Kia Carnival Hybrid vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid underwent a significant redesign, adopting a more rugged appearance reminiscent of the 2025 Kia Sorento. The front fascia featured a larger grille, giving it an SUV-like look, while the headlights were repositioned to accommodate this change. Daytime running lights extended from the corners of the front end onto the hood, adding a unique touch. Despite these updates, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like appearance, which some found less appealing than its predecessor. The rear end was tidied up by relocating the license plate housing, and LED taillights became standard on higher trims. In Canada, the Carnival Hybrid offered three trims: LX+, EX, and SX+, with the LX+ featuring 17-inch wheels and higher trims offering 19-inch options. The interior, largely unchanged from the 2024 model, boasted a premium feel with high-quality materials and a distinctive Bose audio system design.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look, with subtle 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 grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt returned as an 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 received 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. While the cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area offered ample headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for added comfort.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid shared its powertrain with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor. This setup delivered a total system output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the non-hybrid Carnival's V6 engine produced 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both hybrid and non-hybrid models were front-wheel drive. The Carnival Hybrid offered three levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to recharge the battery on long descents. The vehicle's steering and suspension provided a comfortable ride, even with larger wheels, and it remained impressively quiet at all speeds.

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 the Chevy 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. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, and one-pedal driving was available with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. On a full charge, the Bolt offered a range of up to 422 kilometres, with a charging speed of 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid offered eight-passenger seating with sliding and removable second-row seats. Fold-flat third-row seats were standard, and VIP Lounge Seats were available for a more luxurious experience. Power sliding doors and a power liftgate were standard features. The interior dimensions remained consistent with the non-hybrid model, providing ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. The Carnival Hybrid boasted 1,138 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 4,108 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The centre console and dashboard layout were functional, with easy-to-reach controls and a rotary shifter for hybrid models.

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 for added comfort. 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 release latches were easily accessible. 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 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX+ models included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates. USB ports were available in all three rows, and SX+ models had a power outlet in the cargo area. Notable tech options included an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and an in-cabin camera and intercom.

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. While Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, the system offered Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming. 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, with a navigation system that helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's updated safety ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. The 2024 model received mixed crash-test ratings from the IIHS and was not rated by the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SX+ trim added a 360-degree camera system and blind-spot camera system.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were also unavailable, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 driving system was available for an additional cost.