Affordable EV Face-Off
Edmunds Compares Affordable Chevy Bolt and Redesigned Nissan Leaf EVs
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Edmunds has pitted two of the only new EVs under $30,000 against each other — and the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt edges out the 2026 Nissan Leaf as the better buy. Edmunds tested both cars head-to-head, finding the Bolt starts at $28,995 while the redesigned Leaf begins at $29,990. The Bolt wins on driving feel and charging speed, but the Leaf fights back with more cargo room and a bigger screen.
The Leaf has been around since 2010, making it the longest-running mass-market EV. The Bolt, which briefly disappeared from showrooms, is now back for 2027 with a fresh battery and a price that undercuts almost every other new electric car on the market, according to Edmunds.
Bolt Charges Faster and Handles Better on the Road
In Edmunds' real-world range test, the Bolt traveled 290 miles on a full charge. The Leaf went a bit farther at 310 miles. But on paper, the gap looks bigger than it is. The EPA rates the Leaf at 303 miles and the Bolt at just 262 miles — meaning Chevy under-promises and over-delivers, according to Edmunds.
Charging speed is where the Bolt pulls ahead. It goes from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes at a fast charger, says Autoweek. The Leaf takes about 35 minutes for the same charge. Both cars now use a NACS port — the same plug as a Tesla — so drivers can tap the entire Supercharger network. Edmunds also praised the Bolt's nimble handling, while calling the Leaf's ride "harsh and bouncy over rough asphalt," according to Edmunds.
Leaf Wins the Tech Battle With a Bigger Screen
Inside, the Leaf offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 14.3-inch digital gauge cluster — nearly 28 inches of display in total. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For drivers who want their phone apps on a big screen, the Leaf is the clear winner, Edmunds noted.
The Bolt runs dual 11-inch screens powered by Google's built-in system. But it dropped Apple CarPlay and Android Auto entirely. Some early owners say the Google system works fine, according to Torque News. Others call it a dealbreaker. Chevy's Scott Bell said the Bolt's return was "by popular demand," but the missing CarPlay has been the loudest complaint from shoppers.
Leaf Offers More Cargo Room, Bolt Costs Less
The Leaf is a subcompact crossover now, and it shows in cargo space. It offers 20 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Bolt gives you only 16.2 cubic feet. For families hauling groceries or strollers, that extra space matters, per Edmunds.
On price, the Bolt wins. At $28,995 including destination, it is today's most affordable new EV you can buy. The Leaf starts $995 higher. Both cars produce around 210 to 214 horsepower. And both may qualify for federal EV tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, which could push the Bolt's real cost well below $26,000, according to Car and Driver.
Bolt Is Edmunds' Pick, but May Not Last Long
Edmunds called the Bolt the better driving machine overall. Its faster charging, lower price, and sportier feel give it the edge for most buyers. Nissan's Vinay Shahani said the redesigned Leaf gives owners "more style, more technology, and a vastly improved driving range." But Edmunds' testing suggests the real-world difference is smaller than Nissan's marketing implies.
There is one catch for Bolt shoppers: Chevrolet has hinted the 2027 model may be a limited-run vehicle — a bridge to future models — which could mean tight inventory, according to Edmunds. Buyers who want one may need to move quickly. The Leaf, by contrast, is here for the long haul as Nissan's flagship affordable EV.
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