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GREEN CHOICE

Chevrolet Volt

EPA Range: 53 miles
EPA MPG: 42 mpg
Average Retail Price
$9,125 - $10,475

Road Test

Ever since it appeared on the electric car scene in 2011, the Chevy Volt brought a measure of practicality and peace of mind with its supplemental gas engine that would kick in to extend the Volt's limited battery-only range. Now, redesigned for 2016, the Volt returns as a more mature and capable car. It replaces the original Volt's science experiment ambience with more conventional looks and expanded capability, most notably a commuter-friendly electric range of 50 miles.

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2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2017 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$8,900 - $10,275
economy-icon
53 miles
economy-icon
42 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,650 - $9,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG 34 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,275 - $6,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 29 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,325 - $7,550
economy-icon
EPA MPG 35 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,875 - $9,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG 25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door hatchback
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.5-liter 4 plugin hybrid (149 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 1-speed direct
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

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
Model History
2016-
Current Generation

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.