2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf
In comparing the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf is a better car than the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf Pricing
A used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranges from $15,913 to $22,964 while a used 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf is priced between $14,287 to $23,809.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV loses 60.9 percent of its value and the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf loses 58.2 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf retains 2.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV’s base engine makes 200 horsepower, and the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf base engine makes 134 horsepower. The Bolt EV is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 238 miles. The e-Golf is rated to deliver an average of 126 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 125 miles. This gives the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Bolt EV is 50 hours (120V), while the charge time for the e-Golf is 3.7 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are electric compact cars, the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
15913 - 22964
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.608912
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
14287 - 23809
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.581952
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.966666 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen e-Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Chevrolet Bolt EV Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
18 out of / 27Volkswagen e-Golf Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
22 out of / 27Ranking
23 out of / 27Summary Review
The Chevrolet Bolt is a compact four-door hatchback EV. Now heading into its fifth year of sales, the Bolt has just received a styling refresh, and an EUV version with added rear-seat legroom is joining the model line.
Summary Review
The VW e-Golf was a four-door compact hatchback. The electric version was a derivative of VW's legendary Golf which has been a staple car for commuters worldwide for decades.
Pros and Cons
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Widely available both new and used
- Modern interior design
- Seat comfort is a recurring owner complaint
- Only available in front-wheel drive
- Common driver-assist technology not standard (through 2020 model year)
Pros and Cons
- It’s got all the practical design elements of a traditional Golf
- Fun to drive
- Limited used car availability
- Officially canceled (December 2020)
- Early models had less than 100 miles range
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV Trim Levels
LT, Premier
2018 Volkswagen e-Golf Trim Levels
SE, SEL, SEL Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
200 hp
Torque:
266 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
134 hp
Torque:
214 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
127 / 110 / 119
Range (city/hwy):
238 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
60 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
50 hours (120V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
126 / 111 / 119
Range (city/hwy):
125 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
35.8 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
3.7 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
16.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3563 lbs
Width:
69.5 inches
Height:
62.8 inches
Length:
164 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3455 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
168.1 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16