On paper, the all-electric 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona are different classes of vehicles. The Bolt is a compact EV, while the Kona is a subcompact SUV. Yet both vehicles are priced similarly and run in the same circles as small-on-the-outside, big-on-the-inside energy-efficient transportation.
Since my column with the Houston Chronicle is coming to an end (not by my choice), I figured this would be a great opportunity to try something different and compare these seemingly polar opposites.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
Similar in size, opposites in style
The Chevy Bolt and Hyundai Kona are comfortable, spacious and practical vehicles that cost well under $40,000. Both vehicles deliver room for four or five passengers, ample headroom, good storage space and enough options to remove any sense that you’re driving an economy car. Gone are the days when small cars meant no options and struggling to keep up with traffic.
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Modern compact vehicles can offer surprising amounts of amenities. But when it comes to style, there is a clear and definitive line separating the Bolt and the Kona. The new 2027 Bolt, shown in photos, wears a vibrant shade of Habanero orange with an RS badge. That means you get 17-inch gloss-black wheels, a gloss-black grille insert and roof rails, and snazzier seats with red stitching and an “RS” logo on the headrest.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
Overall, the Bolt RS exterior styling is inoffensive and comforting in a European hatchback sort of way. I like its sharp front end and pointed nose, giving the EV a “don’t call me cute” attitude. But its styling is modest, almost minimalist, compared to the Kona, shown in photos wearing Cyber Grey as the top-tier Limited trim level.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
Side by side, the Kona looks futuristic with its ultra-slim, Robocop-like LED light bar running across the hood and razor-blade-style 19-inch alloy wheels. Its styling is far more dramatic in its presence, with carved body lines and bulbous fender cladding. The positioning of the Kona’s headlamps and taillights sits low in the bumper, fooling you into thinking the light bar daytime running lights are the primary means of illumination. The Bolt is cute, but the Kona is dapper.
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Whisper quiet comfort
Hyundai has been making great strides in soundproofing its vehicle interiors, and the Kona is no exception. If it wasn’t for the carpeting, you’d be able to drop a pin and hear it hit the floor. The light grey upholstery shown in the photos matches the cabin’s tranquil aesthetic, creating an environment that feels upscale. The dashboard offers a surprising number of physical controls, buttons and toggle switches.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The Bolt, because of its electric powertrain, is quiet enough to drive through a library and does a decent job of blocking harsh outside noises from entering the cabin. I was surprised that this electric vehicle had physical switches, primarily for operating the climate controls, cruise control and the brightness of the digital screens. All other controls, including the headlights, will need to be managed by navigating the center screen. But the screen doesn’t operate as smoothly as your iPad. Sometimes you need to mash the icon on the screen for it to work.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
Both vehicles can be optioned with sunroofs, digital rear-view mirrors, a wireless charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, and ambient interior lighting. One standout feature the Kona can’t match is the Bolt’s keyless entry. There is no push-to-start button on the Chevy Bolt. Instead, with the key fob in hand, you get in, press the brake pedal to “start” the car, and it automatically turns off when you open the door and step out. Some people have told me they love this feature, but I never got used to it and found it to be a clever solution to a problem that never existed.
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Dull drives, smart power
One of the reasons I wanted to compare these cars was that I felt they drove very similarly despite their opposing propulsion systems. They are both a little dull to drive.
Entry-level Kona models use a 2.0L four-cylinder making 147 horsepower with front-wheel drive. The Hyundai Kona Limited gains an upgraded 190-horsepower 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder with all-wheel drive and will easily average 27 mpg.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The Chevy Bolt uses a 210-horsepower single electric motor powered by a 65-kWh battery pack to propel the front wheels for an estimated 262 miles of range. Both vehicles reach 60 mph in around seven seconds and can keep up with unofficial Texas speeds without breaking a sweat.
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The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and 2026 Hyundai Kona take different routes to the same goal: affordable, practical transportation for shoppers trying to stay under $40,000.
Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle
The Bolt offers a slightly more dynamic driving experience because it can zip off the line thanks to instant torque, but both vehicles ultimately lack personality behind the wheel. On long highway journeys, you’ll depend on their adaptive cruise control while your mind wanders in search of ways to stave off the boredom.
Engine: 65-kWh battery (Bolt RS) / 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder (Kona)
Transmission: 1-direct drive (Bolt RS) / 8-speed automatic (Kona)
0 to 60: 7.0 seconds (Bolt) / 7.5 seconds (Kona)
Starting price: $28,995 (Bolt LT) / $25,500 (Kona SE)
Price as shown: $35,941 (Bolt RS) / $36,385 (Kona Limited)
I should also mention that you can option the Chevy Bolt with GM’s hands-free Super Cruise for a whopping $3,255 add-on with a three-year subscription. I wouldn’t recommend it because the Bolt’s standard cruise control does a fine job, so save your money for other useful options like charging adapters. GM offers a host of charger packages for the Bolt, including a bi-directional home charger that can turn the EV into a power source during weather-related power outages. And yes, you can use Tesla Superchargers to recharge the Bolt.
Affordable versatility
Both vehicles have a starting price under $30,000 and can stay under $40,000 with options. It’s pretty remarkable how well-equipped economy cars are these days without losing the plot of their design. The Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Kona are small vehicles that offer affordable versatility. Whether you want a stylish turbo or a potent electric, these vehicles share many similarities despite their differences, putting the consumer in a luxurious position to choose what fits their specific needs.
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I’d like to mention that my last article will run on June 15. I’ll be sad to leave, but I cannot thank you enough for reading my work these last three years. If you would like to continue reading my thoughts on vehicles, you can find me at JesusBehindtheWheel.com. Thank you all!