PHEV Review: 2017 Chevy Volt

Photo Credits: Chevrolet, ClipperCreek

King of Long-Range PHEVs

Overview

Performance: 1.5-liter, inline-4, 149 horsepower

Mileage estimate: Equivalent of 42 – 43 mpg

Price estimate: $33,220 to $37,570

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Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: 5 years/ 100,000 miles

Corrosion Warranty: 6 years / 100,000 miles

2017 Chevy Volt Review

Intro

Last year, Chevrolet decided it was time to totally rebadge its plug-in hybrid and the result was rather spectacular. Take a good look at the 2017 Chevy Volt, because it’s far better than first-generation models.

If you purchase the 2017 Volt, expect to hear the following: “What’s that?” The Volt went from a rather nondescript design to a sleek, contemporary appearance with definite curb appeal. Some astute car observers are suggesting the Volt resembles a modernized Honda Civic.

Exterior Style

A five-seat, plug-in hybrid hatchback sedan, the Volt has an extremely attractive exterior look, but that’s merely part of the overall story.

Forget about how the Volt looks for a moment. Let’s face it, people buy a hybrid-electric car for the gas savings. The Volt delivers quite a bit in that department, upping its electricity-only total by 25 percent to a 53-mile range (the original Volt only went about 38 miles). Depending on the length of the work commute, one could conceivably drive the Volt and never use a drop of gas all week.

Interior Space

Front seat occupants enjoy a fair amount of leg and head room. Thanks to a wide battery pack, it can get very cramped in the back, especially if a third person squeezes in. The luggage area is 10.6 cubic feet, which works fine for trips to the grocery store. There’s quite a bit more room when the rear seat folds down. Other highlights of last year’s major redesign included an improved hybrid drive system, better infotainment controls, more electric range, and going from a four to five-passenger capacity.

There are some nice features that were added to a visually pleasing Volt interior. The touch screen and has updated the graphics, while eliminating some of the previous buttons. Many of the functions can be done from the steering wheel.

Charging and Mileage

The new gasoline engine gets 42-43 mpg and a full tank should lead to roughly 420 miles. And that’s with a nine-gallon fuel tank? It takes approximately 4½ hours to recharge a fully depleted battery (from a 240-volt power).

Vehicle Power and Speed

The Chevy Volt features a 1.5-liter, inline-4 engine that generates 149 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. It has a dual-electric motor/generator and 18.4 kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack. The Volt is quicker than ever before, due to the new engine and electric motor. It has surprising acceleration in freeway passing situations and on fairly significant hills one experiences no lack of performance. Chevy says the new Volt is a half-second quicker going 0-60 mph than older models. In electric mode, the Volt reportedly goes 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and 7.5 seconds on gasoline. That’s pretty good acceleration for a “green” car.

A redesigned, two-motor electric drive system has eliminated nearly 100 pounds from the Volt powertrain. And thanks to a lighter battery pack, the vehicle is 200 pounds lighter overall.

Performance

Besides the performance, the Volt also delivers responsive handling and can take on some challenging turns with no problem. Another plus is the Volt is extremely quiet and provides a smooth ride. We also loved the Volt’s regenerative braking. The steering wheel paddle activates the “Regen On Demand,” slowing the car considerably while extending the life of the battery.

One expects the Volt to be a bit pokey, but that’s not the case. In fact, the Volt is surprisingly quick and peppy, making it fun to drive.

Conclusion

A sizable list of upgrades with the redesign certainly raises the profile of the 2017 Chevy Volt. If this is a commuter car, most people can get to work and back several times without recharging the battery. The appealing design, combined with the surprising performance and solid handling, add to the Volt’s great overall appeal.

–  J.W.

Media Video Review: Chevy Volt