The Volt received its first comprehensive makeover last year, but its rollout was limited to just a few states. This year it's widely available across the country for buyers who want the latest in extended-range electric travel.
What's New for 2017
Still fresh from its 2016 redesign, the Volt receives one new option, adaptive cruise control.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Volt
The reborn Volt dispenses with the old model's futuristic design in favor of a mainstream contemporary look inside and out. There's now a bench seat in back, so three-across seating is possible in a pinch. Although it has the appearance of a swoopy sedan, the Volt is actually a hatchback, but the cargo area holds no more than a conventional trunk due to the intrusive lithium-ion battery pack.
The Volt is powered by a pair of electric motors that together produce 149 horsepower. After about 53 miles of driving, the gas-powered generator kicks in to keep the motor humming. While the generator is in use, the Volt achieves 42 mpg in combined driving, a gain of 5 mpg over the previous generation. When necessary, the generator will also assist with propulsion, but that's a relatively rare event. With a fully charged battery and full tank, the Volt can travel up to 420 miles. As you might expect, the Volt operates in near silence, even under heavy acceleration.
The Volt is offered in LT and Premier trims:
The LT is attractively priced for what you get, but the lack of available safety technology is a definite drawback. Upgrading up to the Premier is mandatory if you take safety seriously.