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Price Range: Less Than
$24,490
$154,765
mpg/MPGe Range: More Than
11
134
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2023 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

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 MPGe131
EPA Highway MPGe109
EPA Combined MPGe120
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:

7.10

Fuel Efficiency:

10.00

EPA Emissions Score:

10.00

Acceleration:

5.86

Braking:

4.95
Handling: 7.09
Quality and Drivability: 7.28

Ride Quality:

6.39

Interior Size:

4.16

Easy of Entry and Exit:

7.21

Visibility:

7.07

Interior Noise:

8.46

Cargo Capacity:

1.30
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