2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid vs 2027 Chevrolet Bolt

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid presented a unique design that stood out within Kia's lineup, blending elements from other models into a distinct crossover form. It was available in two trims, S and EX, with minor differences between them. The exterior featured LED headlights, body-color mirrors, and Satin Chrome accents, while the EX trim added fog lamps and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Sorento Hybrid offered a mix of hard and soft-touch surfaces, leatherette seat trim, and a well-executed interior design typical of Kia. The dashboard was divided by dark silver plastic trim, which could be distracting in sunlight.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. It was a single body style, tall and narrow, prioritizing utility and interior space. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover with a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured hard plastic surfaces, with the RS trim offering Evotex synthetic leather. Despite its budget feel, the Bolt provided adequate space and comfort, with a flat floor and ample headroom in the rear seats.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid focused on fuel efficiency with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and electric motor, producing 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It was only available in front-wheel drive and offered various drive modes, with Eco mode being the most comfortable. The Sorento Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined, outperforming some competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery and a motor from the Chevy Equinox EV, delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. It offered quick acceleration, comparable to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, and one-pedal driving with adjustable brake regeneration. The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, with noticeable road noise due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. It provided an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and faster charging capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a well-thought-out interior with split-level dashboard vents and functional controls. The drive mode dial was easy to use, but the rotary shifter required deliberate effort. The Sorento's seats were comfortable, though the passenger seat lacked power adjustments. Third-row seating was less comfortable, with limited legroom compared to competitors. Cargo space was adequate for everyday use, with a power liftgate available on the EX trim.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered good headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and there was ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with dividers and a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering an easy-to-use operating system with responsive controls. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and satellite radio. The Sorento also offered power outlets, USB ports, push-button start, keyless entry, and a rearview camera, with an optional wireless phone charger.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. It did not support Apple CarPlay or standalone Android Auto, 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 and quick responses, and included navigation with charging station suggestions and vehicle-to-load charging capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a range of safety features, with the base model including rear occupant alert, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control. The EX trim added more advanced features like pedestrian and cyclist forward collision avoidance assist. The Sorento Hybrid had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2021 Kia Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt 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, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system and rear-pedestrian alert. 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.