Flash Drive

2017 Chevy Volt

September 12, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier Hatchback

The 2017 Chevy Volt is externally identical to the sharp 2016 model.
The 2017 Chevy Volt is externally identical to the sharp 2016 model.

Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas plus twin electric motors, 149 horsepower (combined) 294 lb-ft torque (combined)

Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 42-mpg gas, 106-mpg electric

Base Price: $37,570

As Tested: $39,930

Performance:

Strong acceleration

Smooth, quiet operation

Excellent highway cruiser

Ideal around town car

Drive modes: Normal, Sport, Mountain, and Hold

The combination of a small (1.5-liter) gas engine and two electric motors give the Volt great range.
The combination of a small (1.5-liter) gas engine and two electric motors give the Volt great range.

Comfort:

Really a four-passenger car; rear middle almost unusable

Super stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Three temperature heated front seats

Single temperature heated rear seats

Seat height pump for both front seats

Soft, oversize center armrest

Lots of front headroom

Rear headroom tight due to roof slope

Snug rear seat; middle position a joke

Super thick, contoured, and heated leather steering wheel

Smooth tilt/telescopic column

Ample auxiliary steering wheel controls

The two front seats are very roomy and comfortable. Sadly, the same can't be said for the back seat.
The two front seats are very roomy and comfortable. Sadly, the same can’t be said for the back seat.

Voice recognition controls

Utility:

Oversize rear hatch

Excellent head clearance for hatch

Flat cargo floor

High lift-over height (8-9 inches)

Small amount of storage under cargo deck

Easy to fold split rear seats

Slight slope to folded seats

Medium size glovebox without lock

Medium size front door bins

No rear door bins

Medium capacity center console bin

Cell phone holder

Large infotainment screen

Two seatback storage pouches

There can be special parking benefits to driving an electric vehicle.
There can be special parking benefits to driving an electric vehicle.

WOW Factors:

Great fuel economy

Excellent safety features

Very good cargo capacity/flexibility

Handsome modern styling

Quality construction

Whines:

Backseat middle position almost impossible due to huge tunnel

No rear door bins

Roof slope hampers rear ingress/egress

Bottom Line:

The 2017 Chevy Volt is a gas/electric plug-in hybrid that makes a lot of sense and works very well. The flexibility of the gas engine eliminates range anxiety. Energy regeneration increases electric range. All the systems are smoothly integrated. The handsome hatchback design is great for cargo capacity and flexibility. Our

The Volt is a smooth highway cruiser. The stylish roof slope does hamper rear seat access.
The Volt is a smooth highway cruiser. The stylish roof slope does hamper rear seat access.

biggest complaint is the huge center battery tunnel that effectively eliminates the rear middle seating position.