Chevrolet Volt vs BMW i3
Overview | |
MSRP$33,170 | MSRP$42,400 |
Average price$13,373 | Average price$15,767 |
Listings677 | Listings513 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Reviews SummaryCompromises are inherently dissatisfying, but the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Volt represents a rare exception to this rule. The Volt provides half the range of a traditional electric car and returns fewer miles per gallon than a Toyota Prius. This compromise, however, is brilliant, because the Volt’s special powertrain allows for electric mobility the majority of the time while completely eliminating a phenomenon known as “range anxiety.” | |
Reviews SummaryThe small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 149 hp I4 Hybrid | Engine168 hp Electric |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
EV Battery Capacity18 kWh | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City43 | MPG City127 |
MPG Highway42 | MPG Highway111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V)4.5 hours | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 149 hp I4 Hybrid | Engine Name168 hp Electric |
Battery Charge Time (240V)4.5 hours | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity18 kWh | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City43 | MPG City127 |
MPG Highway42 | MPG Highway111 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space10.6 cu ft | Cargo Space11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3543 lbs | Curb Weight2634 lbs |
Height56.4 in | Height62.1 in |
Length180.4 in | Length157.8 in |
Width71.2 in | Width70.0 in |
Wheelbase106.1 in | Wheelbase101.2 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $33,170 | $42,400 |
Average price | $13,373 | $15,767 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.4 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | Compromises are inherently dissatisfying, but the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Volt represents a rare exception to this rule. The Volt provides half the range of a traditional electric car and returns fewer miles per gallon than a Toyota Prius. This compromise, however, is brilliant, because the Volt’s special powertrain allows for electric mobility the majority of the time while completely eliminating a phenomenon known as “range anxiety.” | The small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 149 hp I4 Hybrid | 168 hp Electric |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
EV Battery Capacity | 18 kWh | 27 kWh |
MPG City | 43 | 127 |
MPG Highway | 42 | 111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4.5 hours | 4 hours |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 149 hp I4 Hybrid | 168 hp Electric |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4.5 hours | 4 hours |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 18 kWh | 27 kWh |
MPG City | 43 | 127 |
MPG Highway | 42 | 111 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 10.6 cu ft | 11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3543 lbs | 2634 lbs |
Height | 56.4 in | 62.1 in |
Length | 180.4 in | 157.8 in |
Width | 71.2 in | 70.0 in |
Wheelbase | 106.1 in | 101.2 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.