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.
When we compare 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 and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Pricing: For a new model, the Chevrolet Bolt EV's price is between $26,579 and $33,192, with the Subaru Forester priced between $31,497 and $38,867.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Bolt EV loses 57.6 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 23.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Bolt EV is 8.0 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Bolt EV being ranked 3 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Bolt EV is 7.1 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester an advantage in reliability compared to 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 180 horsepower.
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:
$26,579 - $33,192
Starting MSRP:
$26,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$27,270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$26,500 - $28,040
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$31,497 - $38,867
Starting MSRP:
$29,695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$28,895 - $30,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,325
Price Range:
$18,346 - $27,248
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$21,411
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$21,325 - $21,496
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
64
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
14,036
# Good or Great Deals:
16
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,655
Depreciation %:
59.1%
Resale Value $:
$10,845
Residual Value %:
40.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1% - 59.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,410
Depreciation %:
35.1%
Resale Value $:
$19,285
Residual Value %:
64.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
34.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31.9% - 40.2%
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Bolt EV
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
7.5 - 13.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
4.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
4.7 - 4.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Chevrolet Bolt EV Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 26Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 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
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 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):
Not yet available
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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:
Standard
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:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
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:
N/A
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:
Available
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:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.4 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:
3510 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 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 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
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
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
