INFINITI QX80 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold and commanding presence typical of body-on-frame SUVs. Its design was characterized by a tall, upright stance with high shoulder lines and a simple two-box profile. The vehicle featured a distinctive front with a bold, black two-part grille inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. At the rear, a taillight light bar spanned the width, echoing the piano key design, and sat above wide Infiniti lettering. The interior was modern and luxurious, with technology softened by real leather and high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim. The Sport models offered a unique Dusk Blue interior theme with a darkened colour palette.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. It featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and an integrated grille insert in the bumper. The Bolt was tall and narrow, prioritizing utility and interior space. The interior underwent a more dramatic makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. 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 surprising agility on curvy roads, thanks to its low centre of gravity.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned from a 5.6-litre V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, boosting power to 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD in Canada. The QX80's body-on-frame platform boasted 25% more torsional rigidity and 57% more lateral stiffness than its predecessor. Despite the increased power, towing capacity remained at 3,850 kilograms. The SUV featured front and rear double-wishbone suspension, air springs, and adaptive dampers, offering a standard ground clearance of 20 cm, adjustable for various driving conditions. However, its size and mass made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt introduced 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 delivered 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with adjustable brake regeneration levels. Its ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the absence of an internal combustion engine made road noise more noticeable. 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, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a spacious SUV, measuring 5,365 mm long on a 3,075-mm wheelbase, accommodating up to seven passengers. Standard features included leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The Autograph trim offered massaging front and second-row seats. The third-row bench was larger than most, providing good room for adults or children. Cargo space was generous, with 623 litres behind the third row, 1,670 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for centre-seat passengers. 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 release latches were easily accessible. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a pair of 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, featuring Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G connection provided an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment screen was user-friendly, though the lower screen's controls were less intuitive. The QX80 excelled with features like a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, a biometric cooling system, and a surround-view camera system with nine camera views.

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 infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and quick responses. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The Bolt's navigation system could help drivers find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. It also offered vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, and a surround-view camera system. The optional ProPilot Assist 2.1 allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available, 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 and other safety features. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.