Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Subaru Forester.
In comparing the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a better car than the Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranges from $14,444 to $24,988 while a used 2023 Subaru Forester is priced between $24,419 to $34,589. For a new model, the Chevrolet Bolt EV's price is between $27,430 and $34,567, with the Subaru Forester priced between $30,920 and $39,297.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Bolt EV loses 65.4 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 28.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s base engine makes 200 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Bolt EV is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 259 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles.This gives the Chevrolet Bolt EV the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Subaru Forester the advantage in maximum range. The Bolt EV uses electricity, and the Forester uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
27430 - 34567
Starting MSRP:
26500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
27270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
26500 - 28040
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30920 - 39297
Starting MSRP:
26395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23610 - 37695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18851
Price Range:
14444 - 24988
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
18669
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
18487 - 18851
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
77
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34012
# Good or Great Deals:
18
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29791
Price Range:
24419 - 34589
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
26187
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
21318 - 30705
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
865
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
32259
# Good or Great Deals:
338
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Bolt EV
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.96906286493347
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.8 - 4.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.668111257395875
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.3 - 17.9
Chevrolet Bolt EV Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 30Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Summary 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 Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
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
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Bolt EV Trim Levels
1LT, 2LT
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
200 hp
Torque:
266 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
127 / 109 / 120
Range (city/hwy):
259 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
66 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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 Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
57 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3589 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
63.4 inches
Length:
163.2 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Bright Blue Metallic / Ice Blue Metallic
Gray
Gray Ghost Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
Silver
Silver Flare Metallic
White
Summit White
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Cascade Green Silica
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
