2027 Chevrolet Bolt vs 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 combined the retro charm of a 1980s hatchback with the modern appeal of a crossover SUV, creating a unique and attractive design. Its profile was distinctly hatchback-like, yet larger than familiar models like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Toyota Corolla. Angular lines and a character line rising from the rear wheels to the front doors formed a triangular shape that defined its profile. Dark cladding around the wheels and lower body added a crossover flavour. The front featured a visor slit with rectangular headlights and a small grille in a darkened fascia, while the rear boasted an integrated spoiler and rectangular taillights. Inside, the IONIQ 5 was more utilitarian than upscale, with standard cloth upholstery and available synthetic leather in the Ultimate Package. The interior featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens and touch controls for the climate system, creating a somewhat sterile but technologically advanced environment.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with styling changes that made it resemble 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 2027 model continued the EUV body style, offering a tall and narrow stance that prioritized 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 centre console. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, but the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching for a sportier touch.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 offered a choice between a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain with 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft. The IONIQ 5 N performance model boasted a dual-motor powertrain with up to 641 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. During test drives, the dual-motor powertrain provided quiet and robust power, especially from a stop. Sport mode enhanced throttle response, achieving an estimated 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. The IONIQ 5 featured five settings of regenerative braking, ranging from freewheeling to one-pedal driving. While the steering was direct, it lacked agility, and the vehicle's weight resulted in some lean in corners.

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 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. Despite its slower acceleration compared to other EVs, the Bolt was quick in real-world scenarios. One-pedal driving was available, with medium and high levels of brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and road noise was more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. On a full charge, it offered up to 422 kilometres of range, with a Tesla-derived North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port and increased charging speed from 55 kW to 150 kW.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 featured spacious front seats with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard. The Ultimate Package added a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and a "Relaxation" seat for the driver. The rear seat offered 1,002 millimetres of legroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. Cargo space was slightly smaller than average for a compact crossover, with 745 litres behind the rear seats and 1,655 litres with the second row folded. A 24-litre front trunk provided additional storage. The steep angle of the rear hatch limited cargo usability compared to gas-powered compact crossovers.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 459 litres behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the release latches were easily accessible. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single piece of glass. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and a wireless smartphone charger. The Ultimate Package added a head-up display and a Bose eight-speaker audio system. The MyHyundai smartphone app allowed owners to precondition the car, monitor the state of charge, and use connected navigation. The infotainment screen was user-friendly, with voice commands and separate touch controls for climate functions.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch centre 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 featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Separate physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system helped find charging stations along the route. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate Package added a surround-view camera system, blind spot cameras, and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automatic lane changes. The IONIQ 5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, but no crash test ratings were available from the NHTSA.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, 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, and blind-spot monitors. 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.