Honda Passport vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Honda Passport presented a bold and rugged appearance, characterized by its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions. Its design was a modern interpretation of a rugged SUV, with a nearly flat hood and a blunt nose that provided an excellent approach angle. The Passport's front end was framed by bracket-shaped amber running lights and a thin hood scoop, giving it a distinctive look. The vehicle's profile, with a blacked-out D-pillar and large tinted rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also bore resemblance to models like the pre-2024 Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. Fun features such as rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel added to its appeal, while the rear showcased a blocky tailgate with a two-tone design and standard roof rails.

Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward and practical interior, available in four trim levels in Canada. The upper trims featured leather materials, while the TrailSport model boasted visually appealing cloth and vegan interiors. The Passport's design was functional, with standard 18-inch wheels and a focus on practicality rather than flashy gimmicks.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt's tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty appearance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, with 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 featured hard plastic surfaces, with thin padding at touchpoints, and the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2026 Honda Passport was engineered for both on-road and off-road performance. It featured improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for better ride comfort and off-road traction. The Passport came with Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and seven distinct drive modes, including Sport, Trail, and Tow. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Passport excelled in off-road environments, with its V6 engine providing ample power and the steering offering a satisfying weight. However, the all-terrain tires generated noticeable noise on highways. The Passport's fuel economy was estimated at 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.4 combined.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. It was equipped with a motor from Chevy's Equinox EV, delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was quick, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. One-pedal driving was available, and the Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff. The absence of an internal combustion engine made road noise more noticeable, but the stereo easily masked it. The Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. It offered a range of up to 422 kilometres on a full charge, with a charging speed of 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a straightforward interface with physical buttons and knobs. It excelled in cargo space, offering 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and 2,356 litres with the seats folded down. The Passport provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom and ample storage options, making it ideal for family road trips. A panoramic moonroof was standard, and the Touring trims added ventilated front seats for extra comfort.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 459 litres 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 vehicle offered ample storage for personal items up front.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Passport included a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system.

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. It did not support Apple CarPlay or standalone Android Auto, requiring Bluetooth pairing for music. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The Bolt's infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and sharp graphics. It also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2026 Honda Passport was equipped with Honda Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport had eight standard airbags, but crash test results were pending.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available, but it was expected to perform well 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.