2027 Chevrolet Bolt vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX presented a diverse array of packages tailored to its powertrain options. The TX 350 was equipped with the Luxury package as standard, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. Meanwhile, the 500h hybrid began with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the possibility of upgrading to the F Sport 3 package. Higher-tier packages offered towing capabilities, and while the most affordable options featured 20-inch wheels, the majority boasted 22-inch wheels that filled the wheel wells impressively. The vehicle's design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older "spindle grille" shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear showcased LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler, and optional roof rails for additional storage.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour choices: standard grey, light grey Birch, and dark brown Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, and suede trim adorned the glovebox area. However, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics prevalent. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a novel feature but seemed unnecessary. The interior could have benefited from more attention to detail, especially in terms of material quality.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar appearance, with subtle styling changes that made the front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. A thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and an integrated grille insert in the bumper were notable updates. The 2027 model continued the legacy of the 2023 version, straddling the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with only the EUV body style returning. Its tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance, with the RS model adding gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair.

Inside, the Bolt underwent a more significant transformation while retaining its basic structure. A larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen were prominent features, with the push-button gear selector relocated to the steering column for increased centre console storage. The cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though elbow touchpoints had thin padding. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area lacked padding for door armrests.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 horsepower. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, whereas the hybrid came with a six-speed automatic, offering an alternative to the typical CVT found in electrified powertrains. The TX 350 boasted electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque to each axle as needed. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity for a more immediate response. The 500h also featured adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced 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, achieving a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. While this acceleration was modest by EV standards, it was quick 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 absence of an internal combustion engine made road noise more noticeable. The Bolt's low centre of gravity, thanks to the heavy battery, contributed to its agility on curvy roads. On a full charge, it offered up to 422 kilometres of range, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The test car featured captain's chairs in the second row with a removable centre console, though some packages included a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port. A one-touch button facilitated easy entry into the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, while the heating function remained active through key cycles. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. Properly equipped, it could tow up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were also upright, with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The flat floor reduced the penalty for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt offered 459 litres 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, ample storage was available for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was user-friendly and responsive, though some features lacked polish. The inability to manually input satellite radio stations was a notable omission. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity was essential for accessing in-dash navigation and other subscription-based features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird's-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered, with a 120-volt/1500-watt outlet available in the second row.

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 was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Separate physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system could locate charging stations along the route. The Bolt was capable of vehicle-to-load charging, serving as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane centring, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed in stop-and-go traffic. The TX 350 and TX 500h received five-star crash safety ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS rated it "Acceptable" for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and "Good" for the passenger's side.

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, 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, a digital rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.