Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox presented a robust SUV character with its broad fenders, squat roofline, and tall grille, complemented by high-mounted daytime running lights. Despite its car-like unibody, the Equinox successfully differentiated itself from rivals that awkwardly blend car and SUV styling cues. Available in LT, Activ, and RS trims, each model offered unique styling features, such as chrome grille mesh and wheel options ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Inside, the Equinox's cabin, though dominated by plastic surfaces, was well-assembled with thoughtful details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model featured unique microfibre and Evotex seats, while the RS trim added sporty touches like red stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made its front end 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 RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle enhancement. 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 centre console space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the cabin offered padded elbow touch points, and the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in its standard front-wheel-drive setup. In Canada, the base LT trim offered FWD, while AWD was optional on LT and standard on Activ and RS trims, with AWD models rated at 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox's eight-speed automatic transmission, though preferable to a CVT, sometimes hesitated to downshift. The suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a four-link rear, provided a comfortable ride but lacked body control, making the Equinox a great highway cruiser. The Activ trim's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, but the Off-Road drive mode was available across all AWD trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. Its motor, borrowed from the 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. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, though it required some adjustment at low speeds. 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 up to 422 kilometres of range, and its charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered competitive headroom and first-row legroom, though some rivals provided more rear-seat legroom. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned, and the Convenience Package III added features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated SUV-like perch, though forward visibility was somewhat limited. The Equinox provided ample storage space, including a wireless phone charger and a spacious centre console. Cargo capacity was 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with them folded, with a towing capacity of 680 kilograms for AWD models.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic steering wheel extension. The rear seats offered 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 provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered good value with its standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch touchscreen, housed in a stylish curved setup. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. The Equinox's screen size was larger than some competitors, providing clear icons and text without dominating the cabin. While tech enthusiasts might miss options like a head-up display, the Equinox covered the basics for the average user.

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 features like a surround-view camera system and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and other features. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with Good ratings in some tests and Acceptable ratings in others. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available, 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 features like a surround-view camera system and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such an advanced system.