Friday, October 16, 2026

2027 Chevrolet Bolt: The Brand’s Entry-Level, Subcompact Electric Vehicle

 

Highlight: A universal adaptor charging system/cable available via NACs to use on all charging outlets.


Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $38,940 (Base LT MSRP): $28,995

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment RS: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; stability control system; lane keep assist with lane departure warning; a tire pressure sensor; and tire inflator kit


Standard Equipment RS (on test vehicle): 17-inch wheels; dual electric charge cord; Google built-in; an automatic temperature control system;

Options: Super Cruise (Hands-Free Highway Driving); driving attention assist; front and rear parking assist; dual power panoramic sunroof; Technology Package: HD surround vision; rear camera mirror; wireless phone charger; rear pedestrian alert; traffic sign recognition; and rainsense front wipers

Other Trim Levels:

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Motor/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbo engine/210-hp

Standard Driving Range: 134-city/106-hwy (test model)

What’s New:

Why:

Affordable with LX trim before adding on options

All-electric

A peppy 210-horsepower motor

A car-like ride

A 260-mile plus driving range

Optional hands-free steering driving system available

A one-pedal driving system  (utilized both the brakes and accelerator)

Power driver’s seat

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Onstar navigation available

First maintenance visit is free

Remote vehicle start

SiriusXM available

A wireless charger available

A high level of safety driving aids

Heated and ventilated front seats available

Heated steering wheel available

Optional dual panel power sunroof

 

But:

Lacks storage and room due to size of vehicle

At a $39k MSRP, this competes with larger EV sedans like the Ioniq5, as well as cars like the Hyundai Ioniq6.


Verdict:  After a brief absence from Chevy's line up, the subcompact electric vehicle made its return during the 2026 model year. 

At a starting price just shy of $29,000, the Bolt is available in two trims. In fact, the subcompact is one of the most affordable electric vehicles in the US while offering a 262-mile driving range. 

Depending upon one's budget, the peppy Bolt can be outfitted with such features as hands-free steering, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. In our opinion, to keep the vehicle affordable I would steer more toward the base LS trim which does not offer such comfort and advanced driving. 

By opting for the less pretentious trim, one can steer clear of larger electric vehicles like Hyundai's Ioniq5 which offer more space coupled with an affordable price point (when compared to higher-end RS trim we tested). 

And like most electric vehicles, the Bolt can use Tesla's super charging system, which is designed for quick charging. 


 

 

Competition:

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