The 2016 Chevrolet Volt gets 42 MPG combined, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story of what this plug-in hybrid offers. It’s not just about squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline, it’s about using as little gasoline as possible. The Volt is appealing because it can function mainly as an electric vehicle for daily commutes, and the gasoline engine offers a reliable backup for longer trips. This is a car for people who like technology, want lower fuel costs, and don’t want to visit gas stations often.

City and highway performance

The Volt’s city MPG of 43 is higher than its highway rating of 42. This reflects the car’s design, which favors electric power for low-speed, stop-and-go driving. Regenerative braking, which captures energy when slowing down and puts it back into the battery, is especially effective in city environments. On the highway, the gasoline engine is more likely to be used, especially at higher speeds, which slightly lowers fuel economy. Even on the open road, the Volt’s aerodynamic design and efficient engine help keep fuel use reasonable.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt at $1,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with some of those miles using electricity and the rest using gasoline, based on national average fuel prices. Your actual cost will change a lot depending on how you drive and what you pay for electricity. If you mainly use the Volt for short trips and charge it often, you could see much lower fuel costs, perhaps spending only a few hundred dollars per year on gasoline.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are a good starting point, but real-world MPG can change depending on several things. How you drive makes a big difference. If you accelerate quickly and brake hard, the battery will run down faster, and the gasoline engine will have to work harder. Weather also matters. Cold temperatures can reduce how well the battery works and make the gasoline engine run more to heat the car. The type of land matters too. Hilly roads will make both the electric motor and the gasoline engine work harder. Owners who carefully track their mileage and driving often say their fuel economy is either better or a little worse than the EPA numbers, depending on how similar their driving is to the EPA’s testing.

How it compares

When compared to other hybrids and plug-in hybrids of its time, the 2016 Volt was known for its bigger battery and longer electric range. The Toyota Prius Prime, another well-known plug-in hybrid, had a shorter electric range and a combined MPG of 54. The standard Prius got even better fuel economy, at 56 MPG combined, but it couldn’t be plugged in and didn’t have the Volt’s electric driving range. The Ford C-Max Energi was similar, but its fuel economy was usually lower than the Volt’s, at around 40 MPG combined. For those who wanted to drive only on electric power, the Nissan LEAF had limited range and no gasoline backup, which was different. The Volt’s electric range and gasoline backup made it a good option for drivers who wanted to use less gas without giving up the convenience of a normal car.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Volt’s driving modes to get the best efficiency. “Normal” mode balances electric and gasoline power, and “Sport” mode focuses on performance, which will lower fuel economy. “Mountain” mode keeps battery charge when driving uphill, so there’s enough power when you need it.

When stopping, let off the accelerator early. Doing so lets the motor recapture energy and recharge the battery, which increases your electric range. Avoid braking hard, which wastes energy as heat.

Heat or cool the car while it’s plugged in. This lets you heat or cool the inside using electricity from the grid, instead of using the battery after you start driving. Doing this can greatly improve electric range, especially when it’s very hot or cold.

Keep the Volt’s tires properly inflated. If tires don’t have enough air, they create more resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended level, which you can find on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Try driving in an eco-friendly way. Accelerate gently, drive at consistent speeds, and anticipate traffic to improve fuel efficiency. Don’t let the car idle, because it wastes gasoline and creates emissions. See all Chevrolet fuel economy data or view specific VOLT MPG across all years.