Honda CR-V Hybrid vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, part of the sixth-generation lineup, received a subtle refresh, with the introduction of the TrailSport trim being the most significant update. The TrailSport trim added distinctive orange badges, grey 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its rugged appeal. The exterior design largely carried over from the 2025 model, with minor updates to the interior, including orange contrast stitching and embroidered headrests in the TrailSport vehicles. The CR-V Hybrid was available in six trim levels in Canada, with the hybrid options including Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid. The colour palette featured eight options, with the TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green standing out among more conventional choices.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made the front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The Bolt EV returned solely in the EUV body style, offering a tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin, dominated by hard plastic surfaces, offered practical storage solutions, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep centre armrest bin. The rear seating area provided ample headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor enhancing comfort for centre-seat passengers.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power, with low-speed acceleration feeling effortless. The hybrid system offered multiple regenerative braking settings and a one-pedal driving option. The CR-V Hybrid boasted exceptional steering feel and ride comfort, with a compliant suspension. Fuel economy was impressive, with most models achieving 6.4 L/100 km in combined driving, while the TrailSport hybrid managed 6.7 L/100 km. The AWD system could send up to 50% of its torque to the rear axle, enhancing performance on steep or slippery climbs. The CR-V Hybrid was rated to tow up to 453 kg, suitable for light utility trailers.

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 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with medium or high brake regeneration settings. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. On a full charge, it offered up to 422 kilometres of range. The Bolt featured a Tesla-derived NACS charge port, with charging speeds increased to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a functional interior with 1,028 litres of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Subaru Forester and previous-generation Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expanded to 2,030 litres. The CR-V provided ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear, with comfortable seating and a range of upholstery options. Standard features included heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power tailgate. The centre console housed physical controls for climate and drive modes, along with a wireless phone charging pad and USB-C ports.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor enhancing comfort for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 459 litres, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seats folded flat with the cargo floor, providing flexibility for larger items. Up front, the Bolt offered practical storage solutions, including a large bin with movable dividers, a deep centre armrest bin, and a wireless phone charger.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, replacing the previous seven-inch unit. The TrailSport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid trims featured a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. The infotainment system supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a physical phone-projection button for easy access. Touring Hybrid models included Google built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. A Wi-Fi hotspot was standard on hybrid trims, with a range of audio systems available, from a 160-watt four-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.

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. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system offered logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, with a navigation system that helped locate charging stations. The Bolt also supported vehicle-to-load charging, serving as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid had not been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick designation and five stars for overall crashworthiness. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems was standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Front and rear parking sensors were standard on the EX-L Hybrid and Touring Hybrid trims.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on the 2023 Bolt EUV. 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 traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.