BMW i3 vs Chevrolet Bolt EV
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Overview
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Chevrolet Bolt EV1LT |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | 1LT |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | electric |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Engine type | electric | electric |
| Model year | 2021 | 2023 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Chevrolet Bolt EV1LT |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,450 | $26,500 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $14,970 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $18,483 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $21,995 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Chevrolet Bolt EV1LT |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPGe | 113 MPGe | 120 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | 153 mi | 259 mi (best) |
| Battery capacity | 42 kWh | 65 kWh (best) |
| 240V charge time | 7 hr (best) | 7.5 hr |
Performance
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Chevrolet Bolt EV1LT |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 200 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft (best) |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Chevrolet Bolt EV1LT |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume | 36.9 cu ft | 57 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,972 lbs (best) | 3,589 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 102.4 in (best) |
| Length | 158.3 in | 163.2 in (best) |
| Width | 69.9 in (best) | 69.5 in |
| Height | 62.9 in | 63.4 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Chevrolet Bolt EV1LT |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 3 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW i3 | Chevrolet Bolt EV |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $44,450 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 1LT $26,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $48,300 MSRP | 2LT $29,700 MSRP |
Live inventory
BMW i3 vs Chevrolet Bolt EV FAQ
- Which is better: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2021 BMW i3 vs 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV starts lower at $26,500. Live Chevrolet Bolt EV listings start at $14,970.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (26,500).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (259).
- Which has better horsepower: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV leads on horsepower in this comparison (200).
- Which has better seats: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2021 BMW i3 vs 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Bolt EV (5/5 NHTSA overall).