The Chevrolet Volt was once one of the few vehicles in the plug-in hybrid segment when it first came out. By offering more range than competitors and good driving dynamics, the Volt became a leader. The 2019 Chevy Volt continues to lead the pack, though it's part of a much larger group. With class-leading range, some luxury features, and a fun-to-drive chassis, the Volt is an electrified car that highlights the best attributes of an electric vehicle without requiring a fundamental change in the way you drive.
What's New for 2019
Chevrolet made a lot of little changes for the 2019 model year. Major highlights include a new 7.2-kW charging system that allows the Volt to get its full electric range back in 2.3 hours when plugged into a Level 2 (240-volt) charging system, which is roughly half the amount of time as last year on the 3.6-kW charger. The automaker has also altered the Low and Regen profiles for increased regenerative braking capability and the automatic engine-assisted heating system, which can now allow for more electric operation up to minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Other changes include Chevrolet's new Infotainment 3 system that includes an eight-inch touchscreen, a digital rearview camera, driver-switchable adaptive cruise control, a tire fill alert, and an available power driver's seat.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Volt
Unlike a traditional hybrid, the Volt's plug-in hybrid powertrain lets you plug into a charger to fill up on electricity when you run out. That little differentiation also translates to the setup of its powertrain. The Volt features an 18.4-kWh battery pack that's paired to a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Combined output for the vehicle is 149 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque.
The powertrain allows the Volt to travel 53 miles on electricity before the gasoline engine kicks on and starts to recharge the battery pack. When that happens, the Volt can travel another 367 miles, essentially giving the vehicle a total range of 420 miles. When it comes to charging, the Volt's new 7.2-kW charging system (optional on the base LT trim and standard on the range-topping Premier trim) allows the vehicle to get a full charge in 2.3 hours on a Level 2 charger. On an everyday wall plug, the vehicle gets a full charge in approximately 13 hours.
Fuel economy for the Volt, as you might suspect, is excellent. The vehicle is capable of getting up to an EPA-estimated 106 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined, or 42 mpg combined when the gas engine is running.
The Volt is available in two trims:
While the 2019 Chevy Volt is a leader in the plug-in hybrid segment, it comes at a higher price than its competitors. With that in mind, unless you need an upscale interior to go with the fuel-efficient powertrain, we'd recommend going with the base LT trim. If you have access to a Level 2 charger, the new 7.2-kW system is a must, as are the Driver Confidence Package and the Comfort Package.