GREEN CHOICE

Chevrolet Volt

Name: 2012 Chevrolet Volt
Brand: Chevrolet

EPA MPG: 37 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 37 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Volt is an electric car for drivers who don't want to be limited by battery range. It usually allows you to drive gas-free for 35 miles, however the exact number depends on weather and driving style. In our testing, it ranged from 20 to 50 miles. When the battery is depleted, a backup gasoline engine kicks in to keep the electric motor running. This allows you to keep driving for up to 315 more miles before refueling. If you charge every night and your daily drive fits within the battery's range, you might never need to buy gasoline.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Chevrolet Volt

vs. Similar Cars

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Ford Fiesta

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

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2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

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Road test

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

2 front, 2 rear

Front

1.4-liter 4 plugin hybrid (150 hp)

1-speed direct

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2016-2019

2016 Redesign Year

GM's second-generation electric car with a backup gas engine is much improved. It is quicker and quieter, rides more comfortably, and has easier-to-use controls. Electric-only range is 50 miles, at which point the engine kicks in to extend the range. It takes 4.5 hours to recharge the car using a 240-volt connection. We got 38 mpg in gas mode. This new 1.5-liter engine acts as a generator, which eliminates the range anxiety common to electric-only vehicles. Visibility is still limited, and the rear seat is cramped and awkward to get into. However, the infotainment system is among the best. The Volt's tepid heat makes the heated seats and steering wheel must-have features. 2019 is the Volt's last year.

2011-2015

2011 Redesign Year

The Volt extended-range electric car is quick, quiet, and responsive, and uses a backup gas engine to extend beyond its electric range. Typically it runs for about 35 miles on electric power. Once the lithium-ion battery is depleted, the relatively unrefined 1.4-liter engine turns on to extend the driving range. It takes about four hours to recharge about 13 kWh on a 240-volt supply and about 10 hours on 120 volts. We got 2.93 miles per kWh overall and 32 mpg overall on gas mode. Running costs are less than four cents a mile based on national electricity rates, but the cost advantage diminishes once you venture beyond the electric range, in part because the Volt requires premium fuel. Ride and handling are sound. Visibility is wanting, controls are a jumble, and as a four-seater, practicality is compromised.