Kia Sorento vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Kia Sorento, available in Canada, offered a range of trims including the LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro. The LX was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the other trims boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine. The Sorento introduced a new paint colour, Panthera Grey, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims featured black badges. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706, included exclusive design elements like unique bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and enhanced towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro's off-roading capabilities were not significantly superior to the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro featured an Olive Brown interior with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a 24-inch panoramic display, offering a mix of luxury and practicality.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car. The Bolt EUV body style returned, offering a tall and narrow design that prioritized utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of style. 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. The cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, but the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The Bolt's interior was practical, with ample storage options and a flat floor for rear passengers. Despite its compact size, the Bolt offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with a large bin under the floor and easy-to-fold rear seats.

The 2025 Kia Sorento LX was powered by a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering an estimated fuel economy of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, standard in other trims, delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km. The Sorento X-Pro, equipped with 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, offered a comfortable ride and impressive grip on winding roads. Its all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and a locking centre differential enhanced traction and nimbleness. The Sorento excelled in daily driving, with its size, driving dynamics, and visibility making it a pleasure to drive in various settings.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. Its motor, sourced from the Chevy Equinox EV, produced 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, 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, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, offering medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's agility on curvy roads was enhanced by its low centre of gravity. On a full charge, it 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 Sorento was appealing for families, offering roomy first and second rows, with the third row suitable for shorter trips. The X-Pro trim featured heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment, providing comfort during drives. The Sorento's second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats, sunshades, USB ports, and air conditioning vents. Cargo space was generous, with 357 litres available with the third row up, expanding to 1,090 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,139 litres. These figures compared favourably with compact crossovers, offering more power and a third-row seat.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing discomfort 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 space. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, enhancing storage options. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, with a large bin, floor tray, and centre armrest bin.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Kia Connect required a subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Sorento's infotainment system included dual-function controls, a digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. Digital Key technology allowed smartphones to function as key fobs, enhancing convenience.

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, but Bluetooth pairing allowed for music streaming. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, providing backup power for homes.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered a range of standard safety features, with advanced collision avoidance technologies available in higher trims. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro trims included a Blind-Spot View Monitor and an enhanced Highway Driving Assist system. The Sorento earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2024, though changes in testing criteria might affect future ratings.

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, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise system was available for hands-free highway driving, offering advanced safety features at an additional cost.