Buick Encore GX vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Buick Encore GX emerged as one of the most visually appealing models from Buick in recent years. Drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept, this refreshed model showcased a completely redesigned front with sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille and angular LED headlamps flanking it. The introduction of a new Buick logo added to its modern appeal. The Avenir trim, which was the top-of-the-line, featured a unique grille and chrome trim, enhancing its sophisticated look. While the rear design remained largely unchanged from the 2023 model, the addition of new LED tail lights on the top trims added a touch of elegance. The Encore GX offered a variety of vibrant colours, including brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and the striking Copper Ice Metallic. The interior saw significant changes with the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a new 19-inch glass panel that housed the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving the cabin a premium, tech-savvy appearance.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with only slight 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 legacy of the 2023 version, maintaining its position between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The interior underwent a more dramatic makeover, with 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. Despite the abundance of hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt's cabin offered practical storage solutions and comfortable seating, with the RS trim featuring Evotex synthetic leather and red stitching for a touch of style.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its powertrain options, offering a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine in Canada, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a responsive driving experience with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of about nine seconds. While not the quickest in its class, the Encore GX held its own among competitors. However, the transmission's reluctance to downshift during highway passing was noted as a drawback. The selectable AWD system allowed drivers to engage all-wheel drive when needed, offering control and potential fuel savings.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced significant changes under the hood, featuring a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack that reduced costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. The Bolt's motor, sourced from the Chevy Equinox EV, produced 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in the low seven-second range. This acceleration was impressive compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, and the Bolt's one-pedal driving feature added to its appeal. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. With an estimated range of 422 kilometres on a full charge, the Bolt offered improved efficiency over its predecessors. The standard Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed further enhanced its practicality.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but remained competitive within its class. It had a towing capacity of 453 kilograms and featured an available hands-free liftgate for convenient loading. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded down. The interior boasted heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada, with optional features like a seven-speaker Bose audio system and a moonroof.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided a more upright driving position, offering ample space for larger occupants. While taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic extension from the steering wheel, the rear seats offered generous headroom and thigh support. 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, enhancing versatility. The Bolt's interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large bin with movable dividers, a deep centre armrest bin, and a wireless phone charger.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, housed under a single glass panel. While the design looked impressive initially, the screens left much of the surface unused, creating a somewhat awkward appearance. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The available rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view of the rear, enhancing safety.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came equipped 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, the system offered Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming. The optional Technology package added features like 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 could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. Additionally, the Bolt offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with the Driver Confidence package, which included lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, features like rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. The Encore GX included unique safety features like Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The NHTSA awarded the 2024 Encore GX a full five-star overall safety rating, while the 2023 model received high scores from the IIHS.

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, and other advanced features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs to offer such advanced technology.