Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in previous models, maintaining its attractive appeal. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. The aerodynamic enhancements, such as the black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches with integrated air inlets and outlets, improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The Canadian model featured black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, adding a touch of luxury. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy cabin atmosphere.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The front end featured a thin slot behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The Bolt EUV body style was the only option for 2027, offering a tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle sporty touch. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the centre console. The cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, with thin padding at elbow touch points, and the RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching for a sportier feel.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop functions and battery charging, while the other assisted the engine and provided regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid's mechanical AWD system offered better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system further enhanced off-road performance, with specific settings for dirt, snow, and mud.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV provided 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, with medium or high brake regeneration settings. 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured a 527-litre cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The hybrid maintained a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for an estimated 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, complemented by deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescopic steering wheel extension. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for 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 release latches were easily accessible. Up front, storage included a large bin with dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin, along with a wireless phone charger and additional dashboard pockets.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

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, 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 was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging was also available, allowing the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2026, but the 2025 model received mixed results. Subaru addressed safety concerns by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to those from Ford, GM, or Hyundai.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing, but it was expected to perform well based on the 2023 Bolt EUV's 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, digital rear-view mirror, and more. 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.