Mitsubishi Outlander vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander was available in Canada in six trims: ES, SE, LE, SEL, GT, and GT Premium, all featuring Mitsubishi’s Super All-wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system as standard. The Outlander's front design was distinctive, with a thin upper eyebrow serving as a daytime running light and a large, square headlight below, highlighted by a chrome bezel. Despite subtle changes to the grille and diffuser for 2025, the Outlander retained its unique, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the GT Premium trim offered quilted leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, with physical controls for the HVAC system and Yamaha speaker faces inspired by traditional Japanese patterns. However, some plastic elements detracted from the overall interior quality.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV maintained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The 2027 model continued the 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, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. While the cabin was dominated by hard plastic surfaces, the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area, though lacking padding, provided ample space for passengers.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Despite its rally racing heritage, the Outlander needed more power for an enjoyable drive, with acceleration feeling laborious. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) exhibited a droning rubber-band sensation, although it was divided into eight steps for a more automatic-like feel. The Outlander's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined, which was less efficient than some competitors. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 248 horsepower, 332 pound-feet of torque, and a fuel rating of 3.6 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with 61 kilometres of all-electric range.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV introduced a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. The new motor, sourced from Chevy's 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 responsive pedal inputs and one-pedal driving available. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt offered an estimated range of 422 kilometres on a full charge, with a charging speed increase to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander included a third row of seating, though it was only suitable for small children or adults in a pinch, with just 475 millimetres of legroom. With the third row in place, cargo space was limited to less than 308 litres, but folding the seats expanded storage to 866 litres. The driver's seat featured digital HVAC displays with physical controls, and the top-line model offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. However, the cup holders were shallow, causing issues with securing drinks during turns.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers desired more telescopic steering wheel extension. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor benefiting centre-seat passengers. 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. Upfront, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a new Yamaha premium sound system, with upper trims offering a 12-speaker, 1,650-watt system. The system allowed customization with four sound modes and volume adjustments based on speed, rain noise, and HVAC sounds. The Outlander included a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a physical volume knob, and SiriusXM 360L. Upper trims offered a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect and Remote Services were available with trial periods, offering features like remote start and live traffic information.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV 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, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, with separate physical climate controls. The Bolt's navigation system helped locate charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a limited suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and front parking sensors. The Outlander received a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, with previous models achieving high scores in side and frontal crashes. The IIHS rated the Outlander's headlights as "Good," with previous models receiving "Good" ratings in crashworthiness and "Poor" in front crash prevention.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, 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, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system was available for an additional cost, offering advanced automated driving capabilities.