Honda Pilot vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Honda Pilot underwent a subtle transformation, adopting a more rugged, truck-like appearance with a larger, blockier grille and grey plastic scuff plates. This design shift aligned with industry trends, enhancing its utilitarian style with standard roof rails and a matching rear bumper scuff plate. While the exterior updates were modest, they complemented the rugged design direction introduced three years prior. Inside, the Pilot retained its familiar layout but introduced notable upgrades, including larger infotainment and digital instrument panels. The top trims featured unique diamond quilting in synthetic suede, contrast stitching, and a new trim element that varied in appearance based on lighting. These changes maintained the Pilot's reputation as a practical midsize SUV with high-quality materials and construction.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained its 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 continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with only the EUV body style returning for 2027. Its tall and narrow stance prioritized utility and interior space over sportiness. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt received a more dramatic makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, freeing up centre console space. While hard plastic surfaces dominated the cabin, the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching for a sportier feel.

The 2026 Honda Pilot retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard. The Pilot's acceleration was more than adequate, with responsive performance that didn't require flooring the pedal for highway merging or passing. The V6 engine provided a confident sound, and the brake pedal effort was appropriately soft for a family SUV. While subtle downshifts occasionally disrupted smooth stops, the revised steering for 2026 improved feedback and stability, eliminating the previous vague feel on highways. Overall, the Pilot maintained its confident handling, though it didn't aim for sportiness.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced significant changes under the surface, featuring a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack that reduced costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A new motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 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. While this acceleration might seem slow by EV standards, it was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with adjustable brake regeneration levels, though it could be jumpy at low speeds. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and road noise was more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's agility on curvy roads was surprising, thanks to its low centre of gravity. On a full charge, it offered up to 422 kilometres of range, with faster charging capabilities and a Tesla-derived North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's cabin remained largely unchanged, which was a positive aspect given its reputation for interior space and versatility. A standout feature was the removable second-row centre seat, offering flexibility between a bench and captain's chairs. This seat could be stowed under the cargo floor, and it wasn't overly heavy to move. While the centre seat was more suitable for smaller passengers, the outboard seats provided ample legroom and comfort for larger adults. Access to the third row was easy, with a button folding the second-row seatback and sliding it forward. The third row offered adequate space for smaller adults, though the seat cushions were lower to the floor. Behind the third row, the Pilot could hold up to 635 litres of cargo, with a large underfloor bin for additional storage. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 1,702 litres, and with both rows folded, it could accommodate up to 3,219 litres, depending on the trim.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered 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, providing plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The flat floor reduced the penalty for centre-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 459 litres behind the rear seats, which was small for the class but still sufficient for most users. A large bin under the floor and easy-to-reach release latches for the rear seatbacks added to its practicality. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2026 Honda Pilot featured a larger standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel for all trims. Physical shortcut buttons were replaced with customizable on-screen shortcuts, and the volume knob was relocated below the dashboard. The system ran on the latest Honda software, offering quick responses and easy usability. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though a wireless phone charger required an upgrade to the EX-L trim. The charging pad was temperamental, requiring precise phone positioning. Unique features like multiple camera angles and the CabinTalk intercom system carried over, enhancing the Pilot's tech offerings.

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, necessitating 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 featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. Separate physical climate controls reduced distraction, and the navigation system helped locate charging stations. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power, though additional equipment was required.

Crash test scores for the 2026 Honda Pilot were unavailable, but it was expected to achieve similar high ratings as the 2025 model. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The forward collision warning was sensitive but didn't trigger braking intervention, while lane departure warning was similarly sensitive.

Crash test results for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt were also unavailable, but it was expected to perform well based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and more. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.