2027 Chevrolet BOLT vs. 2026 Nissan LEAF

InsideEVs says the Nissan Leaf's 75-kWh lithium-ion battery delivers 303 miles on a full charge with a 35-minute 10-80% DC fast charge, versus the Chevrolet Bolt's smaller 65-kWh LFP battery rated at a GM-estimated 255 miles with a claimed 26-minute top-up, with the Bolt's 210-hp front motor lacking torque at 169 lb-ft compared to the Leaf's 214 hp and 261 lb-ft, while the Bolt is notably lighter at 3,776 pounds versus the Leaf's 4,206. GM Authority says the Bolt enjoys bragging rights as America's most affordable EV until the lower-priced Leaf S arrives, though the Leaf beats the Bolt on torque and range, while the smaller Bolt has much more rear legroom than the Leaf.

Which to choose, and why

The Leaf has more range and torque

InsideEVs (opens in a new tab) says the Nissan Leaf's 75-kWh lithium-ion battery delivers 303 miles on a full charge with a 35-minute 10-80% DC fast charge, versus the Chevrolet Bolt's smaller 65-kWh LFP battery rated at a GM-estimated 255 miles with a claimed 26-minute top-up, with the Bolt's 210-hp front motor lacking torque at 169 lb-ft compared to the Leaf's 214 hp and 261 lb-ft, while the Bolt is notably lighter at 3,776 pounds versus the Leaf's 4,206.

The Bolt is the cheapest EV in America, with more rear legroom

GM Authority (opens in a new tab) says the Bolt enjoys bragging rights as America's most affordable EV until the lower-priced Leaf S arrives, though the Leaf beats the Bolt on torque and range, while the smaller Bolt has much more rear legroom than the Leaf.

Questions buyers ask

Which has more range, the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf?

InsideEVs (opens in a new tab) says the Leaf, at 303 miles versus the Bolt's 255.

Which has more rear legroom, the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf?

GM Authority (opens in a new tab) says the Bolt, despite being the smaller car.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Chevrolet BOLT: 1 records · Nissan LEAF: 3 records.

Decision field	Chevrolet BOLT	Nissan LEAF
Exact EPA records	1	3
Model / option labels	1	3
Drive layouts	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	Electric motor / not listed	Electric motor / not listed
Transmissions	Automatic (A1)	Automatic (A1)
Fuel types	Electricity	Electricity
EPA classes	Small Station Wagons	Small Station Wagons
Combined efficiency	120 MPG/MPGe	103–121 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	262 miles	259–303 miles
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$650 per year	$650–750 per year

Head to head

Chevrolet BOLT vs. Nissan LEAF: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Chevrolet BOLT	Nissan LEAF
Starting price (KBB base)	$28,995	$31,535
Top trim price (KBB base)	$32,995	$40,535
Horsepower	210 hp	174-214 hp
Torque	169 lb-ft	250-261 lb-ft
Curb weight	3,776-3,807 lb	4,187-4,369 lb
Length	169.6 in	173.4 in
Wheelbase	105.3 in	105.9 in
Cargo volume	16.2 cu ft	35.9 cu ft
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Basic warranty	3 years	3 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2027 and 2026 model years); prices are KBB base prices.

The Chevrolet BOLT starts $2,540 lower: $28,995 against $31,535 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the Nissan LEAF leads: 214 hp against 210 hp.
On peak torque, the Nissan LEAF leads: 261 lb-ft against 169 lb-ft.
The Chevrolet BOLT is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 3,776 lb against 4,187 lb.
On length, the Nissan LEAF leads: 173.4 in against 169.6 in.
On wheelbase, the Nissan LEAF leads: 105.9 in against 105.3 in.
On cargo volume, the Nissan LEAF leads: 35.9 cu ft against 16.2 cu ft.
Both list the same seating capacity: 5 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 3 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Chevrolet BOLT and the Nissan LEAF.

2027 Chevrolet BOLT

The Chevrolet Bolt (marketed in Europe as Opel Ampera-e) is a family of battery electric subcompact hatchbacks and small crossover SUVs manufactured and marketed by General Motors under its Chevrolet brand from late 2016, with hiatuses in 2021-2022 and 2023–2025. The 2017-2023 Bolt EV are hatchbacks, while the 2021-2023 Bolt EUV and 2027 Bolt are slightly larger subcompact crossover SUVs. The first-generation Bolt was developed and manufactured with LG Corporation.

Recalls and problems: In November 2020, 50,932 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles of model year 2017–2019 were recalled due to potential fire risk. According to GM, these vehicles contained high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem's Ochang plant that may pose a risk of fire "when charged to full, or very close to full, capacity".

Source: Chevrolet Bolt (Wikipedia)

2026 Nissan LEAF

The Nissan Leaf is a battery electric car produced by Nissan since 2010. It was offered exclusively as a 5-door hatchback until 2025, when it became a crossover SUV model. The term "LEAF" serves as a backronym to leading environmentally-friendly affordable family car.

Safety: Awards The Leaf was chosen as one of the Top 10 Tech Cars by the US IEEE in 2018. In 2022, the Leaf was chosen as the 'Best Family Electric Car' at the UK Carbuyer’s Best Used Car Awards.

Source: Nissan Leaf (Wikipedia)

Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)

July 2026, Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Retractor. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The outer rear seat belt automatic locking retractors (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent a child restraint system (CRS) from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with… Consequence: An improperly secured child restraint system may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
March 2026, Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage that can cause a short circuit within the battery module. Consequence: A short circuit in a high voltage battery module increases the risk of a fire.

Open both dossiers

Resolve the exact engine, drive and EPA ID.

01 · 2027Chevrolet BOLT1 configurations →02 · 2026Nissan LEAF3 configurations →

Comparison answer desk

14 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2027 Chevrolet BOLT or the 2026 Nissan LEAF?

Efficiency

The 2027 Chevrolet BOLT lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (120 vs. the 2026 Nissan LEAF's 112 MPG/MPGe).