2016 Chevrolet Volt — New Is Not Necessarily Better

One-week vehicle loan was provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Type: Electric Hatchback Price: $33,170 Fuel Efficiency: 121 city/103 hwy Seats: 5

Best Suited For: Singles, short commute, small families Notable Features: Plug-in hybrid Links: Official site

For those that want to go electric but want the peace of mind and convenience that come with a gas engine, the 2016 Chevy Volt is a decent compromise. The new body style is modern and sleek. How else has Chevrolet upped its game on the popular plug-in hybrid? Read below to find out.

2016 Chevy Volt Review — “Skin Deep” Improvements

Honestly, the 2016 Chevy Volt doesn’t seem much different than the 2014 model I test drove before. In fact, I liked the look and feel of that version much better. This new design seems over-the-top and the shape of the hatchback results in inefficient cargo space (suitcases still have to be laid flat versus straight up).

Handling and performance are fine. Nothing to complain about but nothing memorable either. Getting from point A to point B was “meh.” Electricity should last about 53 miles but we only averaged about 40. That means only short trips between charges. Fortunately, this is also a gas hybrid. However, while power is constant and sufficient while driving on electricity only, the car suddenly suffers when the gas engine kicks in. You really feel that 1.5L engine as it chugs along.

I like the addition of a fifth seat and seatbelt, but the non-existent leg room (due to a middle console that extends all the way through) is pretty sad. Passengers in a full back seat will have to forgo any personal space and parents with two car seats have no hope of fitting anyone else there since the space is very narrow as well.

2016 Chevy Volt Review — New Yet Not

As technology continues to progress, the Chevy Volt now has features such as Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, front automatic braking, and advanced park assist (for parallel parking). Being part of the Chevrolet family, the Volt is also equipped with the goodness of OnStar. No earth-shattering new features though.

Back when we reviewed the 2014 model, the funky stretch cover thingy was so weird and cheap-looking that we figure it was a design afterthought. Well, two years later, that same cover is still there. Is it really so hard to have a retractable cover or something else that doesn’t look like a failed 10-minute fix?!

2016 Chevy Volt Review — Back to the Drawing Board

I really had high hopes for the 2016 Chevy Volt. Frans and I liked driving the Volt before but this model seems like a step back with more fluff and less substance. I hope subsequent releases improve this “could be great” plug-in hybrid.