Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Small

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 2LT
Vehicle Type: Small Electric
87
overall score
Category Ranking: 1
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$34,200
Price as Tested:
$36,165
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Electricity
120V Charge Time: 4.3 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 34.5 miles per hour
DC Fast Charger: Up to 100 miles in 30 minutes
EPA City MPGe: 131
EPA Highway MPGe: 109
EPA Combined MPGe: 120
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 259
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
- Advanced Headlights [S]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Blind-Spot Warning [O]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [O]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
NHTSA Rating:
Overall Observations
The Chevrolet Bolt, introduced in 2017, is a
no-nonsense, practical electric vehicle with many
admirable qualities. The Bolt has a powerful electric drivetrain and
smooth transmission, giving it quick acceleration and zippy lowend
torque. It’s also highly efficient, producing solid fuel-efficiency
numbers (120 MPGe combined) and a decent, 259-mile range.
Regenerative braking makes 1-pedal driving a convenient option.
The cabin has been upgraded, with comfortable front seats,
an intuitive infotainment interface (including Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto compatibility) and lots of standard ADAS and tech
features, such as LED headlights. Getting in and out of the front
seats is easy, and there’s plenty of legroom. Forward and side
visibility is good as well.
Some of the Bolt’s shortcomings are inevitable, given its size
limitations and price point—but other features could be improved.
For instance, in the performance department, the suspension feels
harsh over bumps, and the stiff tires are noisy and lack grip.
Behind-the-backseat cargo space is lacking, as is interior storage.
And unless they’re kids, backseat passengers will experience
tight accommodations and stiff, uncomfortable seats. Finally, the
transmission shift pattern is a bit quirky and DC fast-charging rates
are slow.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- • Good overall value
- • Excellent EV efficiency (good MPGe and range)
- • Good visibility, especially to the front and sides
- • Lots of ADAS and other tech features
- • Intuitive infotainment system
Weak Points
- • Small cargo area, lacking in cabin storage
- • Rear seating is tight; seats are stiff and uncomfortable
- • Tires are noisy and stiff, lack grip
- • Rough-riding suspension
- • Slow DC fast-charging rate
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 3620.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 163.2 / 69.5 / 63.4
Wheelbase (in): 102.4
Number of air bags: 10
Warranty (months/miles): 36/36,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Michelin Energy Saver A/S
Front and rear tire size: 215/50 R17
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 1-speed
Drivetrain type: Front wheel
Engine/motor: Single electric motor
Electric motor horsepower: 200
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
7.10Fuel Efficiency:
10.00EPA Emissions Score:
10.00Acceleration:
5.86Braking:
4.95
Handling:
7.09
Quality and Drivability:
7.28
Ride Quality:
6.39Interior Size:
4.16Easy of Entry and Exit:
7.21Visibility:
7.07Interior Noise:
8.46Cargo Capacity:
1.30
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