GMC Yukon vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a chrome lover's dream, with even the base SLE model featuring enough shiny elements to give it a premium appearance. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized, multi-dimensional grille resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater, yet it worked to give the vehicle a unique look and commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with the Teak/Light Shale colour combo providing a premium look through contrasting colours, unique stitching, and natural wood details.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returned with a familiar look, maintaining its tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a slight visual enhancement. Inside, the Bolt 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 its budget feel, though the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite its econobox-like footprint, the Bolt offered a surprisingly agile performance on curvy roads, thanks to its low centre of gravity from the heavy battery in the floor.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel consumption and a range of over 1,000 kilometres on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 3,810 kilograms with the 5.3-litre engine and Max Trailering Package. The independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

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 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, 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. The 2027 Bolt offered a range of up to 422 kilometres on a full charge, with a charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample first- and second-row passenger space, with a redesign increasing third-row legroom by over 25 centimetres to 886 mm. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 722 litres, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced the traditional gear shifter, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with plenty of space for larger occupants, though 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 the penalty for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt could hold up to 459 litres of cargo behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and there was ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-colour head-up display, the largest in its class, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

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. 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 quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could help drivers find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

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, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.