The ideal family car is compact enough for the city yet big enough for trips. Chevy Bolt and the 2023 Prius fit the description perfectly. The former is the cheapest electric vehicle out there. At just under $27,000, it is surprisingly cheaper than the Prius. The 2023 Prius is a hybrid vehicle that allows you to save on gas while delivering higher performance and a greater operational range. While picking the right car can be tricky, this head-to-head between the Chevy Bolt vs. 2023 Prius might help you out.
Chevy Bolt Vs. 2023 Prius: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chevy Bolt | 2023 Prius | |
|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 2023 | 2023 |
| Vehicle type | Electric | Hybrid |
| Class | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Power | 200hp | 196hp |
| Top speed | 90.1mph | 113mph |
| Operational range | Up to 258 miles per charge | Up to 640 miles per full tank |
| Acceleration (0 to 60mps) | 6.5 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | On-demand AWD |
| Number of seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo capacity | 57 cu. ft. | 20.3 cu. ft. |
| Wheels | 17” | 19” |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Starting price | $26,500 | $27,450 |
Chevy Bolt Vs. 2023 Prius: What’s the Difference?
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Chevrolet introduced the world’s cheapest electric vehicle in 2016. Bolt was a huge hit from the start, but the production was ground to a halt in 2022 due to a massive recall involving the vehicle’s battery packs. These defects seem to have been corrected promptly, as the 2023 Chevy Bolts have already hit the road.
Older than Chevy Bolt, the first Toyota Prius was introduced in 2000. At the time, it was one of the few hybrid cars, albeit also one of the ugliest models on the market. Without compromising safety and performance, the automaker reinvented the model into the freshly-looking and eye-catchy 2023 Prius. Both cars are relatively similar in size and price but very different in performance and driving experience. Find out how they compare and which you should buy.
Vehicle Type
A key difference between Chevy Bolt and the 2023 Prius is the type of vehicle. Chevy Bolt is a fully electric vehicle. It doesn’t have a fuel tank and runs completely on rechargeable batteries. This makes it a car of the future, considering that the U.S. government plans to stop purchases of gas-fueled vehicles by 2023. The surprising thing about the Bolt is that it is an affordable electric vehicle, which is quite rare for a full-size car.
Toyota Prius has been a faithful companion to hybrid vehicle enthusiasts for over two decades. The 2023 model brings a surprising upgrade in style, but the principle under the hood remains the same. This car features a gas engine and an electric motor. They work together to increase fuel efficiency and the operational range, but the electric part is co-dependent on its gas-fueled one.
The 2023 Prius can’t run on an electric engine alone. It’s unlike the Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid that can switch from gas to electric if you run out of fuel. Without gas, the Prius will stop. Toyota has brought an upgrade in this sector, too, by allowing drivers to use the electric motor only under special circumstances.
Class and Design
While the differences in engine technology are not visible to the naked eye – at least, not without looking under the hood – the difference in class and design are evident at first glance. Chevy Bolt is a hatchback ideal for those who value utility over form. The car doesn’t have much going on from an aesthetic standpoint, but it isn’t the ugliest, either. Its main advantage over the Prius is the generous headroom for the rear passengers, in addition to the generous trunk.
The 2023 Prius transformed from an unremarkable car into a stylish sedan. This vehicle impresses with smooth, elegant lines, redesigned headlights and taillights, wider (21-inch) wheels, and a fashionable appearance. Contributing to the appeal is the fixed glass roof that comes as standard on the 2023 Prius Limited or as an optional on the XLE. Sure, if you’d rather have form, you’ll have to compromise on utility. Prius’ trunk is relatively small. If you’re an active family who loves road trips, this element alone might cut back the charm.
Performance
While the 2023 Prius is less spacious than Chevy Bolt, it definitely wins points as far as performance is concerned. The gasoline engine is powerful enough to output 196 horsepower. It isn’t lightning-fast in acceleration, but the 7.1 seconds required to go from 0mph to 60mph are an improvement compared to earlier versions.
Top speed isn’t disappointing, either. It goes as fast as 113mph, and being a Toyota, you can rest assured the declared top speed is the one you’ll get. Fuel economy is also great for a gas car, with various driving modes allowing you to choose between fuel efficiency and top performance. On a full tank and in normal driving mode, you’ll get an operational range of 640 miles.
Chevy Bolt might be a fairly new model, but its performance and battery economy resemble those of earlier electric vehicles. Unlike Tesla, which has an operational range of around 300 to 350 miles, the Bolt’s operational range is roughly 258 miles. Considering that’s the maximum it can run on a full charge under ideal conditions, you’ll likely have to recharge it faster.
Replenishing the battery is a relatively slow affair. You’ll have to wait for about 30 minutes to get 100 miles of charge. The good news is that it charges via a standard 120-volt or 240-volt cord. So, you won’t have to worry about finding a special charging station.
Chevrolet developed the myChevrolet Mobile App to make life easier. Its Energy Assist function can help you plan your routes based on charging station availability.
Safety Features
Neither of the two cars compromises on safety. Chevy Bolt comes with Chevy Safety Assist as standard. The suite includes a variety of safety features, including assisted braking at pedestrian crossings, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane keep assist. Other safety systems include a following distance indicator and intelligent auto-high beams, plus 10 airbags inside the vehicle.
The 2023 Prius features Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0. The suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. Similar to the Bolt, Prius features high beams but also proactive driving assist. This feature uses cameras and radar to assist in steering into curves and help navigate busy roads.
Comfort
While the 2023 Prius delivers enhanced performance, Chevy Bolt gains points in terms of comfort. The hatchback design ensures plenty of headroom for the rear passengers. The trunk is also generously sized, and when the rear seat backrests are lowered, it provides a whopping 57 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Whether you love going on trips or need a large trunk to haul equipment and materials, you’ll have plenty of space in the Chevy.
The new 2023 Prius features elegant lines, but the stylish appearance can’t make up for the small cargo capacity and less-than-comfortable rear seats. Even if the car is plenty spacious, the lower roof makes it a bit claustrophobic if you’re taller. As far as the cargo capacity goes, you’ll only get 20.3 cubic feet.
User Interface
In modern cars, comfort goes beyond ergonomic seating and cargo capacity. The infotainment system can make or break the deal. However, neither Chevy Bolt nor the 2023 Prius disappoints. Both vehicles come with intuitive infotainment screens, even though there are some differences between the two.
The 2023 Prius features a 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen designed by JBL. Based on Android Auto, the console is incredibly intuitive and packed with features. You can connect to your Google account to use Google Maps for seamless navigation and pair your phone or mobile device with the car.
The system is compatible with Apple and Android phones alike, and it is compatible with Apple CarPlay, too. Toyota also gives Prius owners a 3-month SiriusXM® Platinum Plan trial so that they can listen to ad-free music or shows ranging from sports and news to comedy and beyond.
Chevy Bolt offers a smaller driver infotainment center, but the platform is still based on wireless Android Auto. The features and functions are similar to those seen in the Prius. Alexa is built-in, and the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, allowing for seamless connectivity with most mobile devices.
Price
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For most people, price is a major factor that weighs in the decision to buy a car. Chevy Bolt and the 2023 Prius are similarly priced, but the former is slightly more affordable. Without any add-ons, the basic version of the Chevy Bolt EV can set you back $26,500. Similarly, a basic 2023 Prius with no add-ons – and no panoramic roof – has a starting point of $27,450.
Prices go up on both cars if you decide to add optional features or customize the paint color. Some versions are also more expensive than others. However, one thing turns everything in Bolt’s favor. Buying an EV makes you eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Eligibility is subject to the household income, and you may not receive the full credit amount. However, if you are, you can actually get the Chevy for under $20,000.
Chevy Bolt Vs. 2023 Prius: X Must-Known Facts
- Chevy Bolt is currently the cheapest full-size electric vehicle on the market and comes in two versions.
- Bolt EV is a hatchback with a generous cargo capacity and comfortable seating for five people and is ideal for city use. Chevy Bolt EUV has similar features but is a compact crossover.
- 2023 Prius is Toyota’s high-performing hybrid vehicle with an upgraded design and new features compared to its predecessors.
- Chevy Bolt and the 2023 Prius come with similar safety features. Toyota wins on performance, but the Chevy is better in terms of utility.
- Both vehicles have almost the same pricing, but Bolt is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
Chevy Bolt Vs. 2023 Prius: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Get?
With similar prices and features, deciding between the Chevy Bolt and the 2023 Prius is tough. Both cars are ideal for families and everyday use. They are compact enough for the city, yet a good choice for travel, too. When it comes to picking one, you should think about your needs.
Do you want a green car that’s eligible for tax credit and won’t get banned come 2035? Chevy Bolt is the right one. This EV provides plenty of space and sufficient operational range for a car in its price range. The Bolt is also the right choice if you want a larger cargo capacity.
If you want to drive an elegant car, the 2023 Prius is your best bet. This hybrid vehicle is surprisingly stylish and boasts incredible performance. It has a good fuel economy and an operational range of over 600 miles. The only thing it lacks is a larger trunk.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock.com.
