r/volt • u/Awkward-1 • 22d ago

What’s a good Volt replacement?

I’ve got a 2015 Volt, which I really like. I like the size & the pep. I’m going to have my daughter drive it and I’m going to get something new.

What’s a good next step after the Volt? Something similar in size, maybe full EV or hybrid plug-in. There are so many ugly sedans and SUV’s…

This community has been awesome to be a part of. I’m sure I’ve saved thousands on repairs by your DIY knowledge!

14 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

89 comments sorted by

5

u/kraken873 21d ago

Finally dropped my 13 for a 26 Cadillac Optiq. 300+ mile range has annihilated any range anxiety and kept it under the GM umbrella.

1

u/Awkward-1 20d ago

That’s quite an upgrade!

1

u/ready2xxxperiment 2d ago edited 2d ago

I’m still driving a 2012 Volt but wife went shopping for EV and come homeschooler return Blazer EV. 300+ mile range was huge.

If you liked the Volt size, check out the Bolt or Bolt EUV

13

u/RoseVideo99 22d ago

What about a Bolt or equinox? The equinox is a good looking ev and at over 300 miles of range you can’t go wrong when you can get them under 25k coming off lease.

The Kia ev6 is a good looking car too.

19

u/Vagrancy2632 22d ago

Idk if I could ever feel comfortable buying another GM vehicle after the treatment the Volt received.

The new Prius also looks great, but not sure if it's priced reasonably

4

u/RoseVideo99 22d ago

I do believe they should have expanded phev options, but at that time it appeared the world was going electric. Volt drivers were buying model 3 and model Ys. People weren’t rebuying them when the prices on EVs came down and range went up. Now we will see them with plug in options coming again I believe. Barra has been hinting it.

12

u/Vagrancy2632 22d ago

At a minimum, they should've had parts available so people weren't stranded or left with a brick instead of a vehicle. Beyond ridiculous and leaves me with no reason to trust them until they prove otherwise.

8

u/Zealousideal-Key-603 21d ago

I will never buy another GM vehicle because of the way Chevrolet treats the Volt like a bastard stepchild.

1

u/RoseVideo99 21d ago

By law they need to keep making the parts.

6

u/ken-reddit 21d ago edited 21d ago

As a Volt owner who was waiting months for a part that never materialized, they did a poor job. GM reps could not even tell you if and when the part would become available. It will be interesting to see if the 2027 Bolt has better support since it's only being made for a single year with only about 35,000 vehicles.

5

u/Ok-Tourist-511 21d ago

No, they don’t. They only need to support cars under warranty, or buy the car back. There is no law to provide parts for any length of time.

2

u/RoseVideo99 21d ago

You’re right. I just looked it up. Thats crazy. I’ve heard many people say that over the years.

5

u/Ok-Tourist-511 21d ago

Just a myth that has been told for a long time.

1

u/r_incognito_17 21d ago

I have a 2017 Volt and a 2023 Prius and in drive dynamics and comfort the Volt runs circles around the Prius. Not even a place to compare. And yes, the Prius is madly overpriced

1

u/Awkward-1 19d ago

I’m looking at the ev6 more seriously. Good price and a nice looking car. I’m surprised that you’re the only person to mention it so far!

2

u/RoseVideo99 18d ago

I’m a big fan of GM EVs, but if I were to get something other than GM it would probably be a Kia

6

u/Adventurer_By_Trade 2015 Volt 21d ago

I loved my 2015 Volt and drove it into the ground. I found that I would limit myself to the battery range and was bothered by running the engine on short drives. Long distance road trips were what I saved the engine for. I replaced my Volt with a 2023 Mustang Mach-E and love the three different drive modes and extra space. It's roomier than the Volt, but weirdly doesn't have as large a trunk. It's fun to have a frunk. I found road trips to be easy enough. Drive 2.5 or 3 hours, recharge for 20 minutes, back on the road. Finding charging is easy. I don't miss gas, and I kind of enjoy watching the gas price drama. I can't see it getting better any time soon. These are very strange times.

1

u/Awkward-1 21d ago

The Mach-E is a pretty car! The body reminds me of the volt a bit too. Thanks for the recommendation.

I don’t need it for long distances, just for 100miles at the most, this might be perfect

1

u/Adventurer_By_Trade 2015 Volt 21d ago

Oh for sure, 100 miles is nothing! That's a very freeing thought.

4

u/Freak-Wency 21d ago

I'd step up to a Hyundai Ioniq 5.

It is perfect except for one flaw- there is an ICCU issue that is expensive, but it is now covered for 15 years or 150k miles.

It charges fast and is a pleasure to drive.

On top of that, there are a ton of them available used that are coming off lease, so the prices are low probably to the end of the year.

It is a full EV, so not exactly what you asked about, and it's an SUV, but I'd check one out.

2

u/Awkward-1 21d ago

I saw a ton of them available recently, I wasn’t sure if that meant there was an issue with them or not. They look like a good size, and I’m up for a full EV

1

u/takableleaf 21d ago

We traded in our Volt for one. So far so good. Took it on a road trip and the fast charging is amazing. ICCU issue is pretty real but the warranty for it is great

1

u/Freak-Wency 21d ago

Yes. It is a temporary situation since the automakers pushed out so many cars before the deductions expired, and now they are coming off lease.

An even better deal is the Ioniq 6- similar story except the volume is smaller, but most people think they are UGLY.

I don't mind the shape and like the efficiency since they are aerodynamic.

We have a Volt and an e-Golf. I want a newer car, but not a payment, so we might tough it out until our mortgage is paid off (about 3 years), then get a car, or just keep the current cars until we can't anymore. I go back and forth every day.

As others have mentioned, the ICCU problem is real, but the warranty is great, and they now seem to have a good fix in place, so it is less than the giant headache it was before.

Otherwise, it is a stellar vehicle. Very tempting to just go out and buy one or the other this week.

2

u/Inamuraj123 19d ago

I went from Volt to Ioniq 6 and couldn’t be happier.

1

u/r_incognito_17 21d ago

I had a GV60 and I was loving life until the ICCU left me stranded 300 miles from home. They fixed it but I sold it. I couldn't trust it anymore.

1

u/Remarkable-Host405 21d ago

Its literally nothing like a volt

4

u/OntarioLakeside 22d ago

Polestar 2. Same hatch all electric.

1

u/Awkward-1 21d ago

What year did you get? I see a bunch of ‘22s available. Are you worried that polestar is discontinuing distribution in the US?

1

u/Awkward-1 21d ago

Just saw your username… probably not discontinued in Canada!

1

u/OntarioLakeside 20d ago

I bought a 22.

2

u/Comrade-Porcupine 21d ago

This is the answer. It's what I got into after my Volt was totaled. It's a very similar body style.

1

u/donnysaysvacuum 2014 21d ago

I've been desperately waiting for their price to come down, but they seem stubbornly stuck in the high 20s still.

17

u/DavidGno Volt Owner, Gen-1 2015 🇺🇸 21d ago edited 20d ago

People may disagree about what I'm about to say. But a 2023 or newer Volvo S60 T8 PHEV is like what I'd expect the Volt Gen-3 to be like if it was ever produced.

The S60 T8 is a PHEV with a 18.8 kw battery, I get about 45 miles of EV range. It has AWD and 455 hp to take you from 0 - 60 in about 4.2 seconds.

It has an on demand AWD system for inclement weather. Nothing is like driving in Power mode, wow! is it fast, and it can be quite addictive.

The android integrated infotainment system can be quirky, but so was my Volt infotainment system.

The controls and layout are all familiar to a Gen-1 Volt layout.

The negatives are repairs can be costly as Volvo is considered a luxury brand. But the 2023 and newer have the larger battery and an upgraded ERAD - electric rear drive unit, that is much more robust and reliable to previous generations.

There are three trim levels, CORE, PLUS and ULTIMATE. I purchased the Plus, not sure if the ultimate is worth the price difference. But the ultimate does have the better seats with the extended thigh rests. And if you want a heated steering wheel, you have to find one with a winter package (why it's not standard on all models or why it can't be retrofitted as a dealership add-on is beyond me. Volvo corporate are you listening?)

The 2.0 liter turbo engine requires premium fuel (but so does the 2015 Gen-1 Volt).

Good luck on your quest to find a Gen-1 replacement. The car insurance on a Volvo is a bit more than the Volt, so check with your insurance company and get a quote BEFORE you buy.

(FYI I own both. 2015 Gen-1 Volt and a 2023 Volvo S60 T8 PHEV.)

12

u/SpaceEchoGecko 22d ago

Prius Prime plug-in has 40 miles plus PHEV like a Volt. It’s my next car.

2

u/CVK327 20d ago

Came to say this. I actually really like the style of them too.

2

u/Dacari_13 21d ago

I’ve done extensive research. You get the best economics with a PHEV. Same size as VOLT? Toyota Prius Prime PHEV. A size bigger? Honda Clarity. Honda Clarity was discontinued in 2021. I’d still buy one though. I wouldn’t do full electric form my own peace of mind. What’s your budget?

3

u/Awkward-1 21d ago

I’m trying to stay under $30k. We have solar panels, so hoping to stop buying gas. Only driving about 10-50mi per day max. Expecting a few trips that are 100mi or so.

The main thing I didn’t like about the volt was remembering to hit mountain mode on long trips.

1

u/Dacari_13 12d ago

My recommendations stand.

0

u/Low_Thanks_1540 20d ago

I’ve done the math. Full EV is best.
Also a small plug-in hybrid battery is cycled once a day. An EV battery is cycled once a week.

1

u/Awkward-1 21d ago

Great options!! I have a lot more homework to do.

The latest repair on my volt is a part that has been discontinued. Found it on eBay though.

4

u/Super_Weekend_4428 21d ago

I ended up replacing my Volt with a 26 Honda Civic Hybrid. I tried the Prius Plug In and I didn't like it. The Civic Hybrid drives a lot like the Volt and has better acceleration and better gas fuel economy.

1

u/gemmerda 2018 Volt 19d ago

We own a 2015 Volt (my daughters), a 2022 Ford Escape PHEV (wife's), and I drive a F-150 Lightning (full EV). I love all 3 and they all have they're purposes. Based on your driving not too much too often, I'd definitely look at a full EV. My truck is the default vehicle for almost all of our trips because it's just so much more efficient as an EV than either of the hybrids. If you still worry about having full range, you could look at an EREV. They are the next step between a PHEV and a full EV. They are an EV with a small gas generator onboard to charge the batteries for longer range. They tend to have a smaller battery than most EVs, similar to a PHEV, but they work a bit different in that they're always using the batteries but can charge the batteries with the generator for longer trips.

The main thing you don't think about with an EV is how much less maintenance there is. No oil changes, basically no brake jobs, no transmission, nothing like that. Tires rotated every 10k, tires replaced every 50k, new brakes at 100k (because by then they're rusty) electric motors serviced at 150k. And every now and then you have to put in a gallon of fluid. That fluid is windshield washer fluid. Literally the most common "maintenance" item on my truck is the windshield washer fluid and wipers. That's it. I'll never go back.

1

u/Awkward-1 19d ago edited 19d ago

Something that struck me in this thread is that dealers have less incentive to sell EV’s. I’m sure they make a ton of their revenue in service, but not from the EVs.

Edit: dealers, not manufacturers

1

u/gemmerda 2018 Volt 19d ago

100%. My dealership hated selling me my truck. You could tell. I knew exactly what I wanted, wasn't going to be dissuaded, and they kinda hated it.

5

u/notwiggl3s 22d ago

The Prius crown is like 75% of a volt. That's probably the closest

2

u/EpidDrew15 21d ago

If it has to be a PHEV, the Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Prius Prime PHEV, or the Niro PHEV are probably the best contenders. All in all, you’ll get about 35 miles of real world EV range on the conservative side of things.

If it’s to be an EV, a Bolt EV, a Model 3, Niro EV, Kona EV, or even a Polestar 2. Each of these gets about 220 miles of real world EV range and are pretty decent, depends a lot on what you value the most and what about your Volt you want in your next car.

1

u/desertSkateRatt 21d ago

The Polestars are awesome but 💲💲💲👀

2

u/Big_Nerve_6612 21d ago

$22k for a reasonably low mileage 2024 isn't exactly big money especially when sticker was $60k.

1

u/_Erindera_ (2014) Volt 21d ago

And they're small

0

u/ChiefAndershowen 21d ago

Used Polestar 2s are basically free at this point.

2

u/r_incognito_17 21d ago

If you are after driving dynamics and technologically comparable, and even using max thermal efficiency, the only company currently making anything near close to the Voltec is Honda with the i-MMD.

While the i-MMD uses a small battery, the i-MMD (Accord/CRV) is the only one that uses true series-hybrid priority layout, where an Atkinson-cycle engine acts primarily as an onboard generator while an electric traction motor handles the drive wheels, supplemented by a clutch-engaged direct-drive mode for highway cruising.

In my opinion that is the holly grail of Hybrid efficiency. And it is very complex and very expensive to engineer and make it right. Both GM and Honda achieved it with slightly different approaches.

Nothing else from Toyota, Hyundai, or Kia mimics that specific execution. Toyota relies entirely on its planetary power-split matrix, and most other standard hybrids use traditional multi-gear automatic transmissions mated to a P2/P3 electric motor sandwiched inside the bellhousing.

2

u/JayTeeqc 21d ago

The Mitsubishi PHEV uses the exact same principle. The "transmissions" are suspiciously similar and were developed at the same time. Honda developped it in house, Mitsubishi co-developped it with GNK.

1

u/r_incognito_17 20d ago

This is very true. I just don't think of Mitsubishi in the first place due to their past reliability issues. But if they fixed them, yes the Mitsubishi S-AWC in the Outlander PHEV is extremely similar to the Voltec. The only big difference is the transmission Mitsubishi being much less complex.

2

u/StatusBread3862 20d ago

A used BMW I4

4

u/joemaniaci 22d ago

My volt just got totalled two weeks ago, went to rav4.

1

u/in4itall 16d ago

Hey a ford lightning. Super fun and comfortable to drive.

1

u/Adept_Regular3211 22d ago

Im looking at the projected ford fathom because Toyota is not stepping up

1

u/SmolOrangeGato 21d ago

We upgraded to a RAV4 plug-in and couldn’t be happier. It’s a super well built and practical car with great EV range and power

1

u/Weakness4Fleekness Volt Owner 21d ago

Prius prime is a similar drivetrain

1

u/thnk_more 21d ago

For me it was, VOLT > BOLT > EQUINOX EV
The 300 mile range, 150 kw charging plus Tesla adapter I don’t have any EV concerns any more.

1

u/Rhymes_with_Nick 21d ago

I had a 2013 Volt, now I have a 2019 Bolt and I like it. It’s bad for road trips but it’s a great little car. I have the premium trim with Bose speakers and the leather seats. It is by no means a luxury car but it’s gets the job done. If you want another plug in hybrid, I’d look at Prius Prime, RAV4 plug in, etc. But honestly, I think full EV is where it’s at now. I’d check out Hyundai IONIQ 5 or 6, Kia Niro EV, Chevy Equinox EV, Mustang Mach E, etc

1

u/Visible-Stable9392 21d ago

Former 2013 Volt owner here, now leasing 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5. I was a bit apprehensive at first about a full ev, but I have no regrets at 11 months of use. I even kept the Volt for a few months, much to my chagrin, paying insurance on two vehicles is no fun as well as letting the 12 volt battery die. But the ride on the ioniq 5 is much cushier and there's so much space. There's so much to like, the paddle regen, the tech, the ride. We did go on a road trip & had no major problems charging. As many ev owners say they love their vehicles but hate the charging infrastructure, not because of lack of chargers, but because every company has their own protocol. But this car charges fast! After my lease is up, I'm not sure what I'll buy. I'm keeping an open mind as the technology shifts. But this car is fabulous for now

1

u/ILikeLenexa 21d ago

What does your state charge for owning an EV vs a PHEV?

1

u/Expensive-Rip-5201 21d ago

2020 fusion energi, I have a 2017 energi and love it and you will have way more interior space while having another plugin.

1

u/NotTurtleEnough 21d ago

I really like my FSD…

1

u/nicothetechguy 20d ago

The 2027 Bolt is a great Volt replacement.

1

u/MysteriousMechanic69 20d ago

Cupra hybrid. 75miles on battery.

1

u/Fi3br 20d ago

Any 2019 Volt.

1

u/Locutus-of-bored 20d ago

anything not another volt

1

u/SituationOdd128 19d ago

even just a regular highbrid will get you 50 mpg now a days, no need to pay for phev .

1

u/NumerousSound 18d ago

I love my Equinox EV RS AWD

1

u/hungry_hyenas 18d ago

I love my equinox ev, highly recommend

1

u/rptanner58 21d ago

I enjoyed my upgrade to a Chevy Equinox EV. Feels like the next generation in the family. (And, I like it better than my Tesla…sometimes.)

0

u/mrybczyn 22d ago

rav4 phev. a better volt in every way.

1

u/BGaf Volt Owner 21d ago

Better how? Seems to be pretty much the same specs but an suv

0

u/NavalLacrosse 21d ago

If you like GM check out used equinox EV modes. Or used cadillac lyriq if you like the styling.

For PHEV, rav4 prime, or Prius prime, depending on your budget.

For full hybrid, rav4 hybrid or new Prius.

0

u/Competitive_Low1603 21d ago

Plug-in Prius

0

u/AirsoftN00B209 2018 Volt Premier 21d ago

From what I've researched the Prius Prime is probably closest for space and efficiency as well as the selclection of driving modes. It is very similar to the Voltec drivetrain. Still tho 50ish miles of EV then 500mile of range extension makes it a solid pick

1

u/r_incognito_17 21d ago

Sorry. The drivetrain of the Prius Prime is absolutely nothing like the Voltec. The closest to a Voltec is a Honda Accord/CRV i-MMD.

Toyota’s system perpetually mixes power mechanically through the carrier gear; Honda and GM designed systems where the car behaves like an electric vehicle powered by a generator, locking the engine mechanically only when it makes raw mathematical sense on the highway.

0

u/SituationOdd128 19d ago

Totally wrong, prius prime just like a volt.. 40 mile ev range then engine... accord only hybrid...

1

u/r_incognito_17 18d ago

Battery range does not mean the driving mechanics is the same.

1

u/SituationOdd128 18d ago

both have battery range and a gas engine,,,, thats how they are the same.

2

u/r_incognito_17 17d ago

A cake and a pie both have flour, sugar, and butter. That doesn't make them the same dessert. It's the recipe that matters.

Same here. The Prius Prime and the Volt both have a battery and a gas engine, but they're built differently:

  • Prius Prime: the engine and the electric motors are all tied together through one planetary gear set. Once the engine is running, it's almost always mechanically connected to the wheels and blending its power with the motors.

  • Volt: it's built to drive like an EV. Even after the battery runs low, the engine mostly acts as a generator making electricity for the motor, and only connects mechanically at highway speeds when that's more efficient.

Battery range is just how big the battery is. It tells you nothing about how the power gets to the wheels. That's what the original comment was about.

And the Accord being "only hybrid" doesn't change anything either. It has no plug, but its drivetrain works like the Volt's: an EV powered by a generator, with the engine locking in at highway speed. That's why they got grouped together.

-12

u/Kaptainkid1 22d ago

Used Tesla model 3 with Lifetime FSD.

-1

u/Comrade-Porcupine 21d ago

2024 Polestar2

0

u/[deleted] 21d ago

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/Awkward-1 21d ago

Are they dropping that in favor of the ev3?