TrueDelta is a site where you can utilize a price comparison tool when considering your next new-car purchase, and this comparison between the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, priced at $33,995, and the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze, priced at $16,995, is something we found to be quite interesting.
You see, after breaking down the federal tax credits and looking at the pricing of features between the Cruze and the Volt, the comparison shows that the Volt isn’t really that much more expensive than the Chevrolet Cruze.
Allow us to elaborate. On one hand you’ve got the initial costs, and as TrueDelta points out – you can lease the new Volt for an instant tax rebate on the vehicle for a total of $7,500. Next, the features of each base model are taken into consideration. TrueDelta states that there’s about $4,000 worth of goodies in the Volt that aren’t in the Cruze, add that to the federal tax credit and the price difference has been cut from $17,000 to $5,500. The price gap is even less for those living in states that offer tax credits on plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, in some cases the Volt would actually be cheaper.
The comparison also points out that any added features to the Cruze will hike the price up quite a bit, as it bumps up to an LT model rather than LS – which is only offered with an automatic transmission as an upgrade.
This is a very interesting realization, wouldn’t you agree? Of course, a lot of the points — such as a lack of projector headlights on the Cruze — will be mute once the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze hits dealership lots.
Comments
If you’re wondering why you see first-gen Volts for $15k, this is why.
I know a lot of people eyeing off-lease first-gens just for the HOV lane access in California. The depreciation is mostly baked in, so buy it now, and then re-sell after HOV lane access ends in 2019.
Add some variables to the equation as well, such as Volt’s main direct competitors – Prius and Prius Plug-In have been revealed and they are insanely ugly cars.
We have yet to see deep-dive road tests, but so far feedback from those who have driven Volt say it handles incredibly well and better than gen1. Cruze buyers will want the larger back seat, and Volt buyers will now be able to sit 3 across in back, at least for short trips. If the goal is to avoid gas stations and be nearly immune to gas price fluctuations, the peace of mind owning a Volt is second to none. The Volt has more of a coupe look ( sporty ) than the Cruze, while handsome – it does look like a family sedan.
The next year will be the sweet spot for buying a Volt. GM has spaced out Volt’s introduction in anticipation of coming up against the 200,000 vehicle limit for the $7500 tax credit on EVs. Remember, Bolt is due out at the end of 2016 – and GM needs to have enough headroom on that availability as not to make their 200-mile electric car have an added $7500 hit at purchase. So get those gen2 Volts while the gettin’ is good – as they say. The car is outstanding. GM did an amazing job. No matter whether you just don’t want to use gas, or you want the most efficient, coupe-like looking sporty car out there that helps us keep the air cleaner and doesn’t contribute gobs of CO2 into our atmosphere — and hey, who doesn’t like to breathe clean air?! – You better prepare to buy your Volt sooner than later – before the tax credit is gone.
GM still has to get it’s marketing together on this vehicle. There’s a basic concept built into it that at first I didn’t get — and I now know most people still don’t understand.
It’s that the Volt is a greener car than the Leaf.
Huh, you ask? But it’s not all electric, you say. True. But if you’re going on a longer trip, do you take your Leaf? Of course not. You take your ‘other’ car. The petrol one. But with a Volt you CAN take your greener car. And be greener during the electric miles.
This still hasn’t gotten through to the populace. They think the Volt isn’t as green as fully electric.
Be more interested to see them compare the 2016 Volt vs the 2016 Malibu Hybrid
High school English educator and doesn’t understand “moot” vs. “mute?” Really?