Chevrolet Bolt 83·Toyota bZ 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Bolt about $6,376 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,376 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Toyota bZ counters with more cargo room (27.7 vs 16.2 cu ft).
Go with the Chevrolet Bolt for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota bZ if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Bolt vs. Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt versus 2026 Toyota bZ.
Metric
Chevrolet Bolt
Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid Score
83
84
Cost of Ownership
91
81
Powertrain
69
83
Driver Assistance
38
49
Livability
67
39
Safety
80
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,586
$44,961
Depreciation (5-yr)
$16,124
$21,737
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,824
$2,520
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,150
$10,945
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,090
$900
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,183
$5,469
Registration (5-yr)
$1,465
$1,640
Starting Price
$27,800
$36,350
Horsepower
210 hp
168 hp
Electric range
262 mi
236 mi
Cargo volume
16.2 cu ft
27.7 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
Electric
2026$36,350
MSRP
$36,350
Mo · 5yr
$749
$44,961 / 5 years
Best for families
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 →
Toyota bZ scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Bolt
0
/ 100
Toyota bZ
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Bolt
91
bZ
81
Winner: Bolt
$6,376 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Bolt
69
bZ
83
Winner: bZ
+14 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Bolt
38
bZ
49
Winner: bZ
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Bolt
67
bZ
39
Winner: Bolt
+28 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Bolt is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,376 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota bZ still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota bZ
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Bolt
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota bZ
Stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota bZ
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
Toyota bZ
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$749
$44,961 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$749/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota bZ would need 28.6 years to recoup its $8,550 price premium ($299/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Bolt comes out about $6,376 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.