Toyota Highlander vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space with clever storage solutions for family essentials like iPads and juice boxes. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, contrasting with a sedate navy blue exterior. This trim also featured unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension, adding a touch of sportiness to its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The Bolt EUV body style returned, offering a tall and narrow stance that prioritized utility and interior space. The RS model added gloss black exterior trim for a subtle touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic surfaces that reinforced its budget feel, the Bolt provided practical storage solutions and adequate space for passengers, making it a functional choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Highlander offered a drive-mode button with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, alongside an AWD system dial for Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. While the V6 provided better pickup at cruising speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension enhanced handling, reducing body roll while maintaining comfort over bumps. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. Its motor, borrowed from the Chevy Equinox EV, produced 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low seven-second range. One-pedal driving was available, offering medium or high brake regeneration levels. The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, and its low centre of gravity contributed to agile handling. It offered an estimated range of 422 kilometres on a full charge, with improved charging speeds up to 150 kW.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, it offered 1,370 litres, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured deep cargo pockets in the front doors and various storage compartments throughout the cabin. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, creating a centre aisle to the rear seats and offering ample space for adults in the second row, though the third row was less accommodating for adults.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered a more 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 discomfort 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, enhancing luggage space. Up front, the Bolt offered ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with movable dividers and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims.

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. While Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, the system offered logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The Bolt's navigation system could locate charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. It also supported vehicle-to-load charging, allowing it to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. All trims featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, and a digital rearview mirror. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, 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, a digital rear-view mirror, and rear pedestrian alert. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.