The resurgence of affordable electric vehicles is marked by the return of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and the 2026 Nissan Leaf. These models are poised to capture the attention of budget-conscious EV enthusiasts, with both showcasing improved features and pricing that challenges the status quo.
Pricing & Availability
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is set to enter the market at an all-inclusive price of $29,990 early in 2026, with the base LT variant following shortly at $28,995. Nissan’s 2026 Leaf S+ model, available now, has a starting price of $31,485. A more economical version, the Leaf S, is anticipated, potentially undercutting the Bolt.
Overall Design
Nissan’s Leaf has undergone a comprehensive redesign, introducing a new platform that enhances range, power, and charging capabilities. The Bolt retains its familiar exterior, akin to the discontinued Bolt EUV, but with significant internal upgrades, including a new battery and motor.
Charging & Energy
Both vehicles feature the Tesla-style NACS charging port, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers. The Leaf adds a unique twist with an additional J1772 port for Level 1 and 2 charging. The Bolt boasts vehicle-to-home functionality, while the Leaf offers vehicle-to-load capabilities for powering appliances.
Range & Battery Size
The Leaf S+ promises up to 303 miles per charge with its 75 kWh battery, while the Bolt offers 255 miles from a 65 kWh LFP battery. Fast charging from 10% to 80% takes 35 minutes for the Leaf and 26 minutes for the Bolt.
Power & Torque
Both cars are front-wheel drive with similar horsepower—210 hp for the Bolt and 214 hp for the Leaf. However, the Leaf outperforms in torque, offering 261 lb-ft compared to the Bolt’s 169 lb-ft. Weight-wise, the Bolt is lighter, which may influence performance.
Interior, Cargo Space & Infotainment
The Bolt’s interior includes an 11-inch digital display and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Google Built-in but lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Leaf S+ offers dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims feature larger screens and a Google-based system.
Safety Tech
Nissan’s Leaf comes equipped with the Safety Shield 360 Suite, featuring emergency braking, lane departure prevention, and more. The Bolt includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and other safety features.
2027 Chevrolet Bolt vs. 2026 Nissan Leaf Comparison
| 2027 Chevrolet Bolt | 2026 Nissan Leaf | |
| Starting price (including freight charges) | $28,995 | $31,485 |
| Driving range | 255 miles (GM-estimated) | 259 to 303 miles (EPA-estimated) |
| Battery capacity | 65 kWh | 75 kWh |
| Maximum charging power (DC) | 150 kW | 150 kW |
| Maximum charging power (AC) | 11.5 kW | 7.2 kW |
| 10-to-80% fast charging | 26 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Heat pump | Yes | Yes, but not on the entry-level version |
| Power | 210 hp | 214 hp |
| Torque | 169 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft |
| Length | 169.6 in | 173.4 in |
| Width | 69.7 in | 71.3 in |
| Height | 63.9 in | 61.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.3 in | 105.9 in |
| Weight | 3,766 lbs | 4,206 to 4,393 lbs |
| Cargo capacity with seats up | 16.2 cu ft | 20 cu ft |
| Cargo capacity with rear seats folded | 56.3 cu ft | 55.5 cu ft |
| Front headroom | 39.1 to 40 in | 39.9 in |
| Front legroom | 44.3 in | 42.4 in |
| Rear headroom | 37.8 in | 36.6 to 37.2 in |
| Rear legroom | 39.1 in | 31.8 in |
These values don’t include the cheapest versions of the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf, which cannot be purchased yet. When they go on sale, we’ll update this article to reflect the changes.
Original Story at insideevs.com