2018 Nissan Leaf vs. 2018 Chevy Bolt EV

Compact electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, so vehicle brands are stepping up their game when it comes to style, performance and features. Let's take a closer look at two popular electric vehicle options: the 2018 Nissan Leaf and the 2018 Chevy Bolt EV.

These cars both have a lot going for them. 

Let's take a closer look at the size of these vehicles first. In overall dimensions, the 2018 Nissan Leaf is 176.4 inches in length, 61.4 inches in height, and 70.5 inches in width. The 2018 Chevy Bolt is 164 inches in length, 62.8 inches in height and 69.5 inches in width. As far as cargo space goes, the Leaf has 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Bolt's 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Both of these vehicles have a passenger capacity of 5. The 2018 Nissan Leaf has a passenger volume of 92.4 cubic feet including 52.5 inches of second row shoulder room. The 2018 Chevy Bolt has a passenger volume of 95 cubic feet. This includes 52.8 inches of second row shoulder room.

As you can see, the Nissan Leaf is slightly bigger than the Bolt and this gives you the practicality of added cargo space in your vehicle. The Leaf allows you to store more cargo and still fit all your passengers comfortably.

As far as exterior style goes, these vehicles has a lot of similarities. Both have the hatchback look. Both vehicles were designed to give you an aerodynamic look and feel. 

The Chevy Bolt is a little taller and it makes the angles of the car seem a bit sharper. The Premier trim will give the Bolt an upgraded look with chrome trim and fancier wheels.

The Nissan Leaf has angular projector-beam headlights and a more v-shaped grille to give it an edgier look that the previous version. The front hood also has some creases to make the vehicle look a bit sportier.

Next, let's take a look at the motor on these two vehicles. The 2018 Nissan Leaf has stepped up the power from their last motor. The new electric motor gives you 147-horsepower. The Leaf's EV powertrain also includes a single-speed transmission and a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The official mileage range hasn't been released by the EPA, but estimates are about 150 miles on a single charge. That is about the average estimate.

The 2018 Chevy Bolt EV gives you an electric motor with a 60-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This motor gives you an estimated 200-horsepower. As for the range of the Bolt EV, this vehicle has an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles.

Both of these vehicles give you an electric performance. However, even though the Leaf has stepped up its engine power, its range doesn't quite match that of the Chevrolet Bolt.

The 2018 Nissan Leaf has three trim options with a variety of different features offer in each one. The base trim the Leaf S gives you essential features you need like a 5-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a proximity key, a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking and a push button start. This trim option will cost you $29,990.

The next step up is the SV and this trim costs you $32,490. However, this trim gives you significant upgrades in technology. Here you get the NissanConnect infotainment interface, a 7-inch infotainment display along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This trim also gives you navigation, voice-activated commands, HD Radio, six speakers and adaptive cruise control.

Finally, you can get the SL for $36,200. This option includes luxury features like heated front seats, a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system and more. You can also get safety features like a driver drowsiness monitor, rear cross traffic alert, an Around View Mirror and a blind spot monitoring system.

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has only two trim options for you to choose from. The first is the Bolt LT. The LT will cost you $36,620 and it includes features like a rearview camera, push button start, proximity keyless entry, and an infotainment system. You also get a 10.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Teen Driver, Bluetooth and more.

The Bolt Premier adds leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, surround vision, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and rear parking sensors. The Chevrolet Bolt Premier will cost you $40,905.

Both of these vehicles have a lot of features to offer you. However, the Nissan Leaf seems to do so for a better price. You can get the highest trim level of the Nissan Leaf for less than the entry level trim for the Bolt. The high-end Nissan Leaf SL gives you many of the safety features the Bolt Premier does, but for about $4,000 less. Overall, the Nissan Leaf provides you with great features for a more affordable price.

Both of these vehicles have a lot of great features. You have to pick out which features are most important to you, and decide which car gives you the features you want for the best price.

The Nissan Leaf gives you a little bit more space with good passenger volume as well as great cargo space for a vehicle its size. The Chevy Bolt has okay cargo space, but it is less than that of the Leaf.

As far as styling goes, these vehicles are pretty similar in their look. They both give you a hatchback with dramatic lines, headlights and grilles.

When you move on to performance, the Bolt takes over a bit. This vehicle offers a longer range than that of the Nissan Leaf. The Leaf has increased its horsepower to 147 and its range to 150 miles, but that isn't quite as far as the Bolt's 238-mile range.

Lastly, we took a look at features and pricing. This is where the Nissan Leaf beats out the competition. It is a much cheaper vehicle than the Bolt. The Leaf offers great features at a price that is significantly lower than the Chevy Bolt.