Chevrolet Bolt 83·Chevrolet Trax 70on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Bolt about $1,148 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,148 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time. The Chevrolet Trax counters with more cargo room (25.6 vs 16.2 cu ft).
Go with the Chevrolet Bolt for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Trax if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Bolt vs. Chevrolet Trax
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt versus 2026 Chevrolet Trax.
Metric
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet Trax
MotiveGrid Score
83
70
Cost of Ownership
91
90
Powertrain
69
68
Driver Assistance
38
16
Livability
67
60
Safety
80
66
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,586
$39,734
Depreciation (5-yr)
$16,124
$11,534
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,824
$11,225
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,150
$9,260
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,090
$1,990
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,183
$3,250
Registration (5-yr)
$1,465
$725
Starting Price
$27,800
$21,600
Horsepower
210 hp
137 hp
MPG (combined)
—
30 mpg
Electric range
262 mi
—
Cargo volume
16.2 cu ft
25.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Electric
2027$27,800
MSRP
$27,800
Mo · 5yr
$643
$38,586 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$21,600
MSRP
$21,600
Mo · 5yr
$662
$39,734 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Chevrolet Bolt scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Bolt
0
/ 100
Chevrolet Trax
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Bolt
91
Trax
90
Winner: Bolt
$1,148 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Bolt
69
Trax
68
Winner: Bolt
+1 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Bolt
38
Trax
16
Winner: Bolt
+22 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Bolt
67
Trax
60
Winner: Bolt
+7 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Bolt is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,148 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Trax still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Chevrolet Bolt
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Bolt
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Bolt
Stronger safety
Highway driver
Chevrolet Bolt
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Chevrolet Bolt
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Charging mix
Chevrolet Bolt
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$643
$38,586 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$643/mo
Chevrolet Trax
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$662
$39,734 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$662/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Chevrolet Bolt recoups its $6,200 price premium in 3.7 years ($1,660/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Bolt comes out about $1,148 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
