Toyota Grand Highlander vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It boasted features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a large center console, making it a comfortable and well-built road-trip vehicle.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returned with a familiar look, maintaining its position between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The styling changes were minimal, with a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and an integrated grille insert. The Bolt EV was tall and narrow, prioritizing utility and interior space. The interior saw 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. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite its budget feel, the Bolt provided adequate space and comfort, with a focus on practicality and utility.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain generated 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net lb-ft of torque. Both gas and hybrid engines were available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the Hybrid Max was AWD only. The Hybrid Max boasted a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds, offering impressive acceleration. The Grand Highlander was known for its solid brakes and adequate acceleration, though its steering feel was somewhat numb. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for AWD models.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV provided 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-60 mph time 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 levels of brake regeneration. 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 recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, measuring 201.4 inches long with a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It offered a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet, with 57.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander provided ample head, leg, and shoulder room in every row, making it comfortable for adults, even in the third row.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with plenty of space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered adequate headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt provided 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, and there was ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant was available via a connected-services subscription, along with cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, and streaming audio integration was available with a subscription.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured 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 Bluetooth pairing allowed for personal music library access. 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 also offered vehicle-to-load charging, serving as a backup power source for a home.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was also standard, with four following-distance settings.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not been crash-tested 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, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.