Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Tesla Model 3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3 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 Tesla Model 3.
When we compare the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 is a better car than the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Pricing: A used 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranges from $18,346 to $27,248 while a used 2023 Tesla Model 3 is priced between $25,605 to $41,197.
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 Tesla Model 3 loses 46.7 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model 3 retains 10.9 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 Tesla Model 3's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Bolt EV being ranked 3 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Tesla Model 3 being ranked 1 out of 26.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Bolt EV is 7.1 out of 10. For the Tesla Model 3 the reliability rating is 7.2 out of 10. This gives the Tesla Model 3 a slight 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 Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 271 horsepower. Both the Bolt EV and the Model 3 are rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with highway ranges of 259 and 272 miles respectively. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Bolt EV is 7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Model 3 is 10.4 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are electric compact cars, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Tesla Model 3 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:
-
Starting MSRP:
$40,240
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$46,880
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$40,240 - $52,000
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:
68
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
14,098
# Good or Great Deals:
19
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,092
Price Range:
$25,605 - $41,197
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$42,526
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$31,092 - $51,416
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
399
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
24,217
# Good or Great Deals:
234
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,655
Depreciation %:
59.1%
Resale Value $:
$10,845
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1% - 59.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 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 Tesla Model 3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
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:
293.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
25.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
2.2 - 293.9
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 / 26Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 15Summary 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 Tesla Model 3 is widely regarded as the best electric sedan in the world. The Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in the US market by a wide margin. This compact/midsize sedan offers a thrilling driving experience and advanced technology.
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
- Excellent range
- AWD available
- Attractive styling
- Amazing performance with Performance trim
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Pricier than its reputation (mid-$50Ks is the typical price point)
- No spare tire on any trim
- Interior design and materials don’t match premium pricing
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Chevrolet Bolt EV Trim Levels
1LT, 2LT
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Base, Long Range, Performance
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 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:
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
200 hp
Torque:
266 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
271 hp
Torque:
310 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
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
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
127 / 126 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
272 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10.4 hours (240V)
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:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
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:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
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
Overall Interior Volume:
111.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 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:
3862 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 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:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
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
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Not available
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
