Volvo XC90 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Volvo XC90 retained its timeless elegance, earning a perfect score for its design in previous years. The refreshed model maintained the classic elements while introducing modern touches, such as the updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a reimagined grille with diagonal slats, creating a sophisticated and fresh appearance. The B5 AWD mild hybrid and T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid models showcased Volvo's commitment to elegance with their "Bright" exterior theme and large wheels, emphasizing the brand's resistance to fleeting trends. Inside, the XC90 offered a comfortable and understated space with updates like a more prominent infotainment screen and a reconfigured centre console, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The interior materials, including quilted Nordico, perforated Nappa leather, and a new herringbone weave textile, provided a Swedish touch, with the latter being a noteworthy addition made from recycled polyester.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car. The 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 enhancement. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Despite the budget feel reinforced by hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt provided adequate comfort with thin padding at touchpoints. The RS trim offered Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area lacked padding but provided ample space.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 mild hybrid, a four-cylinder engine with turbo- and e-supercharging, delivered up to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, producing a total output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T8 offered up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range on a full charge, with Charge mode available to boost the hybrid battery's charge level. The B6 provided a hassle-free option without the need for electric charging. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, enhancing ride comfort and stability, with an optional air suspension for an even smoother experience.

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 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 one-pedal driving available for enhanced brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's low centre of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. On a full charge, it offered up to 422 kilometres of range, with a Tesla-derived North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port and increased charging speed from 55 kilowatts to 150 kW.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's centre console layout improved practicality, with the wireless charging pad relocated to below the centre stack, keeping it out of the way and out of sunlight. This reorganization enhanced small-item storage. First- and second-row USB-C charge ports were standard, while third-row occupants had dedicated cupholders and a panoramic roof view. The XC90's three-row seating offered competitive space, with 922 mm of headroom and 810 mm of legroom in the rear, compared to 987 mm of headroom for front-seat occupants and 979 mm for the second row. The XC90 excelled in midsize three-row comparisons, offering a spacious interior.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers desired more telescopic extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and 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, enhancing luggage space. Up front, ample storage included a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep centre armrest bin, complemented by a rubberized wireless phone charger and additional dashboard pockets.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 featured a larger touchscreen infotainment system with sharper resolution and a new user interface, emphasizing a fewer-taps approach. The Android-based system with Google Built-In supported Apple CarPlay connectivity, allowing seamless integration. The Ultra package added a head-up display, while the optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system offered four distinct listening modes. The infotainment system's contextual bar and fixed menu bar improved user-friendliness, with Google Maps providing navigation directions on the driver information display.

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, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system featured logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, with separate physical climate controls. The Bolt's navigation system assisted in finding charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. Vehicle-to-load charging capability allowed the Bolt to serve as a backup power source for a home.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with the 2024 version receiving five stars from the NHTSA. The XC90 prioritized functional safety with standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information. Active collision-avoidance features included intersection auto brake and large animal detection. However, the XC90 lacked a hands-free highway-driving system, unlike some competitors.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were pending, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its 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, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such an advanced system.