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2016 Chevrolet Volt review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Chevrolet Volt highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Seamless hybrid drivetrain
  • New sporty exterior design
  • Touchscreen infotainment easier to use

Cons

  • Rear seats tight for adults
  • Power front seats not available
  • Less funky styling removed some character

53 miles

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Same Volt, massively improved

Sometimes the sequel is better than the original. There wasn’t much wrong with the previous year Chevrolet Volt, but the 2016 model year saw an update with lots of desirable upgrades. Outside, a fresh new design turns up the sportiness, while inside gets a new interior with improved ergonomics, a more user-friendly touchscreen, and more tech features. Underneath, the suspension received upgrades, and now takes corners with ease. Instead of just being a great compact car, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is simply a great car. 

All Chevrolet Volt years

What is new for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt?

  • The Volt is available in a variety of new trims, including the LT and Premier.
  • The Base trim has been discontinued for 2016.
  • Volt trims have been upgraded with Rear View Camera, Heated Steering Wheel, Automated Parking, Front Seat Heaters, Leather Seats, Parking Sensors, Rear Seat Heaters, Apple CarPlay, Satellite Radio Ready, and BOSE Sound System as standard equipment this year.
  • Blind Spot Monitor features are now available as options on select trims.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Chevrolet Volt

1. Repowered drivetrain 

Under the new exterior is an all-new 1.5L four-cylinder engine, still powering the battery, not the wheels. This engine is quieter, more efficient, and quicker to make power. On the electric side, battery storage increases to 18.4 kWh and sends power to two new electric motors. Combined with hundreds of pounds lost from the lighter battery and engine, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt has a zero to 60 time a full second quicker than the previous year, taking 7.8 seconds when new.  

2. Improved range 

Continuing the “more of everything” theme for the updated 2016 Volt, this year saw the electric-only driving range jump 40%. When fully charged, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt has an EPA-estimated electric-only driving range of 53 miles.

That range led Chevrolet to claim that nearly 90% of drivers won’t need gas during their regular commute. That’s useful tech. If you do need the gas engine on a road trip, look for an EPA-estimated 42 MPG combined.
  

3. More convenience  

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt has a user-friendly design. Previous touch-sensitive buttons (that all looked alike) are replaced here with traditional knobs and buttons so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to adjust the radio volume or turn up the A/C. The eight-inch touchscreen is brighter, sharper, and simpler while supporting Apple CarPlay®. The 2016 Volt also gained an additional seat in the back, now able to support five people. The center seat straddles the battery, so it is best for kids rather than adults.  

4. Updated inside and out 

Everyone likes a good-looking ride, and the 2016 Chevrolet Volt adds form to its function with a swept and curvy design. The hood gains sculpted lines, the profile gets modern-design wheels, and the rear wraps it up in a package that makes the Volt a contender for the best-looking compact car. Inside, the design theme continues with a boldly sculpted dash, a standard modern infotainment touchscreen, a driver information screen, and stitched leather surfaces with chrome accent trim. You’re going to want to hit that glowing blue engine start button. 

5. Impressive handling 

You’ll be looking for the twisty back roads every time you drive the 2016 Chevrolet Volt as it is better than it should be in corners. The steering is sharp and precise, with a slightly heavy feel in the steering wheel that imparts communication to the driver. The suspension is tuned for fun handling, and the revised battery design that is lighter and lower also helps in curves. With additional power and confident brakes, the Chevy Volt makes commuting fun again.  

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Based on customer reviews, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is a hybrid car that has great mileage. It is a smooth, powerful, and stylish car that is also economical.
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Volt an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Volt 6th out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet Volt features and specs

Premier 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Parking
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
Battery details

Size

18.4 kWh

Range when new (EPA estimate)

53 miles

Estimated range today

Powered by Recurrent

The stated battery range data is from Recurrent, who develops vehicle battery range estimates based upon observed range data from thousands of EV owners. Actual battery range will vary depending on a number of factors, including the use, age, condition, trim level, wheel/tire size, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Recurrent estimates are provided by Recurrent and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Estimates based on Recurrent data as of July 3, 2023. Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings.  Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings

39 - 55 miles

Est. range in 3 years

Powered by Recurrent

The stated battery range data is from Recurrent, who develops vehicle battery range estimates based upon observed range data from thousands of EV owners. Actual battery range will vary depending on a number of factors, including the use, age, condition, trim level, wheel/tire size, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Recurrent estimates are provided by Recurrent and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Estimates based on Recurrent data as of July 3, 2023. Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings.  Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings

37 - 54 miles

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Other specifications

Drive Wheels

Front wheel drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.5L

Horsepower

149

Torque (ft-lbs)

294

Engine type

Plug-in Hybrid

Fuel capacity

8.9

Wheelbase

106.1"

Overall length

180.4"

Width

71.2"

Height

56.4"

Leg room

F 42.1"/R 34.7"

Head room

F 37.8"/R 35.8"

Front tires

P215/50R17

Rear tires

P215/50R17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Chevrolet Volt FAQ

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