2017 Chevrolet Volt

Overview

The Volt was the first of its kind when it hit the market in 2010, and it has been at the top of the pack ever since. With a class-demolishing 53 miles of electric-only range, it’s a plug-in hybrid that can be driven like an EV much of the time. Boy racers may scoff, but for the planet-aware driver who has an occasional long trip on the docket, the Volt is a perfect fit. That doesn’t mean that it’s without compromises—the interior is plasticky, and we suspect the rear seat was adapted from a medieval torture device—but the Volt is not just a good hybrid, it’s a good car.

What's New for 2017?

The Volt is largely unchanged for 2017. There's a new Teen Driving safety feature, standard on all models, that's designed to encourage safer driving behaviors in young drivers. Adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking are now options in the top Premier trim level. And a new, limited-availability exterior color—Citron Green Metallic—joins the list of extra-cost paint colors.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Volt uses a large battery, two electric motors, and a gasoline engine to deliver quick, relatively powerful acceleration and impressive fuel economy. In Normal mode, the Volt uses electric power until the battery is depleted then fires up the gas engine. Other modes allow the driver to tailor power response as conditions warrant. The Volt’s 18.4-kWh battery lets the car far outstrip the rest of the plug-in hybrid class for range: more than 50 miles on a full charge. That big power source also translates to longer charging times than most rivals, however. When it’s plugged in to a standard 120-volt household outlet, Chevrolet estimates it will take the Volt 13 hours to recharge from empty. With a 240-volt outlet, that time shrinks to 4.5 hours for a full charge. The Volt handles well, reacts reasonably quickly to steering inputs, and expertly manages pockmarked pavement. Body roll is well controlled in curves, making it one of the clingiest cars in this set.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Volt’s interior prioritizes function over form; it suffers from a few dowdy design details and a criminally small rear seat. Creature comforts are lacking, too, and despite the car’s price, the Volt’s cabin never feels special. Front-seat passengers will be perfectly content in the Volt, with space to spread out, ample storage for small items, and a pair of comfortable seats. Extra features are scant in the Volt. Heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel are among the few options that can be added to the order sheet. It’s not the best pack mule in its class, but the Volt sacrifices little cargo capacity to its electrified powertrain and will function much like any other car this size for road trips.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Not only is the Volt’s MyLink infotainment system easy to decipher, it’s also quick to respond to inputs and comes standard with features that aren’t often found in this class, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Standard 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity are MyLink’s crowning features, and Chevrolet sweetens the deal by offering data plans at surprisingly reasonable rates. Of the features we track, only navigation and the attendant traffic and weather monitoring are not standard in the Volt.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Chevrolet Volt’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.