Acura RDX vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger MDX, offered a blend of style and performance with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. Available in base, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite A-Spec trims, the RDX's pricing ranged from $57,526 to $66,356, including destination charges. The Platinum Elite A-Spec model, priced at $64,756, featured a refreshed design with a frameless grille, new wheel designs, and additional paint options like Solar Silver and Urban Grey Pearl. The A-Spec treatment added a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser, while the interior boasted full leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and premium materials. However, the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable, and the red-marked gauges on the A-Spec trims were harder to read.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained its familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The Bolt EUV body style returned, offering a tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility and interior space. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt's cabin provided adequate comfort with padded touchpoints and Evotex synthetic leather in the RS trim. The rear seating area, though dominated by hard plastics, offered ample headroom and thigh support. Cargo capacity was 459 litres, with a large bin under the floor for additional storage.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, provided a dynamic driving experience. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel when needed. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featuring an adaptive-damping suspension. Despite its lively performance, the RDX's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 10.3 L/100 km for A-Spec trims. The RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with responsive steering and brakes, though it lacked the thrill of a true performance model.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. Its motor, sourced from the Chevy Equinox EV, produced 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with one-pedal driving available for enhanced brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. With a full charge, the Bolt offered a range of up to 422 kilometres, and its charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Acura RDX's Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. While the front seats were comfortable, rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. The RDX offered generous storage space, with 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with the seats folded flat. Three underfloor storage compartments added to its practicality. However, the TTI infotainment system's control touchpad compromised the front centre console design.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided 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 offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 459 litres, with a large bin under the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, enhancing its practicality. Up front, ample storage options included a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display atop the dashboard, controlled via the TTI touchpad on the centre console. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, the touchpad's sensitivity on bumpy roads was a drawback. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers. Separate climate controls and a stereo volume knob reduced reliance on the TTI.

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. While Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, Bluetooth pairing allowed access to 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. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, though it required additional equipment.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating 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, automatic emergency braking, 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 driving system was available for an additional cost.