Chevrolet
Volt
Honda
CR-Z
Chevrolet Volt vs Honda CR-Z: 2016 Comparison
The short answer
The Chevrolet Volt offers power, while the Honda CR-Z excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Chevrolet Volt if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Honda CR-Z if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Volt
Overall
Mixed to highly positive sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and specific ownership experience. The vehicle is widely praised for its innovative plug-in hybrid design, offering substantial all-electric range (reported 40-60 miles for Gen 2, 35-43 miles for Gen 1) for daily commuting, with a gasoline range extender eliminating long-distance anxiety. Owners frequently describe it as a practical, low-cost commuter with minimal fuel consumption (reports of 1.5L/100km or ~8000 miles on a single 9-gallon tank are cited) and extremely low maintenance requirements when operating primarily on electricity.
Best version to buy
Gen 2 (2016-2019) Premier/LTZ trim. This generation is noted for its improved electric range (53 miles EPA), more refined infotainment system with available Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (after software update), and generally better interior materials.
Known issues
- ⚠Shift-to-Park failure: Micro-switch in the shifter fails, preventing the car from recognizing it is in Park, causing inability to turn off the vehicle. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure: Causes stalling, reduced propulsion, inability to start, or failure to restart. Parts are frequently on extended backorder. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠12V accessory battery problems: Parasitic drain or failure causes a multitude of error messages (Service High Voltage Charging System, Service Stabilitrak, Service Power Steering, Theft Deterrent) and complete no-start conditions.
CR-Z
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on owner expectations. A dedicated, niche group of long-term owners express deep affection for the vehicle, praising its unique character as a fun, efficient, and engaging hybrid coupe. These owners highlight the satisfaction derived from its driving dynamics, describing it as a "great successor to the CRX" and a "fun momentum car" that is enjoyable on curvy roads, especially with suspension modifications.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Owner discussions reference both manual and CVT transmissions, with a clear preference for the manual transmission among enthusiasts for engagement.
Known issues
- ⚠Underpowered performance: described as "kind of slow" and lacking power, especially for highway merging or when compared to modern hybrids. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠CVT transmission reliability concerns: specific worry about long-term reliability, with one owner expressing anxiety and scheduling a fluid change at 80,000 miles. Frequency: isolated (but noted as a significant concern).
- ⚠Hybrid battery aging: concern about the original NiMH battery nearing the end of its usable life in older, high-mileage examples (e.g., 15 years, 170k miles). Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Honda CR-Z is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chevrolet Volt, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chevrolet Volt is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Volt or the Honda CR-Z?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Volt and the Honda CR-Z. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Volt or the Honda CR-Z?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Chevrolet Volt is classed as a Hatchback, the Honda CR-Z as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Volt or the Honda CR-Z?
The Honda CR-Z is more fuel-efficient on paper: 5 L/100km combined versus 6.3 L/100km for the Chevrolet Volt, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Volt or the Honda CR-Z?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Chevrolet Volt than the Honda CR-Z. See the known issues comparison above.