Chevrolet Bolt EUV 2023: review

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The manufacturer lowered the MSRP of the EUV by $6,300 for the next model year in June 2022. Even after GM increased the price by $600 in January and the Federal tax incentives were removed from the Bolt EUV by the Inflation Reduction Act, it’s still the most economical option for purchasing a new electric crossover. While not every customer could benefit fully from the previous $7,500 tax credit, everyone is eligible for the cheaper pricing of the Bolt EUV.

Although there are some questionable aspects, the reduced price ($28,795 plus a $995 transportation fee for the basic model LT) gets you a competent device with a respectable range. The EUV is a bigger, more crossover-like version of the Bolt EV, but it doesn’t appear or drive much like an SUV, and even while the rear seat is more comprehensive, the EUV isn’t any roomier or more valuable than its more minor sister. Aside from its much-reduced price, the EUV, introduced last year, won’t see many improvements for 2023. However, a new Redline option is available, which adds red-and-black wheels and blackout trim with red accents.

While it may not be as challenging as its rivals, which include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, and more oversized, more costly vehicles like the Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID.4, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, none of them are as challenging as the Bolt EUV. However, given its cheap cost, the Bolt EUV is now directly rivaled by gas-powered compact crossovers such as the Volkswagen Taos, Kia Seltos, and conventional Hyundai Kona. The Chevy delivers far cheaper energy and maintenance expenses than any gas competitor and undercuts all its electric competitors on list price.

Despite being somewhat less powerful and having a slightly shorter range than the standard Bolt EV due to its larger size, the Bolt EUV is still among the finest inexpensive EVs since many components are the same. There is just one engine, much as with its more minor sister: a 200-horsepower electric motor that powers the front wheels and is powered by a 65.0-kWh battery pack. The Bolt EUV can reach 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is not very quick, but it can more than keep up with traffic. This small and agile crossover makes it ideal for swerving through traffic. It also makes an excellent highway cruiser.

Like the outside, the interior design is simplistic; tall passengers have enough space in both rows. Its rear legroom is 3.1 inches more than the Bolt EV’s, and its back seat is noticeably roomier than that of the Kona Electric. The materials are better quality than what may have been present in prior GM compact vehicles, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. There is enough room for small item storage and freight for a car this tight (169.5 inches long), albeit oddly, the standard Bolt EV has somewhat more overall.

Even if the interior is a bit simple initially, Chevrolet offers excellent technology, and certain essentials—like many driver-assist systems—come standard. Upgrading to the higher-level Premium trim will get you the most ideal equipment. Still, there’s also a panoramic sunroof and GM’s Super Cruise system, perhaps the best Level 2 assistance system available. Although there is a cost increase, you get actual capacity for the money. However, even the basic model provides up to 247 miles of range and a simple, cost-effective switch to electric mobility.

Performance: Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The Bolt EUV has just one available powertrain option: the same electric motor found in the standard Bolt EV. It powers the front wheels with 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. EV battery packs are heavy, and even though the EUV is compact, it weighs around 3,600 pounds, so it will never be able to compete on a racetrack against a Tesla Model 3 Performance or a BMW iX. However, it doesn’t intend to and does what it does well.

Even if it’s not the quickest EV, it reaches 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, comparable to most reasonably priced gas-powered crossovers. It doesn’t strain to keep up on the highway but doesn’t exhilarate. Though heavier than the Bolt EV, the Bolt EUV handles reasonably nicely. For a little car, it has a pretty smooth and controlled ride that is neutral and predictable.

Important driving options include one-pedal mode, regen-on-demand (which can be engaged by pushing a lever on the rear of the steering wheel to boost brake regeneration), and sport, which increases responsiveness at a bit of cost to range. Although the brakes on the Bolt EUV are solid and responsive, most drivers choose to use the brakes to maximize energy recovery continuously.

Like other reasonably priced EVs and gas-powered substitutes like the Taos and Kona, this vehicle is designed for those who want to travel pleasantly and conveniently from point A to point B. It’s more enjoyable to drive than the Leaf, although it’s not an enthusiast vehicle. Whether you classify it as an SUV or not, it lacks any pretension of off-road capability, but so do most of its competitors.

Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:

With a 65.0-kWh battery pack, the EPA puts the Bolt EUV’s range at 247 miles. That’s 12 miles less than the lighter and more aerodynamically efficient Bolt EV, but as always, mileage may vary. Chevrolet’s onboard range estimation may display a range as broad as 230 to 315 miles left on a full charge. If you choose not to drive in one-pedal mode, the unique regen-on-demand paddle may increase recovery by up to 234% when used commonly.

A DC Fast Charger will add 95 miles of range in 30 minutes, whereas a 240-volt, Level 2 system would take 7 hours to charge fully. Just 4 miles of content may be obtained in an hour of charging at 120 volts, the standard home outlet. Although the Bolt EUV can only charge at 55 kW per hour, this is acceptable since most fast chargers available today are 50 kW devices.

In contrast, the range of the Bolt EUV surpasses that of a Nissan Leaf by almost 100 miles, while it lags far below the confusing 100 miles of the Mazda MX-30. Instead, the Bolt EUV provides more around the 258-mile range of the more costly Hyundai Kona EV. These days, there are rivals with ranges over 300 miles, but they are all far more expensive.

Driver assistance and safety:

On the basic Bolt EUV, Chevrolet equips the vehicle with automated emergency braking, lane departure alerts with lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, frontal collision warnings, and a following distance indicator. Parking assistance, rear cross-traffic warnings, and lane change alerts are added to the basic model LT for $495 with the Driver Confidence Package; however, adaptive cruise control and these functions are already included on the higher-spec Premier.

Additionally, the Premier provides Super Cruise for $2,200, which comes with a free connection for three years before a subscription is needed to use the system. It does make lengthy trips simpler, and this system is the most streamlined, dependable, and seamless Level 2 setup we’ve experienced.

The Bolt EUV gets an overall rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, it has not yet received a rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Coziness & Space:

With 39.1 inches of rear-seat legroom—much more than in the Kona Electric or most other tiny crossovers—the Bolt EUV is spacious for a very compact SUV. Even though the Bolt EV’s different dimensions are somewhat smaller, it still has 3.1 inches in the rear. The tall, narrow design creates an open and spacious interior, enhanced if you choose the Premier model’s panoramic sunroof.

Additionally, there is much room in the rear for car seats. The sole warning? The design of the rear door cutout may require tall persons to observe how they get in and out.

Additionally, there is ample room for the front passengers; the EUV has 44.3 inches of front legroom, comfortably more than the Kona EV’s 41.5. In the Premier, the front seats are vented and heated in addition to being supportive and comfortable. The front seats’ mild bolstering and solid bottom cushion make them seem like they were made for city driving.

Infotainment: Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The 10.2-inch infotainment screen on the Bolt EUV provides a clear, bright, and highly readable interface. It is powered by easy software for beginners and will be recognizable to any GM alumnus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard (and wireless), providing free navigation if you don’t like Chevy’s layout.

The built-in Chevy system works well even when no smartphone is connected, offering information about the estimated range left and battery consumption for electric vehicles. Chevrolet’s built-in navigation is better when it directs vehicles to charge outlets that are close by. Unfortunately, the $2,495 Sun & Sound Package is the only way to receive it. At the very least, checking that option gives you a seven-speaker Bose sound system and a tilting and sliding sunroof.

Storage & Cargo Space:

Oddly, the Bolt EUV has somewhat less luggage room inside than its more minor sister while having enlarged external dimensions. 16.3 cubic feet (as opposed to 16.6 in the Bolt EV) and 56.9 cubic feet (as opposed to 57) are available behind the back seats. Although both the Nissan Leaf (23.6 cubic feet) and the Kona Electric (19.2 cubic feet) have more room behind the back seats than the other, they are still rather impressive statistics for a tiny car.

The fact that Chevrolet decided not to have a front trunk (or frunk) with either Bolt is somewhat offset by the foldable rear seats. The EUV, more similar to the Kona than the Bolt EV, has actual roof rails that can be used to install rack systems. However, considering that it is now referred to as an “Electric Utility Vehicle,” it seems inappropriate that there is no option for a trailer hitch.

Additionally, there is additional room in a well behind the back wheels; however, utilizing the whole area results in an uneven load floor. When measured to crossovers of comparable size, the small item storage capacity is above average.

Design: Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The Bolt EUV is a handsome urban runabout in the style of vintage tall-and-small automobiles like the Honda Fit while being a little too basic and less futuristic than other more recent designs, such as the Ioniq 5. The Bolt EV has this trait, which is presumably why the EUV’s “utility vehicle” component fits strangely. It resembles a compact minivan rather than an SUV.

A stylish and practical dashboard contrasts with the bulky minivan meets crossover design. Additionally, its cabin feels finer than prior Chevy compact cars and crossovers, such as the Aveo and Trax, even if various cheap plastics still cover multiple areas.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Worth it?

Only two versions are available, the Premier and LT, but both have strong value arguments. Despite GM’s $600 price increase in January, the EUV is currently more affordable than many compact gas-powered crossovers, costing $5,700 less than the previous year.

Federal tax subsidies may still reduce its rivals’ net prices, but no other fully-electric crossover is available for a low starting price. Although the base LT model ($28,795 including destination) is somewhat more affordable than other more costly EVs, there is a significant price differential when tax incentives are not considered.

The $33,295 Premier trim offers more excellent value between the two models since it offers many more safety and convenience options, such as adaptive cruise and leather seats. However, it’s more up for debate whether or not you want to get the Sun & Sound package or Super Cruise. This crossover is still hitting the beginning pricing of many possible competitors, even with Super Cruise included. Regardless of your preference for the LT or Premier, the Bolt EUV is a handy and straightforward electric vehicle.

How Much Does Chevrolet Bolt EUV Insurance Cost?

If anything, the Bolt EUV should be more expensive to insure than most competitors. The average yearly premium for a Bolt EUV Premier for a typical 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record is around $2,139; however, this figure applies to all 50 states. Owners of a VW ID.4 may spend $2,334 annually, compared to $1,889 for a Hyundai Kona Electric and $2,156 for a low-range Mazda MX-30.

Verdict

The Chevy Bolt EUV, unveiled last year, is back for 2023 with a significant $6,300 price reduction, making it the most reasonably priced option for an electric crossover (without tax incentives). The EUV, which the smaller Bolt EV heavily influences, is aimed to appeal to crossover buyers despite neither feeling nor looking particularly SUV-like. However, it has a spacious cabin, a respectable range, agile handling, and respectable performance. Though it may not be thrilling, the Bolt EUV is a simple, affordable, and valuable solution to switch to electric power. Additionally, Chevy has some fantastic technology, such as Super Cruise.