2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
What’s new
- Small changes to standard and optional equipment
- Gains 21 miles in range, with an EPA estimate of 259 miles
- New, higher-definition rearview and surround-view cameras
- Part of the first Bolt generation introduced for 2017
Pros & Cons
- Impressive 259 miles of range
- Cabin is spacious
- Quick acceleration and nimble handling for an EV
- Nationwide availability
- Interior looks and feels cheaper than most
- Front seats are narrow and lack cushion depth
- Ride comfort loses its polish on rougher roads
- Touchscreen has no built-in navigation maps
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV pricing
in Ashburn, VA2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review
The Chevrolet Bolt is an excellent example of the strengths of an electric vehicle platform. It's quick and quiet and, of course, it creates no air pollution as it cruises along. What's more, the Bolt has surprising interior space for a vehicle that looks small from the outside. And for the 2020 model year, Chevrolet updated the Bolt's battery pack, increasing its capacity without changing its size. The result is an increase in total range to an impressive 259 miles.
So, that's the good news. But there are a few things we wish Chevy would have addressed for 2020 but didn't. The touchscreen can be a little slow to respond to your inputs, and the cabin has a low-rent look and feel to it. Front-seat comfort is also lacking. We do like the high-definition cameras that Chevy added to 2020 models, but there is still no adaptive cruise control available.
A few rival EVs are a more complete package. The Tesla Model 3, for instance, provides a sportier and more premium driving experience, and the new Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV offer similar range at a lower price. Overall, the Bolt is a very good electric vehicle and worth checking out. We just wish it went one extra mile.
Notably, we picked the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV as one of Edmunds' Cheapest Electric Cars for 2020.
Our verdict
7.9 / 10How does it drive?
8.5It's hard to imagine how the Bolt could drive better. It responds smoothly to steering inputs without feeling darty. The steering feel and feedback are good, and the car stays straight ahead on the highway without demanding driver attention. When the road begins to curve, the Bolt feels nimble and sure-footed.
How comfortable is it?
7.0But when the pavement is smooth, so is the Bolt. And it doesn't need to wait for an engine to warm up as climate controls react quickly. And the Premier trim comes standard with heated front and rear seats. The lack of mechanical components and transmission shifting keep the cabin quiet as well. Wind noise is also not an issue.
How’s the interior?
8.5All of the doors open wide, and the roofline is tall all the way to the rear hatch. The Bolt feels much larger inside than you might expect. There's plenty of head- and legroom, though the cabin is narrow. Peek-a-boo windows and a commanding seating position help you see past the front roof pillars, and a range of available cameras aid visibility.
How’s the tech?
7.5There is no adaptive cruise control available, which is disappointing. Rear parking sonar, rear cross-traffic and blind-spot monitoring are optional on the LT and standard on the Premier. Additional safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist are optional on either trim.
How’s the storage?
8.0The Bolt also works out pretty well for family taxi duty. The car seat anchors for child safety seats are easy to locate, and there are top tethers on all three rear seat positions. The rear doors open wide enough to fit bulky rear-facing seats inside.
How economical is it?
8.5Is it a good value?
7.5Like all electric vehicles, there's little required maintenance. The battery and other electrical components are covered for eight years and 100,000 miles.
Wildcard
8.5Which Bolt EV does Edmunds recommend?
Chevrolet Bolt EV models
There are only two trims available: the LT and the Premier. Both models are equipped with the same 66-kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor, sending power to a single electric motor (200 hp, 266 lb-ft) and a single-speed transmission. There is no difference in range either — 259 miles comes standard.
The LT comes well-equipped with standard features. There is a 10.2-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus keyless start and ambient interior lighting. The rearview camera is now pleasingly high-definition. An optional Comfort and Convenience package brings heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel into the fold.
The added niceties on the Premier are small but impactful. You get the Comfort and Convenience package as standard, plus a surround-view parking camera system and a rearview mirror that can turn into a full camera display. The rear seats are also heated, and the door handles feature a chrome strip.
Optional advanced driver safety aids for the Bolt include blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. We recommend getting the optional DC fast charger, which gives drivers access to SAE Level 3 charging stations and makes out-of-town road trips much more feasible.
Sponsored cars related to the Bolt EV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Trending topics in reviews
- interior
- fuel efficiency
- electrical system
- comfort
- handling & steering
- ride quality
- appearance
- seats
- technology
- emission system
- value
- doors
- safety
- maintenance & parts
- reliability & manufacturing quality
Most helpful consumer reviews
You should know your driving habits and needs. If you do lots of 50 to 150 trips on a daily basis, then this is an economical and environmental best option. The ride is smooth, and the cab and seat really comfortable. It is easy to care for charging if you set up for type 2 at your home. I drive this car daily under all winter conditions and feel very stable and safe.
The EPA rates my Bolt EV at 259, but I have been consistently hitting 270 miles per charge with a mix 70 highway miles and 40 urban miles. The car is comfortable, cool looking in my opinion and a wonderful, reliable vehicle. Best of all, I enjoy passing by gas stations.
I couldn't be more impressed overall with this car. I've had it for 2000 miles, and have grown to prefer it to the Tesla 3 that my wife drives. Yeah, it lacks premium interior feel and self-driving tech, but it's somehow a bit more fun to drive. Not plush seating, but not uncomfortable either -- I don't have any issue with seats, and I've done days where I use up the 200+ miles. Frankly, when I have the choice of Bolt v Tesla to drive around, I end up going in the Bolt. Zippy as hell, rock solid handling with low center of gravity, I've had the car up at 90MPH and it feels like my old BMW 3 series. The regenerative brake setting on the "L" driving mode makes one-pedal-driving very easy (and again -- more so than the Tesla). I don't know why Chevy didn't include adaptive cruise control, and that is the one feature I miss most. But the benefits, great range, fun, and solid build of the Bolt have put it at the top of my list for preferred commuter car. I regularly do 50-100 miles a day and love not having to think about gas mileage while doing so. I look forward to future releases where I'm sure they will upgrade options for interior and high-end technology.
a very practical and zero emissions care. Love. It has plenty of cargo space and plenty of headroom
Features & Specs
| LT 4dr Hatchback electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,620 |
| MPG | 128 city / 110 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 0 rpm |
| Premier 4dr Hatchback electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $41,020 |
| MPG | 128 city / 110 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 0 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Bolt EV safety features:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Scans the road ahead and warns of potential rear-end collisions in case the driver hasn't already identified the risks.
- Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- Applies the brakes in cases where the driver has not responded to avoid or minimize the severity of certain impacts.
- Lane Keep Assist w/Lane Departure Warning
- Warns the driver that the car may be drifting from its lane and can apply corrective action to nudge it back into line.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 4 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 9.7% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. the competition
Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric
Give the Hyundai Kona Electric a look. It's similar to the Bolt in terms of price, range and sporty acceleration. But the Kona Electric also excels at the little things. Its interior feels solidly put together and properly finished, and its ride quality is more composed than the Bolt's. However, unlike the Bolt, which is offered nationwide, the Kona is only available in select regions.
Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf recently jumped up to a maximum of 226 miles of range. While that isn't as much as the Bolt's 259 miles, it is considerable for an all-electric vehicle. The Leaf is also priced lower than the Bolt and is a solid EV option on a budget. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Nissan Leaf.
Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Tesla Model 3
Owning a Tesla Model 3 is certainly not boring. Between the periodic software updates, a nationwide charging network, and whatever Elon Musk decides to tweet on any given day, it's a unique ownership experience that brings excitement to this affordable EV. The Model 3 offers a striking interior, athletic performance, and 250 miles of range in its most basic version. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Tesla Model 3.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV:
- Small changes to standard and optional equipment
- Gains 21 miles in range, with an EPA estimate of 259 miles
- New, higher-definition rearview and surround-view cameras
- Part of the first Bolt generation introduced for 2017
Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The least-expensive 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,620.
Other versions include:
- LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $36,620
- Premier 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $41,020
What are the different models of Chevrolet Bolt EV?
More about the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Overview
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV is offered in the following submodels: Bolt EV Hatchback. Available styles include LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and Premier 4dr Hatchback (electric DD).
What do people think of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Bolt EV 4.9 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Bolt EV.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Bolt EV featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $42,645. The average price paid for a new 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $3,051 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,051 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $39,594.
The average savings for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 7.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 13 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $38,640. The average price paid for a new 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $2,984 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,984 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35,656.
The average savings for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 7.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EVS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV for sale near. There are currently 57 new 2020 Bolt EVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $38,245 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $13,276 on a used or CPO 2020 Bolt EV available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EVs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Chevrolet Bolt EV for sale - 6 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $15,745.
Find a new Chevrolet for sale - 1 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $25,626.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials