Are you on the hunt for a reliable and stylish electric car? One with all the latest features yet still within your budget? If so, you’re not alone. We sought an EV that offered great performance, efficiency, and affordability.
After carefully researching many models, we arrived at one very convincing solution – The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review. In this blog post, we will explore all that this impressive offering from Chevy has to offer–from updates from previous years to power-sourcing options and tech specs–to help readers make an informed decision when deciding if the Bolt is worth their hard-earned money or if they should look elsewhere.
So get ready; by reading this article, you could be getting closer to finding your perfect ride!
- The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers an affordable price with an MSRP of $27,495 and includes competitive features such as long-range, fast charging availability, an intuitive infotainment system, and automated regen braking.
- It’s powered by a permanent magnetic drive motor that produces 200 horsepower (150 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque which provides an EPA-estimated 259 miles on a single charge.
- The vehicle has impressive fuel economy ratings of 130 MPGe combined when tested under real-world conditions it was found to achieve nearly 300 miles before needing recharge.
- Comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist suite providing automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning plus other driver assistance technologies for added safety on the road.
Overview of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a popular electric vehicle with an entry-level MSRP of $27,495 and notable features such as long-range, fast charging availability, and driver convenience.
Starting Price
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a remarkably affordable electric car that sets the bar for price in its class. Starting at just $26,500 MSRP, it’s been significantly reduced from the original 2021 model’s $36,500 MSRP a difference of around $11,000.
With this drop in price comes a lot more bang for your buck too; the Bolt offers many features and capabilities not found in other vehicles as well as impressive power and efficiency when compared to other electric cars on the market today.
What’s more, you won’t be breaking your bank either; costing 40% less than its main rival Nissan Leaf which starts at an MSRP of $32140 US Dollars–making it one of the most wallet-friendly options available amongst top competitors.
Overall Ranking Compared to Other EVs
The comparison between the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and its electric vehicle peers is quite interesting.
| Vehicle | Rank | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 1 | Affordable price, roomy interiors, and amped-up style |
| Nissan Leaf | 2 | Impressive powertrains, lively handling, and spacious interiors |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 3 | However, it has less cargo capacity and interior space compared to the Bolt EV |
| Toyota bZ4X | 4 | Has yet to be released, anticipated to be a contender |
| MINI Hardtop 2 Door | 5 | Smaller in size and price, but lacks the same range and space |
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV takes the top spot due to its affordable price, roomy interiors, and amped-up style. It’s followed closely by the Nissan Leaf, which offers impressive powertrains and spacious interiors. However, the Bolt EV offers more total cargo capacity and interior space than the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The Toyota bZ4X is yet to be released, but it’s anticipated to be a strong contender. The MINI Hardtop 2 Door, though small in size and price, lacks the same range and space as the others. Considering these factors, it’s easy to see why the Bolt EV ranks high in the electric vehicle market.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Review: What’s New for 2023?
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV introduces a variety of updates and changes from previous models, including updated styling, improved interior tech features, and varied trim levels with different price points.
Updates and Changes From Previous Models
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV now has a refreshed exterior design with stylish updates, giving it a sleek and modern look.
Pricing and Which Model to Choose
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the perfect electric vehicle for those looking to go green without breaking the bank. Its starting price of $27,495 makes it one of the most affordable EVs on the market, undercutting its main competitor, Nissan Leaf’s MSRP, along with other popular cars like Toyota bZ4X and MINI Hardtop 2 Door.
With all-inclusive features like a long-range battery, intuitive infotainment system, and safety driver assistance technology in addition to impressive fuel economy and MPGe real-world numbers, the Bolt EV offers a value proposition that you won’t find elsewhere.
Depending on what trim level suits your lifestyle/needs best, several models are available, including LT/ Premier trims, which both come standard with great features but can be customized further, so make sure to weigh out your options before making a final purchase decision.
Read Also: A Guide to Electric and Autonomous Vehicles.
Power, Performance, and Efficiency
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers an affordable, reliable electric motor with up to 200 horsepower and a range of 259 miles on a single charge. It also has great charging capability and impressive fuel economy ratings for added convenience.
EV Motor and Power
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is powered by a permanent magnetic drive motor that produces 200 horsepower (150 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. Thanks to this impressive powertrain, the Bolt features an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a single charge.
Plus, when paired with the 65 kWh battery pack, this motor ensures you have enough energy to comfortably tackle even those all-day road trips.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers a range of 278 miles in real-world EV range testing on a single charge powered by its 65 kWh battery. For Level 1 charging, the approximate rate is 4 miles or 6 km of range per hour, while for Level 2, it’s 25 miles of range per hour.
When plugging into wall outlets, the Bolt EV needs around 10 hours to charge with a 120 V charger fully and approximately 7 hours to recharge using a 240 V 32 amp charger. The warranty provided by Chevrolet also ensures 8 years/100,000 miles for its electric and battery components, giving it an edge over other competitors.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV has outstanding fuel economy and real-world MPGe ratings. According to the EPA, the Bolt EV has a combined 130 MPGe rating, while the Bolt EUV variant receives a slightly lower 115 MPGe.
This is significantly higher than some of its competitors, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, which only gets around 120 MPGe in comparison. Additionally, during testing by Motor Trend Magazine, it was found that despite having a listed range of 259 miles on a full charge, when driven at an average speed of 90 mph, the car managed to achieve nearly 300 miles before needing a recharge – making it highly cost-effective for those looking for long-distance drives with much less frequent charging stops along typical American road trips.
The excellent fuel economy guarantees that this vehicle will get you where you need to go without costing an arm and leg on gas prices – even more so if you can find somewhere with access to free charging stations! You can also read GM to Use Tesla’s Connector for Electric Vehicle Charging.
Comfort and Convenience
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers a luxurious interior design with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system, optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and driver-assistance features such as forward collision warning.
Interior Design and Space
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers a well-appointed interior and ultramodern exterior styling, giving drivers the best of both worlds. Whether you’re an avid Chevy driver or new to the brand, you’ll find the inside of the Bolt EV comfortable and roomy.
With 57 cubic feet of cargo volume for passengers and gear, previous drivers will appreciate its familiar feel while newcomers can enjoy taking in all it offers. The rear seatback is easily folded down, which provides almost as much storage space as the large Chevy Equinox crossover vehicle.
This versatility means that even when travelling with friends or family members, there is still plenty of space available for your items! It’s easy to feel at home in this efficient electric car, perfect for those looking for practicality without compromising style and tech features today’s drivers are used to having access to.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV comes standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system providing Apple CarPlay wireless for audio streaming and more features at your fingertips.
This easy-to-use interface gives you control to stay connected while on the go, access popular apps, play music, make calls, or navigate without distraction. Climate control is also integrated into the touchscreen, so setting favorite temperatures is simple and quick.
With Chevy’s advanced technology, every ride becomes an enjoyable experience connecting with what matters most in life. The optional surround-view camera also provides a 360-degree bird’s eye view of your surroundings, which helps during parking scenarios and tight roads with low-speed limits.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV come with standard Chevy Safety Assist, an advanced suite of safety technology and driver-assistance features. This includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam headlamps for automatic switching between high and low beams, and Following Distance Indicator alerting drivers when they are driving too close to the vehicle in front of them.
The Bolt EV offers additional options like a Driver Confidence package that adds a lane change alert with blind spot monitoring and a Rear Cross Traffic Alert in certain trim levels.
Is the Bolt EV a Good Car?
With top-notch safety ratings and reliable performance, the Bolt EV stands out as a leader among other EVs in its class. Dive into all the details to find out why you should consider the Bolt EV for yourself.
Reliability
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is expected to be very reliable due to its simple design, and innovations, such as its drivetrain technology. This simplicity gives the Bolt EV an advantage over other more complicated vehicles – leading many reviewers, including Weber YouTube videos on the Drivetrain, to state that this model may become one of the most dependable EVs out there.
Additionally, it’s covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for battery and electric components through Chevy’s, which guarantees hardly any problems arising during ownership time.
These facts bode well with potential owners looking for a reliable vehicle that won’t need frequent maintenance or repair bills.
Owner Reviews
When it comes to the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, there are plenty of owner reviews that can be found on the internet. The majority of them are positive and reflect a feeling of satisfaction with their car.
Owners generally like that the Bolt EV is easy to operate and drive and has lots of usable electric range, even more so than many cars with larger batteries. They also appreciate its decent performance for an affordable vehicle as well as comprehensive safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and HD surround vision.
However, some owners feel like the Bolt EV feels too much like a low-cost solution despite its good features—lacking things such as all-wheel drive or higher levels of refinement compared to pricier EVs.
Expert Review and Ratings
The expert reviews and ratings of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV are generally positive, with many experts highlighting its performance, value for money, and cutting-edge technology. Here’s an outline of the ratings from some reputable automotive resources.
| Review Source | Rating | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Car and Driver | 7.5/10 | Appreciates the enjoyable driving experience and efficiency of the Bolt EV. However, they pointed out the polarizing exterior design. |
| Edmunds | 8.1/10 | Highlights the Bolt EV’s remarkable value proposition and impressive EV range. They also applauded the intuitive tech features. |
| Motor Trend | 8/10 | Compliments the performance of the 200-hp, 266 lb-ft electric motor and GM’s overall vehicle dynamics. Some reservations regarding the exterior design. |
| Consumer Reports | 73/100 | Consumer Reports recommended the 2023 model over the 2022 variant due to the significant price difference. They commend the efficiency and tech but note the design may not appeal to everyone. |
| Green Car Reports | 6.7/10 | They underscore the Bolt EV’s affordability and deem it the best-value EV in America. However, they also mention the design, which may not appeal to everyone. |
These reviews highlight the general consensus that the Bolt EV is a competent, affordable, and efficient EV option, albeit with a design that may not be universally appealing.
Safety Features and Technology
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is equipped with several advanced safety features, including IIHS ratings, Chevy Safety Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and HD surround vision.
IIHS Rating
The IIHS rating is a standard safety feature for all vehicles. It is an indicator of the vehicle’s crashworthiness and its ability to protect occupants in a collision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) measures different factors like front, side, rear impact, roof strength test, and headlight ratings to determine the overall evaluation of the car’s safety features.
In 2017, when the Chevrolet Bolt EV was introduced into the market, it was put through rigorous tests by IIHS, which resulted in an overall rating of G – “good” – making them one of the safest EVs available on the market today.
This top-of-the-line safety feature looks set to continue with even better performance in 2023 and beyond. Those looking for peace of mind should find that a Chevy Bolt EV is an excellent option!
Chevy Safety Assist
Chevy Safety Assist is an advanced suite of safety technologies and driver-assistance features available in the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. These features help to increase overall driver safety on the road by providing added visibility, alerting drivers when other vehicles enter their blind spot, as well as automatically braking when needed.
Some of the included safety features are lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring monitors on both sides of your car for nearby traffic or open spaces in adjacent lanes up to 590 feet away from your car, rear cross-traffic alert that warns you if there’s a vehicle crossing behind you while driving in reverse at speeds less than 3 mph so that you can avoid an accident or collision due to limited sight lines, and rear park assist which helps back your vehicle into parking spots with ease.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV offered with these advanced modern solutions provides drivers a secure ride by enhancing the overall driving experience.
Blind-spot monitoring and HD Surround Vision
With the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, safety is a priority. The HD Surround Vision with Rear Vision Camera offers enhanced visibility for drivers for an easier and more confident ride. This advanced system provides four exterior views: a front-facing camera, two cameras located near each corner of the car, and a rearview camera.
The images from these cameras are then stitched together to create one full 360-degree image that gives impressive clarity when driving and parking, as well as day or night.
Thanks to this convenient technology, blind spots are eliminated, giving a maximum field of view around the vehicle’s perimeter so you maintain control when parking or changing lanes quickly while also avoiding potential obstacles or unseen pedestrians on tight roads. For convenience, both Premier trims (2LT & EUV) come standard with Blind Spot Detection, ensuring obstacles can be monitored at all times, even during the most challenging conditions.
Chevy Bolt EV vs. Other EVs
Compare the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV to other EVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota bZ4X, and MINI Hardtop 2 Door on factors like power, range, comfort features and safety technology.
Comparison to Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota bZ4X, and MINI Hardtop 2 Door
When comparing the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV to other electric vehicles on the market, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota bZ4X, and MINI Hardtop 2 Door, several key differences emerge. Let’s take a look at the table below to understand better how these vehicles stack up against each other.
| Factor | Chevrolet Bolt EV | Hyundai Kona Electric | Toyota bZ4X | MINI Hardtop 2 Door |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price
|
$27,495
|
$33,550 | $42,000 | $25,800 |
| Range | 238 miles | 260 miles | 318 miles | 114 miles |
| Key Features | LED headlights standard, spacious rear seat, available in all states | LED headlights only in the top trim, less spacious rear seat, not available in all states | TBA | Compact size, limited range |
| Availability | All states | Not available in all states | TBA | All states |
From the table above, it is clear that the Chevrolet Bolt EV provides a competitive range and price compared to other electric vehicles.
It also offers more standard features like LED headlights and a spacious rear seat. Furthermore, unlike the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Bolt EV is available in all states, making it a more accessible choice for potential buyers. It’s important to note that while there are affordable electric SUV options available, like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Toyota bZ4X, the Bolt EV’s price and feature set make it a compelling choice for those interested in going electric.
Is the Bolt EV Worth It?
Evaluating the price to own, popular reviews and ratings, and better safety features and traditional style, you can decide if the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is worth your purchase.
Cost to Own
Owning a Chevrolet Bolt EV can be cost-effective due to its value, affordability and long-term savings. The 2023 model starts at $27,495 MSRP with a $7,500 federal tax credit available, offering further financial relief.
You’ll save even more on average if you opt for the 2021 or 2020 model since their MSRPs have dropped nearly $11,000! Maintenance and repair costs of EVs are generally low as they don’t require frequent oil or filter changes like traditional gasoline cars do – saving time and money.
In addition to paying less for maintenance, owning an EV eliminates the need to frequently refuel and charge up your car, which helps reduce fuel expenses over time – especially when compared to traditional gasoline engines that expend gas quicker with fewer miles driven per gallon.
Popular New Car Reviews and Ratings
When researching electric cars, reviews provide an invaluable resource for potential customers looking to purchase a vehicle. Professional car reviews measure the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV’s performance on various criteria, such as battery range, power delivery, and interior comfort, helping buyers make an informed decision about which model best suits their needs.
Consumers also highly regard owner reviews; they often offer high praise for the Chevy Bolt EV’s novel design features such as its semi-autonomous driver assistance system (Chevy Safety Assist) and 15-inch digital dashboard display with Apple Carplay/Android Auto connectivity.
Lastly, ratings consider aspects such as safety technology – which ranks 5 stars in comparison tests according to NHTSA/IIHS guidelines, reliability issues with previous models, and overall value relative when cross-comparing against other EVs on the market across luxury trim levels. These popular new car reviews and ratings cover everything you need to know before purchasing a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV!
Better Safety Features and Traditional Style
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a standout compared to other electric cars due to its improved safety features and traditional style. With the base 1LT trim, you get advanced driver assistance technology as standard including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and hill start assist – all of which are designed to help prevent collisions.
Additionally, the Bolt EV has Chevy Safety Assist for even more peace of mind on your journey by combining several driver-assist technologies into an integrated package that can respond quickly in case of unexpected hazards.
Plus it offers blind-spot monitoring and HD surround vision so you have visibility around your car at all times. In terms of design, the Bolt EV boasts a refreshed exterior for 2023 with subjective styling value – giving it a traditional feel that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now let’s learn about some common questions on this topic.
1. What is the Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a 5-door all-electric vehicle manufactured by General Motors, with standard features such as voice command and automated parking assistance.
2. How does the 2023 model differ from previous years?
The latest 2023 model of the Chevy Bolt EV offers enhanced safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear traffic alert, and pedestrian collision prevention along with other convenience features like wireless device charging capability and ventilated front seats.
3. How much can the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV tow?
The new 7th generation Chevy Bolt EV has a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs when equipped with trailer wiring harness on both models–the LT trim and Premier optional package cars respectively.
4. Are there any charge station discounts offered for owners of Chevrolet Bolt EVs in 2021?
Takeaway
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has quickly become one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market, offering an impressive range and excellent performance for a very reasonable price.
With its recent updates for 2021, such as improved styling and technology features, the Bolt EV continues to be a great choice in an increasingly crowded market. The 2023 iteration offers yet another round of refinements that make it even more attractive.
Its competitive retail price combined with tax credits makes purchasing this vehicle much easier on the wallet, while still providing all the benefits that come with driving an electric car.
Highly rated safety features further contribute to making this model a practical and highly functional performer without compromising comfort or design aesthetic. In summary, with these changes and new technologies added in recent years, there is no doubt that Chevrolet has created an unbelievable value proposition with their latest Bolt EV -and it’s almost impossible not to recommend taking one for a spin!
