderness delivered a comfortable and quiet ride on pavement, though its fuel efficiency was modest at an estimated 26 mpg combined.

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, borrowed 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, and it offered one-pedal driving with adjustable brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt's range improved to 262 miles on a full charge, and it featured a Tesla-derived NACS charge port with faster charging speeds, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a classic two-box design that maximized passenger and cargo space. Its tall windows provided excellent visibility, and the interior offered comfortable heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver. However, the Forester Wilderness lacked some comfort features like a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The panoramic sunroof, while standard, lacked tint, leading to potential solar heating issues. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and improved safety features. The Forester Wilderness offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a full-size spare tire added practicality.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided 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 offered plenty of headroom and thigh support. The Bolt's 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, enhancing versatility. Up front, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a deep center armrest bin, and a rubberized wireless phone charger.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Subaru Multimedia Plus software. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the infotainment system's busy interface and lack of a conversational digital voice assistant were drawbacks. The Wilderness model featured a 180-degree forward view camera system, though its distorted view made it challenging to trust when off-roading.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came equipped with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. While Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, the system offered logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The Bolt's navigation system could help drivers find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. Additionally, the Bolt offered vehicle-to-load charging capability for backup power.

The 2026 Subaru Forester featured Subaru's EyeSight package of camera-based advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester Wilderness also had active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection was available, and Subaru improved rear seatbelt safety. The 2025 Forester received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, and Subaru aimed to improve its IIHS rating.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well 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, 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.