Compare the2023 Audi e-tronVS 2023 Chevrolet Bolt

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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The e-tron’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Bolt doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Audi e-tron are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Chevrolet Bolt doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the e-tron and Bolt have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The e-tron has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Bolt’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The e-tron has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Bolt doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The e-tron has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Bolt doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

An active infrared night vision system optional on the e-tron helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera and near-infrared lights to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The Bolt doesn’t offer a night vision system.

The e-tron has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Bolt’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the e-tron has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the Bolt.

Both the e-tron and the Bolt have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

The Audi e-tron weighs 2141 to 2485 pounds more than the Chevrolet Bolt. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Audi e-tron is safer than the Chevrolet Bolt:

	e-tron	Bolt
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	323	440
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.6 inches
Neck Compression	67 lbs.	76 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Audi e-tron is safer than the Chevrolet Bolt:

	e-tron	Bolt
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	44	74
Chest Movement	.7 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	117 lbs.	132 lbs.
Hip Force	236 lbs.	297 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	123	205
Spine Acceleration	44 G’s	59 G’s
Hip Force	579 lbs.	978 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	8 inches	10 inches
HIC	279	330

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the e-tron its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 89 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Bolt is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick.”

Warranty

The e-tron comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Bolt’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The e-tron’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the Bolt’s (12/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Chevrolet vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 3 places higher in reliability than Chevrolet.

Engine

The e-tron’s standard electric motors produces 202 more horsepower (402 vs. 200) and 224 lbs.-ft. more torque (490 vs. 266) than the Bolt’s electric motor. The e-tron S’ standard electric motors produces 296 more horsepower (496 vs. 200) and 451 lbs.-ft. more torque (717 vs. 266) than the Bolt’s electric motor.

As tested in Car and Driver the Audi e-tron (base engine) is faster than the Chevrolet Bolt:

	e-tron	Bolt
Zero to 60 MPH	5.2 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	13.8 sec	15.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	101 MPH	92 MPH
Top Speed	124 MPH	93 MPH

Transmission

The e-tron’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Bolt doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the e-tron’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Bolt:

	e-tron	Bolt
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	10.9 inches
Rear Rotors	13.8 inches	10.4 inches

The e-tron’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Bolt are solid, not vented.

The e-tron stops much shorter than the Bolt:

	e-tron	Bolt
70 to 0 MPH	181 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	131 feet	138 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	134 feet	145 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the e-tron has larger standard tires than the Bolt (255/50R20 vs. 215/50R17). The e-tron’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Bolt (265/45R21 vs. 215/50R17).

The e-tron’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Bolt’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the e-tron has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 17-inch wheels are available on the Bolt. The e-tron offers optional 21-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Audi e-tron has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Chevrolet Bolt has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The front and rear suspension of the e-tron uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Bolt, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The e-tron has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Bolt’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The e-tron has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The e-tron’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Bolt doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the e-tron’s wheelbase is 12.7 inches longer than on the Bolt (115.1 inches vs. 102.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the e-tron is 6.2 inches wider in the front and 6.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Bolt.

The e-tron Chronos Edition handles at .85 G’s, while the Bolt LT pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The e-tron Chronos Edition executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Bolt (26.6 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the e-tron uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Bolt doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The e-tron has 3.9 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, 3.1 inches more rear legroom and 4.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Bolt.

Cargo Capacity

The e-tron has a much larger cargo volume than the Bolt with its rear seat up (28.5 vs. 16.6 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the e-tron’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Bolt doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the e-tron. The Bolt doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the e-tron’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Bolt doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Towing

The e-tron offers up to a 4000 lbs. towing capacity. The Bolt has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The e-tron uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Bolt uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Chevrolet. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 13% lower rating, Chevrolet is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the e-tron, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The Bolt doesn’t offer a memory system.

The e-tron’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Bolt doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The e-tron Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Bolt doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The e-tron’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Bolt’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the e-tron the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Bolt can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The e-tron’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Bolt’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The e-tron’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Bolt’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the e-tron to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Bolt doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the e-tron is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Bolt’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The e-tron’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Bolt offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The e-tron has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Bolt. The e-tron also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Bolt.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the e-tron keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Bolt doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The e-tron has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Bolt.

The e-tron (except Premium) offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Bolt.

The e-tron’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Bolt doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the e-tron and the Bolt offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the e-tron has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Bolt doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Economic Advantages

The e-tron will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the e-tron will retain 45.77% to 45.79% of its original price after five years, while the Bolt only retains 37.26% to 37.29%.

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