Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer marked a continuation of the model's aggressive styling, which had been a significant departure from its predecessors. The vehicle's design was reminiscent of the sporty Camaro, with sharp body creases and a more athletic appearance. The 2024 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, featuring thinner top accent lights and a reshaped grille, enhancing its sporty theme. Inside, the Trailblazer received a modern makeover with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the materials used in the interior were typical for non-luxury subcompact SUVs, the available fabric inserts in the door panels added a touch of warmth to the space.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The Bolt's interior underwent a more dramatic transformation, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the centre console. Despite the hard plastic surfaces that reinforced its budget feel, the Bolt offered practical storage solutions, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep centre armrest bin. The RS trim added a touch of sophistication with Evotex synthetic leather upholstery and red stitching.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrain options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. This setup resulted in slow responses and a droning engine under sustained acceleration. The Activ-trim test vehicle came with a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite the increased power, the Trailblazer's acceleration was lacklustre, with a 0-100 km/h time exceeding nine seconds. Handling was average, prioritizing comfort over spirited driving, while road and wind noise were pleasantly muted.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, on the other hand, featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack and a motor from the Chevy Equinox EV, producing 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range, making it quicker than gas-powered subcompact SUVs. The Bolt's one-pedal driving feature offered medium or high levels of brake regeneration, though it could be jumpy 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 an estimated range of 422 kilometres on a full charge, the Bolt offered improved efficiency over its predecessors. The standard Tesla-derived North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port and increased charging speed further enhanced its practicality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample space and excellent outward visibility, enhancing the sense of roominess. The front seats were firmly padded, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on most trims. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, accommodating adult passengers comfortably. With a cargo capacity of up to 716 litres behind the rear seats, the Trailblazer was competitive in its class. The available hands-free power liftgate added convenience, especially in tight parking spaces.

In comparison, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with plenty of space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered adequate headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor that minimized discomfort for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity of 459 litres was smaller than some competitors, but the large bin underneath the floor and easy-to-reach release latches for the rear seatbacks added versatility. While there was no frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across all trim levels. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an optional wireless charging pad. While the infotainment system's responses were slightly delayed, the digital instrument panel offered sharp and modern graphics. The absence of a native navigation system meant relying on smartphone connectivity for directions. The base six-speaker audio system performed well, with an optional Bose premium upgrade available for enhanced sound quality.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured 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 logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations along the route 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 Chevrolet Trailblazer received high safety ratings, with five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and "good" scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The optional Confidence package added a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking proximity sensors. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain trims, and all driver assistance features functioned smoothly during testing.

While crash test results for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt were not available at the time of writing, it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors with active steering assist. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and additional safety features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs to offer such advanced technology.