
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt is a prime example of plug-in hybrid technology, which was one of the earliest of its kind. In a crop of plug-in hybrids with an electric-only range of around 20 miles, the Volt offers an extraordinary range – 53 miles of guilt-free driving on electricity, before the gasoline engine is required to take over. This range is sufficient for most daily commutes, which means that users may not need to use the engine at all.
However, what makes the Volt truly exceptional is not just its hybrid technology. It provides a driving experience that is both enjoyable and satisfying, with excellent acceleration and handling. Drive it through a corner, and the Chevrolet Volt proves to be the type of vehicle that the Toyota Prius aspires to become. Now combine that with the Volt’s range of safety features, creature comforts, and cutting-edge technology, and the 2019 Chevy Volt becomes a package that’s hard to ignore for hybrid vehicle shoppers.
While the Volt has some shortcomings, such as a cramped back seat and an unremarkable interior, the benefits it provides outweigh these drawbacks. In everyday driving, the Volt eliminates range anxiety that plagues other small EVs like the Nissan Leaf and still offers many of the incentives of a fully electric car. In short, the Volt is an impressive package that’s hard to overlook.
Chevy axed out the Volt after 2019.
Here are all the key changes for the 2019 model year:
Trims | Originally MSRP |
LT | $34,395 |
Premier | $38,995 |
Length | 180.4 inches |
Height | 56.4 inches |
Width | 71.2 inches (without mirrors) |
Wheelbase | 106.1 inches |
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt is a standout among the sea of environmentally-friendly vehicles that are often too ahead of their time. In contrast to most plug-in hybrids, its design is more conventional, which could be a selling point for many prospective car buyers.
The Volt’s “dual grille” front end shares many design elements with the Chevy Cruze. The Volt has quite eye-friendly proportions. Additionally, it boasts a wise stance and sleek headlamps that lend it a sporty appearance. Unlike the Cruze, which requires ample air to feed its engine, the Volt sports a sleek and modern matte silver panel.
Moving to the side, you will find many similarities to the Cruze, save for the charging port on the driver’s side front fender. The Volt’s tall tail cleverly circumvents wind resistance, thereby enhancing its aerodynamics.
All in all, the 2019 Chevy Volt hits the sweet spot in bringing the conventional automotive design with cutting-edge powertrain technology, rendering it a vehicle that can appeal to a broad range of consumers who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality.
Total Passenger Space | 90.3 cubic feet |
Front head Room | 37.8 inches |
Rear Head Room | 35.8 inches |
Front Leg Room | 42.1 inches |
Rear Leg Room | 34.7 inches |
Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 inches |
Rear Shoulder Room | 53.2 inches |
The foremost occupants of the vehicle will find themselves in a state of complete satisfaction as they have the privilege of occupying the best seats in the automobile. The front seats of the Volt not only offer a pleasant seating experience but also provide great support for the lower back. Furthermore, l inclusions like a 6-way power driver’s seat and leather upholstery on the Premier, make the Volt even more desirable.
Even though the rear outboard seats are also comfortable for grown-ups, due to their shaped design and the padding on the armrests, the space in the back is somewhat confined. Although there is technically a center seat at the back, it’s not particularly roomy and is better suited for younger passengers.
The interior of the Volt is not ostentatious or distinctive in any way. Rather, its design is practical and visually appealing, featuring a simple control layout. The Premier trims, which are fully equipped, come with a variety of features, including an Eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, heated steering wheel, and heated seats for even the rear passengers.
Standard on the vehicle is automatic climate control, though it is limited to a single zone. The cabin’s heating system is both speedy and efficient, ensuring a comfortable environment. Additionally, the Premier model is equipped with heated seats in both the front and rear, as well as a heated steering wheel, which are all notably effective.
While the view from the front of the Volt is pleasant, the downward slope of the nose obstructs the view, making parking a challenge. However, the large glass on the rear door helps to minimize blind spots when looking over the shoulder.However, the rear decklid is quite high, limiting visibility to some extent. Fortunately, the new rearview camera is fantastic.
One of the most reassuring aspects of the Volt is how quiet it is. Even with the petrol engine running, there’s no road noise and only a little shimmy in the ride, unlike many other cars of this class.
Front passengers can find it quite easy to get inside the 2019 Volt, thanks to the wide-opening doors. However, it’s not quite the same for the rear passengers. Firstly, the door aperture is a bit narrow, and then, the roofline is also a bit low, making access a bit difficult, especially for taller people.
All Volt modes come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen that boasts Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Additionally, a six-speaker sound system, two USB ports, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, are also offered right from the base trim.
The 8-inch infotainment display has been substituted with the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which replaces Chevrolet MyLink. It looks good, is responsive, and even supports user logins, which bring all of your saved favorites (music, navigation, etc.) to the front and center, even if it’s your first time logging into that exact vehicle.
Upgrading to the Premier gets you factory navigation and a superior 8-speaker Bose audio system. The audio system’s superior sound quality is particularly noteworthy and surpasses that of most entry-level systems, providing a more enjoyable listening experience.
Surprisingly, the Volt doesn’t compromise much in terms of cargo capacity due to its electric powertrain. As a result, with 10.6 cubic feet of cargo space, it performs just as well as any other car of its size when it comes to road trips and airport runs.
The Chevrolet Volt’s wide hatch design is optimized for easy loading and unloading of cargo, while the 60/40-split rear seat configuration that comes standard provides added flexibility in accommodating larger items.
The 2019 Volt is offered in two trim options:
Standard feature highlights for the Volt LT include:
Option Comfort package is also available that includes:
If desired, leather upholstery can also be added to the LT Comfort package. In addition, buyers have the option to purchase a standalone eight-speaker Bose audio system and a faster 7.2-kWh onboard charging system.
When you upgrade to the Volt Premier, you get the LT’s equipment, the Comfort package’s contents, and the following features:
Both the LT and Premier trims can be ordered with a Driver Confidence package, which includes:
If you choose the Premier trim, you can also opt for the Driver Confidence 2 package (necessitates Driver Confidence package) which adds:
In addition, the Premier trim offers an optional navigation system and wireless charging pad for cell phones.
In contrast to other models from the automaker, there isn’t a stripped-down, basic option for the Volt, which means that the car is equipped with a plethora of features right from the get-go, particularly in terms of infotainment.
Nevertheless, the Premier trim is an appealing upgrade. It offers a broader range of standard comfort features and includes driver assistance options not found on the LT model. Additionally, the Premier comes equipped with a faster 7.2-kWh onboard charger as standard (an option that is available on the LT).
“Quick, Stable, and Efficient”
The 2019 Volt is powered by two electric motors that work in tandem with a 101 hp, 1.5-liter Inline-4 engine. The entirety of the powertrain in the Chevrolet Volt is driven by electric motors which draw power from an 18.4-kWh battery. However, in instances where the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine takes over as a generator to produce electricity.
What that essentially means In the real world is that the exceptional hybrid powertrain of the Chevrolet Volt allows for not only an impressive all-electric range of 53 miles but also delivers rapid acceleration and remarkably quiet operation. The electric motors’ swift torque delivery makes passing and uphill driving effortless for the Volt. At highway speeds, it also doesn’t feel underpowered, and the ride is exceptionally smooth overall. The engine and CVT operate in petrol mode.
When it comes to charging the Volt, there are various options:
Other PHEVs, including the Hyundai Ioniq and Ford C-Max Energi, which have all-electric driving ranges of only 29 and 25 miles, respectively, are outperformed by this vehicle’s 53-mile range. The Volt’s driving range grows to roughly 420 miles once the petrol engine starts.
The Volt earns an amazing EPA-estimated 106 MPGe combined when running exclusively on electricity, compared to the 42 mpg combined for hybrid mode.
In terms of urban transportation, an electric range of 53 miles seems to be a reasonably practical option. The brake regeneration elements function to recharge the battery during driving, leading to a gradual reduction in the electric range.
In addition, the Volts Regen on Demand feature allows for even more energy recuperation. By pressing the paddle on the steering wheel, more forceful regenerative braking is triggered, which means that you can recharge the hybrid battery pack more rapidly than by using the brake pedal. However, the feature intervenes sharply enough to jolt passengers’ heads forward when activated.
Of the various modes, the Volt’s Normal mode is the most well-balanced, offering a delightful combination of acceleration and power to overtake slower traffic, without significantly depleting battery charge.
Sport mode’s more aggressive acceleration may be a little too power-hungry for electrons. Thankfully, the Hold mode offers a solution for preserving the battery charge during extended periods of highway cruising. This feature enables the range-extender gas engine to handle the heavy workload while conserving electricity for stop-and-go traffic situations.
Upon driving the Volt for the first time, you’ll likely be taken aback by how quiet the hatchback is. Yes, the refinement and tranquility are quite obviously expected in the electric mode, however, it’s when you are running on gasoline, that you are taken by surprise. The second-generation Volt is now considerably more subdued. Engine noise is no longer an annoyance, and wind and road noise are noticeable but not excessive.
In addition, the Volt delivers a plush ride quality, effectively jolting out the harshness and road imperfections, resulting in a peaceful and smooth driving experience. The suspension system effectively dampens the impact of occasional bumps. However, on rougher terrain with multiple potholes and uneven patches, the car’s composure may be disrupted.
You’ll be pleased to learn that Chevrolet hasn’t resorted to blaming the drawbacks of hybrid technology for a subpar driving experience. In fact, the Volt drives confidently on the road, even in a class where some cars are notoriously uninspiring to drive. The balanced suspension tune and accurate steering allow the Volt to navigate corners with minimal fuss, maintaining a flat and fun attitude.
In addition, the regenerative braking system in the 2019 Volt functions seamlessly, without any of the quirks that are typical in many other vehicles. The blending of regenerative and conventional friction braking is so smooth that it is almost imperceptible to the driver.
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt receives a safety star for its excellent active safety features and overall high scores in crash tests.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2019 Volt with a five-star overall safety rating :
Crash Test | Rating |
Frontal crash | Five-Star |
Side Crash | Five-Star |
Rollover | Five-Star |
Overall Rating | Five-Star |
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave solid scores to the 2019 Volt:
Crash Test | Rating |
Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Front Crash Prevention | Superior/Advanced |
Small Overlap Front Driver Test | Good |
Side Impact Test | Good |
Headlights | Good/Acceptable |
While the 2019 Chevy Volt offers a range of active safety features, only the rearview camera and Chevy’s Teen driver monitor is included as standard on the base trim. To obtain additional features such as automatic emergency braking or blind-spot monitoring, you’ll need to pay extra.
Standard advanced safety features:
Available advanced safety features:
The Volt is an attractive option, boasting fast acceleration, stable handling, and outstanding fuel efficiency. Additionally, its smooth regenerative brakes and relatively comfortable ride make for an overall satisfying driving experience.
Moreover, the latest updates to the Volt enhance its appeal even further. For instance, the optional 7.2-kWh onboard charger reduces the charging time on 240-volt outlets by half, which is a significant improvement. Additionally, the vehicle now offers a new infotainment interface and an optional power-adjustable driver’s seat. Not to forget, the Volt comes loaded right from the base variant itself.
Yes, the Volt’s interior suffers from a lack of excitement or the ‘wow factor’, and its back seat space leaves much to be desired. Nevertheless, for individuals who appreciate the convenience of infrequent trips to the gas station without experiencing the range anxiety associated with a fully electric vehicle, these trade-offs may be well worth it.
Should I Buy a used 2019 Chevrolet Volt?
Undoubtedly, the 2019 Volt is a great option in the used hybrid car category. Despite having average cabin quality and limited rear seat space, it boasts a better all-electric range than many other plug-in hybrids. Moreover, its engine provides sufficient power for most driving scenarios. Not to forget, the Volt’s easy-to-use infotainment features, solid list of standard features, and plush front seats, that enhance the driving experience.
What Are the Best things about the 2019 Chevrolet Volt?
The best things about the 2019 Chevrolet Volt include:
2019 Chevrolet Volt vs 2019 Hyundai Ioniq: Which used plug-in hybrid should you consider?
When considering the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq and the Volt, it’s clear that both vehicles are highly comparable and the final decision ultimately comes down to individual preferences. Both cars possess powerful powertrains and boast an array of impressive features.
Nonetheless, the Volt has a notable advantage over the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid thanks to its impressive all-electric range of 53 miles, which significantly surpasses the Ioniq’s 29-mile range. For many prospective purchasers, this discrepancy in the electric range may prove to be the determining factor when choosing between the two models.