Toyota 4Runner vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner showcased a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul, maintaining its rugged off-road SUV persona. The exterior featured a bulkier, industrial look with deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner retained the slanted rearmost window and sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling and a mix of hard plastics and light cushioning for durability and comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

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 design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. Inside, the cabin underwent 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 center console space. Hard plastic surfaces dominated the interior, reinforcing the Bolt's budget feel, though the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching for a touch of flair.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, offering stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll, while maintaining its off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees, departure angles from 22 to 24 degrees, and ground clearance ranging from 8.1 to 10.1 inches.

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 provided 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with 0-60 mph times in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt was agile on curvy roads due to its low center of gravity. 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 a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. While front seat space was ample, the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the battery. A sturdy roof rack supported up to 800 pounds.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might desire more steering wheel extension. Rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for center-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin under the floor for additional space. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor in its upper position. Upfront storage included a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin, along with a rubberized wireless phone charger and dashboard pockets.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models had external camera views and automatic camera activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible via a smartphone app, with a digital key function.

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 music. 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 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 for home backup power.

Crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were unavailable, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be disabled. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were also unavailable, but it was expected to perform well based on the 2023 Bolt EUV. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost.