Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Tesla Model S
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model S 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 S.
When we compare the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Tesla Model S's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Tesla Model S has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Tesla Model S's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model S is a better car than the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
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 S loses 59.5 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Bolt EV retains 1.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model S.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Bolt EV is 8.0 out of 10 while the Tesla Model S's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Bolt EV being ranked 3 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Tesla Model S being ranked 2 out of 26.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Bolt EV is 7.1 out of 10. For the Tesla Model S the reliability rating is 9.4 out of 10. This gives the Tesla Model S 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 Tesla Model S base engine makes 670 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Tesla Model S, a electric large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Chevrolet Bolt EV has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
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:
$72,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$93,498
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$72,990 - $105,700
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:
227
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
33,678
# Good or Great Deals:
105
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$125,386
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$124,695 - $126,077
# 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 $:
$44,144
Depreciation %:
60.5%
Resale Value $:
$28,846
Residual Value %:
39.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
60.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
60.5% - 73.8%
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 S Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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 S
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:
67.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
37.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
3.2 - 67.5
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 S Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 26Summary 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
Tesla’s Model S was the vehicle that proved beyond a doubt electric cars don’t need to be boring econoboxes with a short range. This is the industry’s most prolific large electric sedan, and is considered the flagship in the Tesla line.
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
- Unbeatable performance in top trims
- Roomy, large sedan size
- Appealing style, inside and out
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
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 S Trim Levels
Base, Plaid
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 / 150000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 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):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
670 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.147 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:
AWD
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
402 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
100 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
15 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:
Standard
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:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
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:
Available
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:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
28.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 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:
4560 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
116.5 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:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
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
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Not available
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Beige
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Cream
White
Black and White
