Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized look with its new generation, fitting neatly as the smallest SUV in the Mercedes lineup. Its proportions and styling were distinct, with a taller and slightly shorter body than its predecessor, giving it a beefier appearance. The GLA's exterior was marked by short overhangs, cladding, and a wider track, contributing to its muscular look. Despite the small appearance of the windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. Inside, the GLA 250 featured less-than-premium surfaces, with the seats being the most well-appointed aspect. However, the interior did not quite match the luxury expected from a Mercedes, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors at a similar price point.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The Bolt EUV body style was the only option for 2027, emphasizing utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The RS model added some gloss black trim for a bit of flair. Inside, the Bolt 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 offered synthetic leather with red stitching. Despite the hard plastics, the Bolt provided adequate comfort and utility for its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants: the GLA 250 4MATIC, AMG GLA 35, and AMG GLA 45. The GLA 250 4MATIC was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds. The AMG GLA 35 increased power to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 further boosted power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds. The GLA's AWD system offered various drive modes, and the AMG models included additional performance features. However, the GLA 250 experienced turbo lag and road noise, affecting its overall driving experience.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and rare earth mineral usage. Its motor, sourced from the Chevy Equinox EV, produced 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, with 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 one-pedal driving available. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt was agile on curvy roads due to its low centre of gravity. The 2027 Bolt offered an estimated range of 422 kilometres on a full charge, with improved charging speed and compatibility with various charging standards.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's added height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed excellent headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offered more legroom than before, accommodating smaller adults comfortably. The GLA featured a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable front seats. Cargo capacity was 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with the seats folded, offering ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic steering wheel extension. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for centre-seat passengers. 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 the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with dividers and a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, wireless charging, and navigation. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and voice-activated commands. The GLA also introduced a car-wash function, simplifying the process with a single command.

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 personal music library access. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging for backup power.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver-drowsiness monitoring. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the GLA's safety features felt lacking compared to less expensive SUVs, which offered more comprehensive safety packages.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, but it was expected to perform well 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, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such advanced technology.