Review and specifications
2018 Chevrolet Volt
GM's second-generation electric car with a backup gas engine is much improved. It is quicker and quieter, rides more comfortably, and has easier-to-use controls. Electric-only range is 50 miles, at which point the engine kicks in to extend the range. It takes 4.5 hours to recharge the car using a 240-volt connection. We got 38 mpg in gas mode. This new 1.5-liter engine acts as a generator, which eliminates the range anxiety common to electric-only vehicles. Visibility is still limited, and the rear seat is cramped and awkward to get into. However, the infotainment system is among the best. The Volt's tepid heat makes the heated seats and steering wheel must-have features. 2019 is the Volt's last year.
- Market value
- $9,713
- Fuel
- Plug-in hybrid
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Plug-in hybrids
- Body style
- 4-door hatchback
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Direct, 1-speed
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 2016
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $9,713
- Retail value range
- $8,500 - $10,925
- Original MSRP range
- $33,220 - $37,570
- Trade-in range
- $5,610 - $7,940
Ratings
- Road test score
- 70/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 4/5
- Would buy again
- 79%
- Reliability
- 3/5
Fuel economy
- EPA combined
- 42 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $370
- Cruising range
- 390 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.7 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 133 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 52 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 180 in
- Width
- 71 in
- Height
- 56 in
- Wheelbase
- 106 in
- Weight
- 3,520 lb
- Maximum load
- 750 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 3.5 in
- Front leg room
- 43 in
- Rear head room
- 0.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 27.5 in
- Luggage
- 2+0+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 3/5
- Driving
- 5/5
- Styling
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 3/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 10/10
- SmartWay
- Elite
Brand context
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet sells a wide range of sedans, coupes, compact SUVs, large SUVs, EVs, and pickup trucks. Most models have roomy interiors and come with standard safety and convenience technology. Several models, however, have poor visibility and lack steering agility. Many Chevrolets rank average or below average for reliability in CR’s rankings. The brand stands out for selling historically significant and category-defining vehicles. The Suburban and Tahoe can keep three rows of passengers comfortable within their enormous cabins. The Silverado pickup truck competes with the best-selling Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 by balancing interior comfort with towing and cargo capability. In the past and today, the Camaro and Corvette are performance car bargains. The rear/mid-engined “C8” Corvette can be as thrilling as much more expensive European supercars. With some exceptions, used Chevrolets can have reliability issues, but are often less expensive to maintain and repair than competitors.
Vehicle ID: 10979 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.