Ford Bronco vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while avoiding an overly retro design. Its boxy shape was modernized with rounded corners, and the front featured a wide rectangular grille flanked by round headlamps. The Bronco offered multiple removable top options, enhancing its open-air experience. The Sasquatch package added 17-inch aluminum wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires, a HOSS 2.0 suspension, and electronic-locking axles, boosting its off-road prowess and giving it a more aggressive appearance. With seven versions available, including the high-performance Bronco Raptor, the Bronco catered to a wide range of buyers. The Big Bend model, equipped with the Sasquatch package and finished in Velocity Blue Metallic, was particularly appealing.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling 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 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 received a more dramatic makeover with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin, dominated by hard plastic surfaces, maintained a budget feel, but the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite its econobox-like footprint, the Bolt provided ample headroom and thigh support for rear passengers.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's maximum tow rating was 1,587 kilograms, while the Raptor could tow up to 2,040 kilograms. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was optional or standard on certain trims. The Sasquatch package enhanced off-road capability with locking differentials and large tires. All Bronco models featured four-wheel drive, with advanced systems available on higher trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV provided 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 one-pedal driving available for efficient braking. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. On a full charge, the Bolt offered up to 422 kilometres of range. The standard Tesla-derived NACS charge port allowed for faster charging, with speeds up to 150 kW.

The 2025 Ford Bronco's two-door model provided ample space for two passengers, while the four-door version offered more room and easier access. The Sasquatch package's big tires and suspension increased ground clearance, requiring a step up into the cabin. Cargo space varied by model, with the two-door offering 634 litres and the four-door providing up to 2,350 litres with seats folded. The Bronco featured numerous storage cubbies, including MOLLE mounting points and sturdy handles for easier entry. Rear-seat passengers benefited from dedicated air conditioning vents and improved insulation for reduced road noise.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's driving position was more upright, offering plenty of space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats provided ample headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing discomfort for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 459 litres, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the release latches were easily accessible. Up front, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 infotainment software, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-speaker audio system was standard, with an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes. The Bronco offered five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes available on higher trims for off-road adventures.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch centre touchscreen, running a Google-based operating system. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, but Bluetooth pairing allowed for music streaming. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available for backup power.

The 2025 Ford Bronco did not come standard with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, but it was included starting with the Big Bend trim. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill start assist, and hill descent control were standard on all models. The Bronco received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests, but its headlights received a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA awarded the Bronco four out of five stars for frontal crash safety.

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, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, 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 advanced technology.