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Alternative fuels have made a massive splash in the last few years. If you want to take a plunge, two affordable EVs can give you a great head start. Toyota 2023Prius Primehas a history of excellent performance, great fuel economy, and affordable pricing. Another fantastic option is theChevy Bolt, well within the range of cheaper internal combustion vehicles.
With all this in mind, how does the newPrius Primestack against the Chevy Bolt? Both are within the same price point but have some differences. Whether switching to EV or you re an aspiring customer, our 2023 Prius Prime vs Chevy Bolt guide can help you make a better purchase.
2023 Prius Prime vs Chevy Bolt: Side-by-Side Comparison
Toyota Prius Prime | Chevrolet Bolt EV | |
---|---|---|
MPGe | 53 mpg in the city 51 mpg on highways |
125 mpg in the city 104 mpg on highways |
Electric Range | 44 miles | 259 miles |
Price | $32,350 | $27,495 |
Horsepower | 220 hp | 200 hp |
Smartphone connectivity | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Wheelbase | 108.3 inches | 102.4 inches |
Length | 181.1 inches | 163.2 inches |
Width | 70.1 inches | 69.5 inches |
Height | 55.9 inches | 63.4 inches |
Headroom | 38 inches | 40.1 inches |
Cargo volume | 20.3 cubic feet | 16.6 cubic feet |
2023 Prius Prime vs Chevy Bolt: What s the Difference?
While bothvehiclesoccupy a similar price bracket, they could not be more different in day-to-day operation. That said, there are some distinctions to make before discerning which is the best purchase for your needs.
Fuel Economy

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ThePrius Primecontinues Toyota s stellar fuel efficiency for their hybrid line. Drivers can expect excellent gas mileage on the highway, in the city, and wherever they go. City driving is stellar, with 53 miles to the gallon, when in hybrid mode at least. Highway driving is similar, with an astounding 51 miles to the gallon. Prius Prime is a plug-inhybrid vehicle, so it can operate without gasoline when necessary. This isn t nearly as long-range as the hybrid option. If you are low on fuel and need to make it to a gas station, you have 44 miles of range to sort things out.
TheChevy Boltis a fully electric vehicle. So, fuel concerns aren t a priority. You can expect an incredible 125 miles per gallon equivalent in the city. Highway driving sees a dip to 104 miles per gallon equivalent, which is substantial. That said, the Chevy Bolt provides a good amount of range on a full charge. It might not boast the additional range of the Prius Prime, but it is fully chargeable at home. You can expect an estimated 259 miles of range on a single charge under nominal conditions.
Performance

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The Prius line of vehicles has always been on the spry side of things, especially for a hybrid. The 2023 Prius Prime continues this tradition and has somewhat stellar acceleration to back up its 220-horsepower engine. Sure, it isn t going to win any drag races, but it ll do just fine for most driving circumstances. Underneath the hood is enough power that makes merging onto the highway a breeze. Plenty of torque is on offer, considering the vehicle s overall size.
The Chevy Bolt isn t far behind the Prius Prime in overall power. Measuring performance between hybrids andEVsis a bit of a misnomer, but their acceleration is almost similar. The Chevy Bolt s equivalent 200-horsepower engine has plenty of pep for highway driving. EVs have the additional benefit of not needing traditional gearing for transmission. So, acceleration might seem even and smoother as a result.
Cargo Capacity and Sizing
As for the overall sizing, thePrius Primehas a little more of everything. It isn t drastically bigger than the Chevy Bolt, but it offers a good amount of cargo space while also seating five passengers. Headroom is on the shorter side at 38 inches, which might not excite some taller drivers. It has plenty of room for trips to the grocery store, the beach, or wherever your adventures might take you. The seating room is ample, and the driver and passenger in the front seat have plenty of leg and hip room to make things work.
The Chevy Bolt is overall smaller dimensionally than the Prius Prime. With this comes a little less cargo room. However, the Chevy Bolt makes up for this with more spacious seating. You ll have even more headroom at 40 inches, which is perfect for drivers that are on the taller side. Cargo capacity, as mentioned, is somewhat smaller than the Prius Prime, but you should have plenty of room for whatever needs. However, you likely would have to employ other services for moving furniture as it sits.
Additional Features

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ThePrius Primecomes with interior amenities you might expect of a modern vehicle. You can plug up your smartphone and enjoy the features of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The backup camera is clear and easy to view on the center display. Higher trim packages for the Prius Prime include features like a solar panel roof for recharging the hybrid battery. Front and rear parking assists are excellent additions. This allows you to park easily and features automatic braking, so you don t run the risk of striking any obstacles while trying to park.
Chevy Bolt s feature set is noticeably bare compared to the Prius Prime s default package. However, you can get many great features for the same price as the Prius Prime. This includes parking assists, traffic alert systems, and heated seats. The Chevy Bolt also has the same degree of smartphone connectivity. If you re out and about and need navigation, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto have you covered.
2023 Prius Prime vs Chevy Bolt: Must-Know Facts
- The 2023 Prius Prime can run solely on an electric battery for almost 50 miles.
- The 2023 Prius Prime is one of the more affordable plug-in hybrid vehicles on the market.
- The 2023 Prius Prime s battery can be charged at home using a regular wall outlet.
- The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV is the most affordable new EV on the market.
- The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV has an exceptional range for its price point.
- The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV has a larger counterpart in the Chevy Bolt EUV.
2023 Prius Prime vs Chevy Bolt: Which One is Better? Which Should You Choose?
The Prius Prime is one of the best hybrids you can buy today. Not only is it affordable, but it offers excellent gas mileage and a host of smart features. If you re in an area with electric charging infrastructure, the 2023 Prius Prime can help you save cash wherever you go. It certainly gets some bonus points for running for nearly 50 miles on an electric charge.
The Chevy Bolt EV is one of the most affordable new EVs. While it s not as incredible asTesla Model 3and lacks autonomous driving, this EV does its job for its price point. If you re just after an affordable EV that ll help you sock away some extra money for a fancy trip, then it s hard to go wrong with the Chevy Bolt. You can also charge it at home, which is always great.
Depending on your needs, either of these EVs would be a great choice. If you re in a city with excellent EV infrastructure, the Bolt is the way to go. Otherwise, you would be getting quite a bit for your money with the Prius Prime.