Porsche Cayenne vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level, which was the focus of this review, featured high gloss black trim, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the colour of the cabin to the trim and seat belts. The interior was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space. The centre console, however, was noted for its tendency to slide with slight pressure.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look, with slight styling changes that made it resemble a conventional gas-powered car. The EUV body style was the only option for 2027, emphasizing utility and interior space over a sporty stance. The interior underwent a more significant makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was relocated to the steering column, creating more storage space in the centre console. Despite the abundance of hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt's cabin offered adequate comfort with padded elbow touch points and Evotex synthetic leather upholstery in the RS trim. The rear seating area, however, lacked padding for the door armrests.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base 3.0-litre V6 delivered 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, while the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, produced 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and agile handling. The optional carbon ceramic brakes required some adjustment but offered excellent stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, maintaining its V8 charm.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. The motor, borrowed from the Chevy Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was quick for its class, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. One-pedal driving was available, with adjustable brake regeneration levels. 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 improved charging speed and a Tesla-derived NACS charge port.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaging. Higher trims added features like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded. The Cayenne could tow up to 3,500 kilograms and handle a payload of over 635 kilograms.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and thigh support. 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. While there was no frunk, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and voice control options. A head-up display provided pertinent information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

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, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was intuitive, 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 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested. The Cayenne had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform well based on the 2023 Bolt EUV. 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, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost.