Kia Telluride vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Kia Telluride was available in Canada in five trim levels, ranging from the EX to the X-Pro, with base prices between $53,840 and $66,540, including destination charges. The X-Line trim offered increased ground clearance and a self-levelling rear suspension, while the X-Pro trim featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a towing capacity of 2,500 kilograms. The Telluride's design was distinctive and upscale, though the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro trims somewhat muted its personality. Inside, the Telluride boasted a luxurious look with simulated wood trim and Nappa leather, though lower cabin plastics revealed cost-cutting measures. The dual-screen display was advanced, yet some markings were hard to discern in daylight.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car. It was offered only in the EUV body style, prioritizing utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle enhancement. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, reinforcing its budget feel, though touchpoints had thin padding. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area was dominated by hard plastics, lacking padding for door armrests.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adjusting to driver behaviour. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, providing ample acceleration. It achieved a fuel economy of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres over nearly 2,000 kilometres, aligning with the Natural Resources Canada rating. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres, with the X-Line and X-Pro versions offering 21.3 cm.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. Its motor, sourced 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, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, though it could be jumpy at low speeds. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's range was estimated at 422 kilometres on a full charge, with a charging speed of 150 kW.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. It featured narrow trays on door armrests, USB-C charging ports in front seatbacks, and smartphone storage sleeves for second-row passengers. The second row offered reclining captain's chairs, a rear climate control zone, and ample legroom. The third-row seat, when folded flat, provided 601 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,304 litres with the third-row seats down and 2,455 litres with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had 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, with plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt offered 459 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and there was ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims. The head-up display alerted drivers to vehicles in blind spots, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed a live video feed. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the data port was USB-A. The SiriusXM satellite radio and Harman Kardon audio system provided entertainment options.

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 lacked Apple CarPlay and 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 infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came standard with forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assistance, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane centring assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured Highway Driving Assist for semi-autonomous highway driving. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available, but it was expected to achieve high scores. 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, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise was available for hands-free highway driving.