Toyota Grand Highlander vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a range of trims tailored to different powertrain choices. The standard non-hybrid version came in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, while the hybrid variant replaced the Platinum with the Nightshade trim. The Hybrid Max option was available in the Limited and Platinum trims, and for our test drive, we experienced the top-spec Hybrid Max Platinum. The exterior design was functional rather than flashy, with a wide, flat-bottomed grille and a boxy silhouette. While the LE and XLE trims featured 18-inch wheels, the rest of the lineup boasted 20-inch alloys. The Nightshade trim attempted a moody aesthetic with black exterior elements, but overall, Toyota prioritized practicality over style. Inside, the Grand Highlander accommodated eight passengers with a second-row bench seat in the base model, while upper trims offered second-row captain’s chairs. The Hybrid Max Platinum's interior was practical, featuring leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats with bronze accents, ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a spacious and airy cabin.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with a tall and narrow stance prioritizing utility and interior space. 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 moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, but the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite the abundance of hard plastics, the Bolt offered a practical and functional interior.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a variety of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower in the non-hybrid version. The lower-level hybrid powertrain had a 2.5-liter inline-four engine generating 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max powertrain combined the 2.4-liter turbo-four with a hybrid system to deliver 362 hp. Most models came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional in most cases and standard with the Hybrid Max powertrain. The Hybrid Max offered full-time all-wheel drive, providing stability and agility in corners. While the Grand Highlander accelerated quickly and had firm brakes, it wasn't a performance vehicle. The Sport drive mode produced minimal differences in throttle or transmission responses. The Hybrid Max tester included Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system with settings for various terrains, but it wasn't recommended for serious off-roading.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. A new motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-60 mph time in the low seven-second range. While this acceleration was modest by EV standards, it was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with medium or high levels of brake regeneration, though it could be jumpy at low speeds. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the absence of an internal combustion engine made road noise more noticeable. The Bolt was agile on curvy roads, thanks to its low center of gravity. On a full charge, the EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three-zone climate control with physical buttons and knobs across all trims. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, with upper trims featuring heated and ventilated front and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. The third row provided over five inches more legroom than the standard Highlander, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Installing a rear-facing car seat in the second row was easy, and most trims included retractable window shades. The third row was accessible thanks to the adjustable second row. The Grand Highlander featured a storage shelf in the dash, a cubby in front of the shifter, and multiple cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubes with the rear seats folded, and nearly 98 cubic feet with the second row stowed. The gas and Hybrid Max powertrains could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the standard hybrid was rated for 3,500 pounds.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered 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 also upright, providing plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt's floor was flat, reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. 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 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 Bolt's interior was practical and functional, with plenty of storage options.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen's graphics were sharp, and the system responded quickly to inputs, though some menus could be confusing. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster was available on most trims, offering customization options. The Platinum trim included a digital rearview camera mirror and a 360-degree camera system, providing a wide-angle display and a see-through bird’s-eye view. A 10-inch head-up display showed speed, road signs, and navigation. Every trim had seven USB-C ports and two 12-volt outlets, with most trims including a wireless charging pad. The Limited and Platinum trims with the non-hybrid powertrain had one 120-volt outlet, while the upper trims of the hybrid and Hybrid Max had two.

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, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging. The Bolt was capable of vehicle-to-load charging, serving as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane centering, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and Proactive Driving Assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert was standard across all trims. Traffic jam assist was available on the top gas and Hybrid Max trims, operating the gas, steering, and brakes at low speeds. The NHTSA gave the Grand Highlander a five-star safety rating, while the IIHS awarded mostly top "Good" scores, except for an "Acceptable" rating for headlights and the small overlap front crash test.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, 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, 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.