Audi Q7 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and stylish daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly tweaked, and the grille sported vertical inlays within its octagon frame, contributing to a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to choose different finishes for the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser, while the Black Optic package added black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. The laser-etched badging on the B-pillar was a unique touch, and the Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold. Inside, updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays, but limited interior colour choices. The piano black surfaces were prone to fingerprints, yet the stacked infotainment screens and expansive HVAC vents added to the car's aesthetic appeal.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made the front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The EUV body style was the only option, emphasizing utility and interior space over a sporty stance. 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 relocated to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the cabin offered thin padding at elbow touchpoints, and the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area, however, lacked padding for the door armrests.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices: the 45 TFSI, a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and the 55 TFSI, a 3.0-litre turbo V6 producing 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to all four wheels, with various drive modes including Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, All Road, and Off Road. The Q7's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll and firm brakes, although the transmission's downshifting was sometimes delayed. Fuel economy for the 55 TFSI was rated at 13.0 L/100 km in the city, 10.0 on the highway, and 11.7 combined, while the 45 TFSI offered slightly better figures.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. The motor, sourced from the Chevy Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, and one-pedal driving was available with medium or high brake regeneration settings. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The estimated range on a full charge was 422 kilometres, with a charging speed of up to 150 kW.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated front seats across all trims, with additional amenities like a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades in the Technik trim. The Luxury package added a massage function for the front seats and an air quality and fragrance function. The Q7's three-row seating was best suited for children in the third row, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 402 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,011 and 1,970 litres with the seats folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered 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 provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for centre-seat passengers. Cargo capacity was 459 litres behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The Bolt lacked a frunk but offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2025 Audi Q7's Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system featured a 10.1-inch centre screen and a smaller screen for HVAC controls, along with a configurable digital gauge cluster. The menu structure was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm push on its tiles. Audi's navigation system, powered by Google Maps, was a standout feature, and the Audi App Store offered downloads of third-party programs. Online navigation and traffic light information were included for a trial period.

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, but Bluetooth pairing allowed for personal music library access. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and sharp graphics, and the navigation system could help drivers find charging stations along the route.

The 2025 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring feature was less robust than competitors, and the Q7 lacked automatic lane-changing capabilities. The NHTSA awarded the Q7 five out of five stars overall, with four stars for front crash and rollover. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model but gave the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on the 2023 Bolt EUV. 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.