2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Overview

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV takes the regular Bolt EV hatchback’s underpinnings and tops them with sheetmetal that makes it look much more like an SUV—which, of course, is the body style American buyers vastly prefer. Chevy squeezes 247 miles of driving range from the EUV’s 65.0-kWh battery pack. Not long ago that looked like an impressive amount of range; not anymore. The EUV’s 200-hp electric motor drives only the front wheels and provides decent performance, and there’s no pretense of any serious off-road capability—which puts the EUV on par with many of its rivals. After all, it’s not like EV SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model Y offer rock-crawling capabilities either. The Bolt EUV does have many competitors beat on tech in that the top-level Premier trim level can be had with General Motors’s Super Cruise hands-free driving feature. Recent price reductions have also given it an MSRP advantage over others in the segment, all of which cost more to start, though some are still eligible for a $7500 federal tax credit while the Chevy is not. In other words, whether the little Chevy is a good deal will depend on which other EVs are on your consideration list.

What’s New for 2023?

The Bolt EUV receives a new Redline Edition package for 2023 that can be applied to either the LT or the Premier trim. Opting for the Redline Edition model swaps the standard Bolt EUV’s chrome exterior trim for glossy black and includes unique wheels with a red stripe. The bigger news though is that the Bolt EUV and its hatchback sibling, the Bolt EV receive a significant price cut this year, which drops their entry prices by $6300.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We’d recommend the high-end Premier trim, especially now that the Bolt EUV’s price is significantly less than last year’s model. Going with the Premier adds plenty of standard equipment that justifies the extra spend, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with heat and ventilation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

All Bolt EUVs come with the same powertrain: a 200-hp electric motor and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive isn’t an option. Acceleration should be perky thanks to the instantaneous power delivery that’s inherent to electric motors. Regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving while recapturing energy to help extend the Bolt EUV’s range. The electric motor gives the Bolt EUV perky acceleration and while it may not be the quickest electric SUV available, we estimate that it will make it to 60 mph in a respectable 7.0 seconds. Handling is competent if not particularly thrilling and ride comfort is agreeable, even over broken pavement.

More on the Bolt EUV

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

All Bolt EUVs come with a 65.0-kWh battery pack that the EPA estimates will provide 247 miles of range. That number is competitive with most other electric SUVs, although the Tesla Model Y comes with a larger battery pack that offers an estimated 326-mile range. The Bolt EUV can be charged on a standard 120-volt household outlet, but buyers will want to consider a 240-volt connection for quicker at-home juice-ups. The SUV is also capable of DC fast charging, which Chevy says can provide up to 95 miles of range in just 30 minutes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The 2022 Bolt EUV has a combined EPA rating of 115 MPGe. Once we have the chance to test one on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world efficiency. For more information about the Bolt EUV’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Bolt EUV’s cabin appears stylish and nicely trimmed. A flat-bottom steering wheel and a push-button gear selector are standard on all models, and the seat upholstery sports a cheeky geometric pattern. The Bolt EUV is longer, wider, and taller than the regular Bolt hatchback, and its rear seat is the benefactor of that extra space, with rear-seat legroom growing by more than three inches. Despite the extra length, the EUV offers slightly less cargo space, but we expect most drivers will still find enough room for luggage, groceries, and other freight.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

A digital gauge display and a large 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with integrated climate controls are both standard. A host of connectivity features are available, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon’s Alexa, and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. The Bolt EUV can also communicate with its driver remotely via a smartphone app, which can be set up to provide charging alerts and to connect with nearby charging networks.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A set of basic driver assists are standard, including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but buyers who want more advanced tech such as the Super Cruise hands-free driving system will need to pay extra. For more information about the Bolt EUV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Chevrolet provides standard coverage limits for the Bolt’s electric-powertrain components. It also includes the first maintenance visit, but overall coverage doesn’t come close to that of Hyundai.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance covers one maintenance visit Electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

VEHICLE TYPE

front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

BASE PRICE

$33,995

MOTORS

permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 200 hp, 266 lb-ft; 65.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

TRANSMISSION

direct drive

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 105.3 in

Length: 169.5 in

Width: 69.7 in

Height: 63.6 in

Passenger volume: 99–100 ft3

Cargo volume: 16 ft3

Curb weight (C/D est): 3700 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)

60 mph: 7.0 sec

1/4 mile: 15.5 sec

Top speed: 95 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)

Combined/city/highway: 113/122/104 MPG

Range: 250 miles

More Features and Specs