Subaru Outback vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Subaru Outback underwent a transformation, adopting a more SUV-like appearance while only slightly increasing in size. Its blockier, upright design replaced the previous model's tapered style, giving it a more commanding presence. The rectangular grille, horizontal accent lights, and boxy headlights contributed to this visual shift. The rugged look was further enhanced by faceted plastic trim around the body and wheel arches, creating an illusion of a taller ride height. Inside, the Outback featured a flatter dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a repositioned infotainment touchscreen. The reintroduction of physical climate controls improved usability, and the interior materials were of commendable quality, with higher trims offering smoother materials and appealing color palettes.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt's tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over sportiness. Inside, the Bolt received a more dramatic makeover, with 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. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, but the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching for a sportier feel.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter boxer engine with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT and AWD. The base engine surprised with its performance, providing adequate power for the 3,741-pound Outback. The turbocharged engine offered a more potent option for those seeking extra power. The Outback felt composed and confident on various terrains, with a comfortable ride and minimal road noise. Its off-road capability was enhanced by 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the X-Mode feature, making it suitable for moderate terrain. The forthcoming Wilderness model promised even greater off-road prowess with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

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 Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was quick, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range. One-pedal driving was available, offering medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The EPA estimated a range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior space improved, with a total interior volume of 146.9 cubic feet, qualifying it as a midsize SUV. The rear seats accommodated taller adults comfortably, with ample legroom and larger windows enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The cargo capacity increased to 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The multifunction cargo cover and robust roof rack added versatility for storage and adventure gear. Subaru's attention to customer needs was evident in the thoughtful interior improvements, such as cupholders with "dog bone" cutouts and door pockets lined with soft materials.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and 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, enhancing luggage space. While there was no frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a deep center armrest bin, and additional pockets in the dashboard.

The 2026 Subaru Outback featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, both offering customization options. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and sharp graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operated wirelessly, and a wireless charging pad was available. The climate controls were separate from the infotainment screen, allowing for easy adjustments. The Outback's tech features prioritized ease of use over flashy innovations, enhancing the overall driving experience.

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, but some Android Auto features were integrated into the system. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was intuitive, with sharp graphics and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging capability allowed the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's crash test results were not yet available, but Subaru's commitment to safety suggested top marks from NHTSA and IIHS. The Outback came with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Touring trim added premium features like a surround-view camera system and hands-free automated highway driving assist. The safety systems operated smoothly during testing, with no issues reported.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were also pending, but expectations were high based on the 2023 Bolt EUV's performance. 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, 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, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such an advanced feature.