The 2027 Chevy Bolt starts cheaper than the Nissan Leaf. But the Leaf’s base trim delivers roughly 40 more miles of range for barely $1,000 more. That one fact should drive your decision more than anything else in this comparison.
Both cars are chasing the same buyer: someone who wants an electric car without spending $45,000 to get one. Chevy just brought the Bolt back from a three-year hiatus. Nissan’s redesigned Leaf has been on sale since late 2025. They’re now the two cheapest new EVs you can buy in America, and the 2027 model year is the first time they’re going head-to-head in their current forms.
How much does the 2027 Chevy Bolt cost?
The 2027 Bolt starts at $28,995 for the LT trim. The sportier RS tops out at $32,995, and both prices include destination. That undercuts nearly every other new EV on sale. Chevy has said outright it’s aiming to offer the most range in an EV under $30,000.
Every Bolt trim shares the same drivetrain: a 65-kWh battery, 210 horsepower, and an EPA-estimated range around 259 to 262 miles. There’s no range penalty for choosing the cheaper LT. You’re just paying extra on the RS for black trim, bigger wheels, and styling.
How much does the Nissan Leaf cost for 2027?
The Leaf carries over largely unchanged for 2027 after its full redesign into a subcompact crossover shape. Pricing should land close to the outgoing 2026 lineup: S+ at $29,990, SV+ at $34,230, and Platinum+ at $38,990. Nissan had planned a cheaper base S trim with a smaller battery. It scrapped those plans entirely.
Every current Leaf trim uses the same 75-kWh battery and 214-horsepower motor. But range actually shrinks as you climb the trim ladder, thanks to bigger wheels and added weight. That’s 303 miles on the S+, 288 on the SV+, and 259 on the Platinum+.
2027 Chevy Bolt vs Nissan Leaf: side-by-side numbers
| Trim | Starting Price | EPA Range | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt LT | $28,995 | ~259-262 mi | 210 hp |
| Bolt RS | $32,995 | ~259-262 mi | 210 hp |
| Leaf S+ | ~$29,990 | 303 mi | 214 hp |
| Leaf SV+ | ~$34,230 | 288 mi | 214 hp |
| Leaf Platinum+ | ~$38,990 | 259 mi | 214 hp |
Which one charges faster, the Bolt or the Leaf?
The Bolt actually wins the charging race despite being the cheaper car. Its new lithium iron phosphate battery pack and native NACS port let it charge at up to 150 kW. It can go from 10% to 80% in about 26 minutes. The larger-battery Leaf needs closer to 35 minutes for the same charge window.
That gap matters more on road trips than during daily commuting. Most EV owners charge at home anyway. But if you lean on public fast chargers regularly, the Bolt’s quicker turnaround gives it a real edge. It’s also compatible with Tesla Superchargers. We’ve seen how much charging speed matters in our own EV range testing, especially when cold weather slows things down further.
Which EV has more room for cargo and passengers?
The Leaf wins on space, and it’s not close. Its crossover-style body gives it about 20 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Fold the seats down and that grows to 55.5 cubic feet. The Bolt’s smaller hatchback shape offers just 16.2 cubic feet.
If you regularly haul gear, kids’ sports equipment, or Costco runs, that difference will show up every single week. The Bolt’s compact footprint makes it easier to park and maneuver. But it simply can’t match the Leaf’s practicality.
So which cheap EV should you actually buy?
For most shoppers, I’d point you toward the Leaf S+. You’re paying roughly $1,000 more than the Bolt LT. In exchange, you get 40-plus extra miles of range and significantly more cargo space. That’s an easy trade, especially if you don’t have reliable access to fast chargers.
The Bolt still makes sense in specific situations. Maybe you want the absolute lowest sticker price. Maybe you plan to charge mostly on public fast chargers, or you just prefer GM’s proven dealer network. It’s a genuinely good car either way. Chevy has also confirmed production will be limited, possibly ending by 2028, so waiting isn’t really an option if you want one. Before committing to either car, read through our full framework on whether an EV makes sense for your situation. Financing, home charging access, and how long you’ll keep the car all change the math.
It’s also worth comparing this matchup against last year’s version of the same fight. We broke down the outgoing models in our 2026 Leaf vs Bolt comparison. The core dynamic hasn’t really changed: Bolt for price and charging speed, Leaf for range and space. If you’re shopping used instead of new, used EV prices have dropped enough to match gas cars. That opens up older Bolts and Leafs for even less money.
FAQ
Does the 2027 Chevy Bolt still qualify for any federal EV incentives?
No. The federal EV tax credit expired in late 2025. Neither the Bolt nor the Leaf gets a federal discount right now. Check your state for local rebates that might still apply based on where you live and your income.
Is the Nissan Leaf still eligible for the NACS Tesla Supercharger network?
Yes. The redesigned Leaf ships with a native NACS port. It plugs directly into Tesla Superchargers without an adapter, just like the new Bolt.
Will Chevy make a cheaper stripped-down Bolt trim later?
GM hasn’t announced one. Current signs actually point the other way. Chevy has said Bolt production is capped and could wind down as soon as 2028. If a lower price matters most to you, the LT trim available now is likely as cheap as this generation gets.
Which one is cheaper to insure, the Bolt or the Leaf?
Rates vary by state and driver history. But the Bolt’s lower purchase price and simpler LFP battery chemistry tend to keep comprehensive coverage a bit cheaper. The Leaf’s larger, pricier battery pack usually costs more to insure. Get quotes for both before you buy, since the gap can be a few hundred dollars a year either way.