2027 Chevrolet Bolt First Drive Review: Revised Value

Westgate Village, CA - Don’t call it a comeback. No wait, that’s exactly what we should call it. After being discontinued following the 2023 model year, the Chevrolet Bolt is officially back. But this time, it’s a bit different.

Bringing back a vehicle that was recently killed off may seem like an odd decision, but there’s a method behind Chevrolet's reversal card play. The brand has addressed many of the previous Bolt’s shortcomings and the model is proving to be an important cog in the General Motors machine.

Chevrolet states 75% of Bolt buyers have been conquest sales to General Motors and as folks begin to replace their Bolts, 72% have stayed loyal to GM. That’s a good segment of owners the brand wants to keep happy and without a Bolt-like product currently in the manufacturer’s stable, the resolution was to bring the small EV back. Chevy sees it as a compliment to the Equinox EV, as a smaller, lower cost option to cover all market aspects. It makes sense for a company using the same formula with gas-powered SUVs, currently selling the Trax, Trailblazer, and Equinox.

Despite a very similar appearance, more of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is new rather than carry over. In fact, 57% of the vehicle’s parts are new to the Bolt. There's a new electrical and battery structure, now rated as a 400V architecture. As well, a lot of mount points for various components have changed and the structure is altered enough that Chevrolet was required to perform a new crash test for the 2027 model. That’s a more comprehensive update than some supposedly all-new cars receive.

The actual body shape hasn’t altered much and is quite familiar. Under the charge door now resides a NACS port and there are updates to the exterior and interior details.

Exterior Style:

With a familiar basic shape, dimensions haven’t changed all that much on the Bolt. It measures 169.6-inches (4,307 mm) in length, is 69.7-inches (1,770 mm) wide, and has a height of 63.9-inches (1,622 mm).

New headlights and taillights are included, which better resemble those of Chevrolet’s other all-electric SUVs. That means up front there is a split headlight design, with a running light LED strip above the main low/high beam. Two trims of the Bolt EV will be offered, LT and RS, both of which wear 17-inch wheels of differing designs.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy:

Under the hood remains a single electric motor powering the front wheels, but with the electrical component changes, output has been altered. It now makes a bit more power, listed at 210 hp. Torque though is down, rated at 169 lb-ft of torque.

To offset the lower torque figure, Chevrolet has given the vehicle a higher final drive ratio, and the brand claims the 0-60 mph time has improved a few tenths compared to the old Bolt, now needing less than 7 seconds. We’ll take Chevy’s word for it, as during our drive, we didn’t feel much power when launching from a stop. That stated, the midrange punch the new Bolt delivers has an unexpected wallop. There’s a sudden surge when stabbing the accelerator around 20-30 mph. We kept spinning the front tires when exiting the switchbacks along Mulholland Highway.

Now on to the biggest charge for the 2027 Bolt: the electrical system. The car gets a new lithium-iron-phosphate battery that's still listed at a 65 kWh capacity. Officially, it's good for 262 miles (422 km) of range. Best of all though, the new battery can be DC fast charged at speeds of 150 kW, or roughly 2.5 times faster than the 2023 Bolt. Chevrolet claims that is good enough to recharge the battery from 10% to 80% battery in 26 minutes.

As mentioned, the 2027 Bolt now has a NACS charging port standard but is offered with a J1772 adaptor. So, those that want to take advantage of the 11.5 kW on-board charger at home don’t need to buy a new charging unit.

Handling and Drivability:

Driving the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt takes a bit to getting used to it. The seating position is upright and tall feeling. The steering wheel has a large ratio yet is very responsive and direct. Combine with a short wheelbase and it doesn’t take much to persuade the vehicle to change directions. Once familiar with how the Bolt operates, it drives like a regular small hatchback, even making one forget it's electric.

In fact, it’s actually a bit of fun to toss around. At a weight of 3,776-3,807 pounds (1,713-1,727 kg), the Bolt is relatively light for an EV. It’s not as engaging to drive as the Fiat 500e, but the Bolt is a wholly more practical vehicle. The Chevy has rear doors, a larger cargo area, and a rear seat that actual adults can fit in.

The oddest thing we noticed with the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt was the ride quality. It’s surprisingly choppy, more so than we remember. It’s not harsh or jarring, just prone to bouncing over road imperfections. Despite that, it’s still a vehicle that we were able to drive for a long period of time and not feel fatigued behind the wheel.

Depending on trim, the Bolt comes with a cloth or Evotex faux leather seating surface. Some comfort pluses include the available heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and power driver’s seat.

With the rebirth of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, the old dashboard has been ripped out and replaced by a new one. Housed inside it are a pair of new screens, measuring 11-inches for the digital driver information center and 11.3-inches for the infotainment system. The dash itself contains tons of useful cubbies and shelves, especially in front of the passenger. There’s more storage beside the wireless phone charger and under it: a nice touch as it gives a place to store a wallet and keys.

The materials in the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt are not the most lavish, as there are hard plastics everywhere. It’s all about function over style. Think of it as the IKEA of EVs. There are so many clever, thoughtful little usability touches all over the cabin. It might not look premium, but its sturdy and functional.

Tech and Safety:

On the entry level LT model, standard equipment includes a remote start, automatic climate control, and those dual digital screens. Other features available on the EV includes rain sensing wipers, a dual pane sunroof, surround view monitor, wireless phone charging, rear camera mirror, ambient lighting, and more.

Lots of safety systems come standard on the reborn Bolt, like lane keep assist, forward collision alert, safety alert seat, rear park assist, rear cross traffic braking, reverse automatic braking, teen driver, intersection automatic braking assist, blind zone steering assist, side bicycle alert, front pedestrian and bicycle braking to name a few.

In the United States, pricing for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt starts at $28,995 (all prices include destination charges) for LT. That undercuts the Nissan LEAF, Subaru Uncharted, and even the smaller Fiat 500e. Yup, the Chevrolet Bolt once again regains the title of America’s lowest priced all-electric new vehicle. When fully loaded with all the goodies, the RS tops out at $39,402.

In Canada pricing starts at $42,599 for LT, making it the lowest priced all-new EV in that country as well. Fully loaded, the RS in Canada comes in at $49,064.

Final Thoughts:

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt may not be the most premium EV in how it drives or feels inside, but that’s not its forte. The small electric vehicle’s real strength lies in value, especially when sticking to the LT trim.

The new Bolt continues to bring consumers what the old model did; good value in an urban/suburban electric car with many well thought out features. This year though, it also includes faster charging and an even more useful interior, complemented by improved technology. With the 2027 Bolt, Chevrolet has made a compelling vehicle even more so.

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FAQs

• Q: Did Chevrolet Bring Back the Same Bolt?
• A: Yes and no. Although based on the previous Bolt, 57% of the parts have changed and there are some significant updates.
• Q: How much will the 2027 Chevy Bolt cost?
• A: In the United States it starts at $28,995 including destination charges. In Canada, it starts at $42,599, once again including destination charges.
• Q: What is the range of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt?
• A: The range is 262 miles, or 422 km.