The Chevrolet Bolt returns after a three-year hiatus. While it may not look much different from its predecessor, it gets significant updates inside and under the skin. It may be the lowest-priced electric vehicle (EV) in America, but the 2027 Bolt does not feel cheap. In fact, it comes very well equipped with a stylish, modern cabin. If you are thinking of taking the plunge into the growing EV market, the Bolt’s fun-to-drive characteristics and respectable range make it a great choice for a first time EV buyer.
Photo: Perry Stern
While the styling and overall dimensions have not changed much from the Bolt EUV it replaces, the 2027 Bolt gets improved range and performance thanks to its new electric drive unit. The new system features a NACS charge port for faster charging. The interior also gets a makeover, with better use of space and a new Google-based infotainment system.
Chevrolet offers the 2027 Bolt in two trim levels: LT and RS. All variants are four-door hatchbacks with a single electric motor powering the front wheels. Prices range from about $29,000 to $33,000, including the destination charge.
For this review, Chevrolet provided a 2027 Bolt RS with the following options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $38,940, including the $1,395 destination charge to ship the EV from the Kansas City, Kansas, assembly plant to a local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Chevrolet manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
It may have been a few years since Chevrolet last sold the Bolt, but the new 2027 model's exterior design is nearly identical to the 2023 Bolt EUV, with a slight refresh. The sleek, slim LED running lights tie the Bolt to the rest of Chevrolet's EV lineup, and the iconic bowtie logo sits at the center of the grille and rear hatch. The RS stands out with black exterior trim and wheels, giving the small EV a sporty vibe, especially when painted Habanero Orange, as in my test vehicle.
The cabin changes are more noticeable, with the new model featuring a cleaner, modern design. At the center of the dashboard is the standard 11.3-inch touchscreen display, but Chevrolet kept physical climate controls conveniently located directly below the screen. While I appreciate that the Bolt also has a proper volume knob, it is on the far right side of the display, a bit of a stretch for the driver to reach.
Storage options in the cabin are plentiful and well thought out, adding to this compact EV's usefulness. Shelves with cubbies built into the dashboard are in front of the passenger, and the center console features a storage area with adjustable dividers that can be configured as cupholders or removed to accommodate larger items.
Uniquely, the console does not connect to the dashboard, leaving an open space with a large floor tray, ideal for a purse or a large bag. You will also find a wireless smartphone charger and an additional non-charging phone tray under the dashboard. Large bottle holders in the doors add to the overall convenience.
The front seats feature a stylish pattern, an RS logo embossed on the headrest, and red stitching for a sporty look. While they do not have much bolstering, the seats are comfortable with good padding, and even offer heating and cooling.
Rear seats share a style similar to those up front, and with a flat floor, the space feels quite roomy. With good legroom and headroom, two adults should have no trouble riding in the back, and to sweeten the deal, two USB-C ports sit between the front seats. While packing three people into the rear seat may be uncomfortable for everyone involved, it could work for shorter trips.
The Bolt also offers impressive utility, with a larger rear opening for easy loading. With 16.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the compact EV can handle a few suitcases or a load of groceries. Folding the rear seats expands the available space to a generous 56.3 cubic feet. Additionally, the space below the floor provides another 4 cubic feet of storage.
Photo: Perry Stern
Like the rest of Chevrolet's EV lineup, the 2027 Bolt gets a Google-based infotainment system, displayed on a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen. The Bolt also comes standard with a configurable 11-inch digital gauge cluster. Notably absent are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Chevrolet does not offer either on its EVs. Features of the infotainment system include:
While the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may be a deal breaker for some customers, the Google-based infotainment system is intuitive and works well. Large icons and a swipeable screen make navigation simple, with quick access to navigation, communications, and media via shortcuts on the left.
With Google Maps, the Google Gemini voice interface, and access to popular apps via the Google Play Store, the system can largely replicate Android Auto, a plus for Android phone users like me, but little solace for Apple users. However, with Google Maps as the native system, it can show the charge level you can expect upon arrival and recommend charging stops if the destination is beyond your current range.
While the touchscreen is quick and easy to use with a good response time, the voice interface can handle a full range of tasks with a simple request. Activated by saying "Hey, Google," I was able to locate the closest pizza place, call them to place an order, and then navigate there, all without taking my hands off the wheel.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Chevrolet Bolt comes standard with a single electric motor producing 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. A dual-motor version is not available, so all Bolt variants use front-wheel drive. With its updated drivetrain, the Bolt has an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles and a combined efficiency rating of 120 MPGe. On my standard loop, which includes highway, city, and country roads, the trip computer showed an average of 3.4 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or 115 MPGe.
The updated 2027 Bolt also charges faster than its predecessor, using a NACS charging port that supports up to 150 kilowatts (kW) on a DC fast charger. According to Chevrolet, the Bolt can go from 10 to 80 percent in about 25 minutes. I plugged the Bolt into my Level 2 home charger and gained 40 miles per hour, easily reaching a full charge overnight.
It is not uncommon for a compact entry level model to feel underpowered and deliver disappointing performance, but the Bolt does not suffer from this issue. With the smooth delivery of instant torque inherent in an electric drivetrain, the Bolt feels quick and agile, with good handling that makes it enjoyable to drive. It zips around town with power to spare, and the small car has no trouble crossing a busy intersection safely or quickly reaching freeway speeds.
Like many EVs, the Bolt features one-pedal driving, which delivers maximum regenerative braking when lifting off the throttle and can bring the car to a complete stop. It takes some getting used to, but after a short time, I could slow for turns and stop in the right spot without touching the brake pedal.
Whether driving at 70 mph on the freeway or cruising through town, the Bolt feels confident, with a predictable throttle and a smooth ride, even on rough pavement. While some road and wind noise permeates the cabin at higher speeds, it is not annoying, and the audio system easily drowns it out.
Photo: Perry Stern
All trims of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt come with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and are available with Chevrolet's hands-free Super Cruise driving system. Standard features include:
Both trims are also available with:
I picked up the Bolt at the Detroit airport and was excited to learn it had Super Cruise. Super Cruise enables hands-free driving on more than 600,000 miles of limited-access, multi-lane freeways in North America. As I entered Interstate 94 for the 30-mile drive home, I activated adaptive cruise control, and the light at the top of the steering wheel turned green, indicating that Super Cruise was operating and that I could take my hands off the wheel.
With the speed set to 70 mph, the Bolt stayed centered in the lane and maintained a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. When it detected a slower vehicle ahead, the turn signal came on, and the Bolt automatically changed lanes to the left. Once I had passed the slower vehicle, the system returned me to my original lane. I did not touch the pedals or the steering wheel until exiting the highway.
As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released crashworthiness data for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt.
According to the JD Power 2026 Electric Vehicle Ownership (EVX) Study, the Ford Mustang Mach-E ranks highest in the Mass Market Battery Electric Vehicles segment, with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV9 ranked second and third, respectively.
Other 2027 Bolt competitors include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3, Kia Niro EV, and Nissan Leaf.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is priced lower than any other new EV in America, yet its upscale cabin and fun driving dynamics do not feel cheap. With a potent electric drivetrain that delivers impressive efficiency and an extensive standard equipment list, the Bolt is an ideal choice for first-time EV buyers. However, you are advised to move quickly, as Chevrolet plans to offer the Bolt only through the 2028 model year.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Living in southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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