Volvo XC40 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive appearance, blending Volvo's modern design language with a flat-roofed, SUV-like profile. Its clean exterior was free from unnecessary detailing, aligning with Volvo's pro-electrification ethos by hiding tailpipes on gasoline models. Standard fog lights on Plus and Ultimate models added to its appeal. Updates for 2023 included a pixelated design for the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable by its new sealed-off grille. Inside, the XC40 retained its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents, scalloped door elements, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle boasted options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian. Fit and finish were commendable, but materials reminded us of its entry-level status.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returned with a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made the front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car. A thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and an integrated grille insert into the bumper were notable updates. The 2027 model continued the legacy of the 2023 version, offering a single body style that straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt's tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty appearance. 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 moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. While hard plastic surfaces dominated the cabin, the Bolt offered sturdy materials and adequate padding at touchpoints. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area featured hard plastics and lacked padding for door armrests.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, incorporating a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. This setup assisted the gasoline engine, enhancing fuel economy and power delivery smoothness. Two versions were available: the base B4 powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, and the B5 model with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B4 and B5 models accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an EPA-rated 223-mile range. The Recharge also boasted a towing capacity of 4,409 pounds, surpassing the gasoline XC40's 3,500 pounds.

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 provided 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-60 mph time similar to the previous Bolt EV, typically in the low seven-second range. While not the fastest by EV standards, the Bolt offered quick acceleration compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, with 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 2027 Bolt achieved an EPA-estimated 262 miles of range, a 15-mile improvement over its predecessor. A Tesla-derived NACS charge port was standard, with adapters for CCS and J1772 connectors. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while marketed as an SUV, was better suited for solo commuting than carpooling. It offered reasonable space among its competitors, tying with the BMW X1 for rear-seat headroom and slightly trailing the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class in front-seat headroom. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a spacious feel. Volvo listed 20 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard on Plus and Ultimate models. The XC40 provided good interior storage, with scalloped door panels creating flexible space for bottles or handbags, and a large center console storage bin and phone tray.

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 flat floor reduced the penalty for center-seat passengers. It offered 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, small for the class but sufficient for most users. A large bin beneath the floor and easy-to-reach release latches for rear seatbacks enhanced cargo capacity. While lacking a 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. Additional pockets in the dashboard and moderate door pockets added to its storage capabilities.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on the B5 Ultimate model. The infotainment experience was similar to other Volvo models with the Android operating system, offering pleasing graphics but potentially less satisfaction for Apple users. The minimalist design meant a lack of analog controls, with most functions accessed via the touchscreen.

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, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Separate physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, serving as a backup power source for a home.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Upgrading to the Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate grade included side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it dropped to "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.

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, automatic emergency braking, 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, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost.