GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a heavily modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a significantly larger vehicle. It was 27 centimetres longer and 8 centimetres taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille, reflecting GMC's full-size SUVs and pickup trucks. The single-quotation-mark LED headlights became a brand-identifying feature, while big wheel arches added to the Acadia's puffed-up look. The detailing on the wheel arches and door skins added definition to the bulk, though it was mostly visible in specific lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips were inspired by the C8 Corvette.

The 2024 Acadia was available in three trim levels: Elevation, AT4, and Denali. The Elevation trim replaced the SLE and SLT trims and came standard with 20-inch wheels in Canada, with optional 22-inch wheels available for both Elevation and Denali. The AT4 trim featured model-specific 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Denali and AT4 models had unique styling features, with the Denali grille featuring intricate detailing inspired by bridge trusswork. The AT4 models included red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. The interior was redesigned to accommodate larger screens and create a spacious feel, with a panoramic sunroof available to let more light into the cabin. The AT4's interior materials were preferred over the Denali's, which, despite its leather seats and "fractal stitch" pattern, did not feel luxurious.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returned with a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made the front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The grille insert was integrated into the bumper, and the model continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle enhancement. The interior underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring 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. The cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing the Bolt's budget feel, though the elbow touch points had thin padding. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area featured hard plastics and lacked padding for the door armrests.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6 option, the turbo-four engine was capable of hauling the Acadia to highway speeds with ease and enabled a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) with an available towing package. However, the engine note was coarse and unattractive, particularly in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment in Canada. The AT4 model featured a twin-clutch system for off-road driving, a 2.5-centimetre ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode for low-speed off-road cruise control. The Acadia AT4 was a light off-roader, suitable for dirt roads, and did not suffer from excess tire noise or compromised ride quality on pavement. Different wheel-and-tire combinations came with specific suspension tuning, with the Denali model offering a comfortable ride despite its large wheels.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. A new motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-100 km/h time similar to the previous Bolt EV, typically in the low seven-second range. While this acceleration was slower by EV standards, it was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt was agile on curvy roads due to its low centre of gravity. On a full charge, the 2027 Bolt offered up to 422 kilometres of range, an improvement over previous models. The Bolt featured a Tesla-derived North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, with adapters for CCS and J1772 connectors. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing the Bolt to recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's low dashboard and generous glass area created a spacious feel, with more headroom across all three rows than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. It also offered more first-row legroom, though the Kia and Toyota provided more second-row and third-row legroom, respectively. The redesigned Acadia offered 651 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, 1,623 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,761 litres with the second and third rows folded. These improvements gave the Acadia more cargo space than its competitors. An underfloor storage bin behind the third row and a "presence based" power liftgate added to its utility. Small-item storage was reasonable, though the headlight controls were only accessible via the touchscreen.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had 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 were also upright, with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt offered 459 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the release latches were easy to reach. While there was no frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured a standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports for each row were standard. An 8-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Bose system were available. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, with a logical setup and high-quality graphics. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, though the drive-mode icons were small.

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 some Android Auto features were built into the system. 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. The Bolt's navigation system could help find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source for a home.

The 2024 GMC Acadia received mediocre marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with an Acceptable rating for its moderate overlap front test and collision prevention system, and a Marginal score for its headlights. Standard driver assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. The optional Super Cruise driver-assist system allowed for hands-free driving on some surface roads.

Crash test results for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt 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, a digital rear-view mirror, and rear pedestrian alert. The Bolt also offered GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system for an additional cost.