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What are the trim levels for the Chevy Volt?

The Chevy Volt’s trim lineup changed across its production run. In its final years (2016–2019), the Volt was offered primarily in LT and Premier. In the earlier, first-generation models (2011–2015), trim naming varied a bit by year and market, but commonly appeared as Base/LS, LT, and LTZ. The Volt was discontinued after the 2019 model year.


First-generation Volt (2011–2015)


Overview of trim levels


During its first generation, the Volt offered a tiered setup with entry-level, mid-range, and top-tier variants. Availability and exact naming could vary by model year and market, but the following were the typical designations encountered by buyers.



  • Base/LS — the entry-level trim with standard plug-in hybrid technology and essential features.

  • LT — mid-range trim with additional comfort and technology options.

  • LTZ — top-tier trim with premium interior materials and enhanced equipment.


These trim names and options crossed multiple model years, and some features could be packaged differently depending on the specific release. Always check the exact equipment list for a given year when shopping used Volt models.


Second-generation Volt (2016–2019)


Overview of trim levels


The redesigned Volt settled into a simpler two-trim lineup during its final years, concentrating on a clear tier structure with notable feature differences between the two.



  • LT — the standard trim, offering the essential technology, comfort, and efficiency features expected of a Volt.

  • Premier — the top-tier trim with premium appointments, upgraded interior materials, and additional driver-assistance and technology options.


In this generation, General Motors marketed the Volt primarily as LT and Premier. The model year 2019 marked the end of the Volt’s production, after which GM did not replace it with a direct plug-in-hybrid variant.


Summary


Across its lifecycle, the Chevy Volt shifted its trim structure from a three-tier setup in the early years (Base/LS, LT, LTZ) to a two-tier arrangement in the later years (LT and Premier). The Volt was ultimately discontinued after the 2019 model year, with no direct replacement in GM’s lineup for a plug-in hybrid model at that time.

What is the difference between bolt EV Premier and LT?


The main differences between the Chevy Bolt LT and Premier trims are the Premier's added premium features, such as heated and ventilated leather seats, more advanced safety technology like blind-zone alert and side blind-zone alert, and convenience features like an HD surround vision camera and a digital rearview mirror. While the LT offers a lower starting price and includes essentials like heated seats via an optional package, the Premier is the more equipped, upscale option. 
Key differences at a glance
This video highlights the differences between the two trims: 52sCar ConfectionsYouTube · May 4, 2018

Feature LT Trim Premier Trim
Seats Cloth (standard) Leather-appointed (standard)
Heated/Ventilated Seats Heated front seats and steering wheel are available with an optional package Heated and ventilated front seats are standard
Advanced Safety Standard safety features like Forward Collision Alert and Front Pedestrian Braking. Adaptive cruise control is not standard. Includes all standard safety features plus Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist.
Cameras HD Rear Vision Camera is standard. HD Surround Vision is not available. HD Surround Vision Camera is standard.
Convenience Wireless phone charging and a digital rearview mirror are not standard. Wireless phone charging and a digital rearview mirror are standard.
Price Lower starting price Higher starting price
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Which trim should you choose?
  • Choose the LT if: You want a lower entry price and are on a tighter budget. You can add some desirable features like heated seats through optional packages, making it a more affordable way to get a comfortable vehicle. 
  • Choose the Premier if: You want a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. The added premium materials, advanced safety features, and convenience options like adaptive cruise control and the digital rearview mirror are worth the higher price to you. 



What are the trim packages for the Chevy Volt?


The Chevy Volt was available in two trim levels: LT and Premier. The main differences between the two were features, with the Premier trim including more standard luxury and safety options, such as a larger onboard charger, leather seats, and advanced driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning. The core performance and plug-in hybrid powertrain were identical for both trims. 
This video provides a detailed review of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt's two trim levels, LT and Premier: 52sAutotraderYouTube · Jan 21, 2016
Chevrolet Volt trim levels

  • LT: This was the base trim level and came with standard features like 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 
    • Optional packages were available to add features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel. 
  • Premier: This was the higher trim level and included all the features of the LT, plus several upgrades: 
    • Leather upholstery 
    • Heated front and rear seats 
    • An 8-speaker Bose sound system 
    • A faster 7.2-kWh onboard charger, which reduced charging time 
    • Additional safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and automatic low-speed emergency braking. 

This video reviews the 2019 Chevrolet Volt's Premier trim level, highlighting its features: 58sBuild Your OwnYouTube · May 7, 2019



What is the difference between the Chevy Volt LT and Premier?


The main differences between the Chevy Volt LT and Premier trims are in comfort, convenience, and advanced driver-assist features. The Premier comes standard with features like leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, heated front seats, and a faster onboard charger, while the LT offers similar features as optional packages. Premier also includes standard automatic parking assist and is the only trim that can be equipped with the Driver Confidence 2 package, which adds safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. 
Premier trim standard features (vs. LT base)

  • Interior: Leather upholstery, Bose 8-speaker audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated front seats.
  • Convenience: Faster 7.2-kWh onboard charger and automatic parking assist.
  • Exterior: Different 17-inch wheels and an illuminated charge port is available. 

LT trim and optional packages 
  • Base LT: Comes standard with cloth upholstery and a six-speaker audio system. 
  • LT Comfort Package: Adds leather upholstery and heated front seats. 
  • Driver Confidence Package: Adds safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 
  • Bose Audio: Available as a stand-alone option or with the Comfort package. 
  • Faster Charger: The 7.2-kWh onboard charger can be added as a stand-alone option. 

Key safety features (package dependent)
  • Premier standard or available: Has access to the Driver Confidence 2 package, which includes features like forward collision warning, automatic low-speed emergency braking, lane departure warning and intervention, and adaptive headlights.
  • LT: Can be equipped with the Driver Confidence package for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, but does not have access to the Driver Confidence 2 package options like automatic emergency braking. 

Which one should you choose?
  • Choose the Premier if you want the highest level of standard comfort and convenience features, such as leather seats and the Bose system, without having to add many individual options. It's also the only trim that includes some of the most advanced safety features as part of the Driver Confidence 2 package. 
  • Choose the LT if you want to save money and are willing to add optional packages for the features you want. For example, you could get the LT with the Comfort Package, the Bose system, and the Driver Confidence Package, which may result in a similar price to the Premier but with a different set of features. 



What are the most common problems with Chevy Volt?


Common Chevy Volt problems include battery degradation, issues with the gasoline engine due to carbon buildup from short run cycles, charging system malfunctions, and electrical system faults like failed control modules. Other reported issues involve brake problems like premature wear and noise, and various software glitches. 
This video discusses potential issues to watch out for when buying a used Chevy Volt: 1mThe Disgruntled MechanicYouTube · Jul 18, 2020
Battery and charging

  • Battery degradation: Over time, the high-voltage battery can lose capacity, which results in a shorter electric-only range. 
  • Charging problems: Owners have reported the car won't charge at home, won't fully charge, or doesn't work with certain public chargers. A failed condenser in the charging system can also be a problem. 
  • High-voltage cooling system issues: A problem with the cooling system can prevent the battery from charging. 

Gasoline engine
  • Carbon buildup: The direct-injection engine can develop carbon buildup on the valves due to frequent, short run cycles, leading to rough idle, misfires, and reduced performance.
  • Stuck valves: Owners have reported a stuck valve in the engine, sometimes related to the oil pressure control solenoid. 

Brakes
  • Premature wear: Owners have noted that brake pads and rotors wear out sooner than expected. 
  • Noise and vibration: Common issues include brake noise or vibrations and pulsations in the brake pedal. 
  • System failure: In some cases, problems with the master cylinder, calipers, or anti-lock system have been reported. 
  • Regenerative braking issues: Some owners have experienced problems related to the regenerative braking system. 

This video shows an example of a common problem with the Chevy Volt's shifter: 56sWatchJRGoYouTube · May 30, 2025
Electrical and software
  • Control module failure: The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) or Battery Control Module (BCM) can fail, causing significant reliability issues, including the car stopping unexpectedly. 
  • Software glitches: Various software glitches can occur, leading to problems like display screen flickering or intermittent satellite radio reception. 
  • Electric drive motor malfunction: At least one owner has reported a malfunction of the electric drive motor. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.