Toyota Corolla Cross vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design approach, pulling back from Toyota's recent daring styles. Its snub nose was reminiscent of the Toyota Tundra, and it featured the obligatory tall ride height and plastic fender flares typical of wannabe SUVs. However, the overall look was understated, seemingly to avoid overshadowing its larger sibling, the RAV4. The Corolla Cross was 5.3 inches shorter than the RAV4, making it a true compact SUV, yet larger than the Toyota C-HR. Its conventional shape offered more interior space than the C-HR, which prioritized style over substance. Subtle styling details included scalloping around the rear door handles and mirrors, and hidden Corolla Cross logos throughout the vehicle. Wheel options varied from 17-inch steel on the base model to 18-inch alloy on the top XLE trim, which also featured LED daytime running lights and fog lights. Inside, the Corolla Cross mirrored the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. Material quality was perceived as below that of the Corolla sedan and hatch, with the base L model feeling basic, akin to a taxi. The XLE trim offered SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with a moonroof available as an option.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, presenting a front end more akin to a conventional gas-powered car. The 2027 model continued the design language of the 2023 version, balancing between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt EV had an econobox-like footprint, prioritizing utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up center console space. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though elbow touch points had thin padding. The base LT trim came with cloth upholstery, while the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area also featured hard plastics, lacking padding for door armrests.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an actual first gear for more responsive acceleration. While acceleration from stop lights was impressive, the transition to normal CVT operation was abrupt. At higher speeds, the powertrain exhibited typical CVT issues, such as engine droning and rubber-banding. The engine worked hard to maintain highway pace, but the interior remained quiet, and ride quality was solid. The optional AWD system, similar to that in the Toyota Camry, could send 10% to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Despite its SUV-like ground clearance of 8.2 inches (8.1 inches for XLE models), the Corolla Cross wasn't designed for off-roading, and its 1,500-pound towing capacity was modest.

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 Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 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, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt was agile on curvy roads, thanks to its low center of gravity. On a full charge, the 2027 Bolt offered up to 262 miles of range, a 15-mile improvement over its predecessor. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with an extra 2.1 inches of rear legroom and 1.4 inches of rear headroom. Rear climate-control vents were standard, and XLE models featured dual-zone automatic climate control. Cargo space was 26.5 cubic feet with FWD (25.2 cubic feet with AWD) and expanded to 66.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its spaciousness, the interior wasn't particularly comfortable, with hard and unsupportive seats. The tall, upright driving position felt SUV-like, but not ideal for long trips. Storage spaces were minimal.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were upright with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt offered 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor in its upper position. While there was no frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the base L model, with an 8-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models. The XLE also had a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was optional for LE and XLE models. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not fancy, with plain graphics and slow boot-up times. Two front USB-A ports were standard, with a third port for rear-seat passengers on the LE trim. Wireless charging was available but might not fit larger phones. Only the LE and XLE models had pushbutton start.

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 a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could help find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. The 2027 Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source for a home.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the XLE included rear automatic braking and front and rear park assist with automatic braking.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to achieve high scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors with active steering assist, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, rear-pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.