Lexus NX vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Lexus NX maintained a fresh appearance despite being a few years into its second generation. Its design elements, such as the chunky fenders, integrated LED daytime running lights, and the spindle grille, were well-integrated, offering a balanced look that was neither as classic as the Genesis GV70 nor as awkward as the Audi Q5. The design team at Lexus refined the existing model, ensuring that features like the large grille and LED DRLs appeared intentional rather than added as an afterthought. The NX's design was a testament to Lexus's ability to maintain brand equity through its styling choices, even if the base NX 350 didn't fully meet luxury expectations.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV returned with a familiar look, with only slight styling changes. The front end resembled a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV, with a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo and an integrated grille insert. The Bolt EV, now only available in the EUV body style, prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, with the gear selector moved to the steering column for more storage space. Despite its budget feel, the Bolt offered practical interior features and ample storage options.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrain options, but the standard setup in the NX 350 F Sport 3 test car was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Despite a quoted 0-100 km/h time of 7.0 seconds, the sluggish transmission made achieving this difficult. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising on paper, with the latter boasting 304 hp and a 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time. However, the NX's indifferent chassis tuning and firm dampers compromised ride quality and driving engagement.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack and a motor from the Chevy Equinox EV, delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. Its 0-100 km/h time was similar to the previous Bolt EV, 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 required some adjustment. The ride was firm but not overly harsh, and the Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. With an estimated range of 422 kilometres, the Bolt offered improved charging capabilities, including a 150 kW charging speed.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space among compact luxury SUVs, though with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less generous. Front-seat legroom was on par with the Audi and Mercedes, but headroom was limited. The front seats felt constrained, and visibility was hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, trailing competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also below class-leading figures.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for more steering wheel extension. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor enhancing comfort 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 seats folded flat with the cargo floor, and the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers and a wireless phone charger.

The 2026 Lexus NX came standard with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while a 14-inch display was available with any package. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Higher-priced packages included a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The voice recognition system responded to natural language commands, though it had limitations. The instrument cluster presented information efficiently, though it resembled older analog displays.

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. 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, a digital rear-view mirror, and a 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.

The 2026 Lexus NX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, and traffic sign recognition. Additional features included park assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it missed the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not available.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet published, 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 an additional cost, offering hands-free highway driving.