2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Every major manufacturer is jumping on the EV bandwagon, and while most are focused on producing high-performance and luxury cars, some are aiming for the masses. The Chevrolet Bolt EV was one of the first EVs for the hoi polloi, and Chevrolet quickly realized that there was an opportunity for some more sales, so the EUV was born. Manufacturers love to take small entry-level cars and create a crossover SUV version, and that's precisely what this all-new machine is: a Bolt on a small dose of steroids. Power output remains the same at 200 horsepower, but it gains a bit of size and becomes more practical than the regular Bolt. Some might think this is just a reskin, but there's more to this little crossover, which goes up against competitors such as the Hyundai Kona EV and Volkswagen ID.4. Can the EUV successfully migrate Bolt owners to a new body style, or are the others doing it better?

The 2022 Bolt EUV shares its BEV2 platform with the regular Bolt but gets an entirely new body design that looks more SUV-like and is definitely bolder. The EUV gets an assertive front-end design and signature lighting, with cleverly placed crease lines along the side, making the car look like it's constantly in motion. Standard exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, LED headlights and tail lamps, solar-absorbing glass, heated power outside mirrors, and roof-mounted side rails. The EUV Premier has standard body-colored door handles with chrome strips, chrome bodyside moldings, Gloss Black window surround moldings, and an optional panoramic sunroof. An illuminated charge port is available on the top-spec trim and comes standard on the limited-run Launch edition. At the time of writing, reservations for Launch editions were already full.

Classified as a subcompact crossover SUV, the 2022 Bolt EUV rolls on a 105.3-inch wheelbase and has a total length of 169.5 inches, making it around six inches longer than the Bolt hatchback. The Bolt EUV is 69.7 inches wide and 63.6 inches tall. The front and rear track both measure 59.5 inches. Despite this car's compact design, it's still a heavyweight: thanks to those battery packs, the Bolt EUV tips the scale at 3,680 pounds in LT configuration and 3,715 pounds in Premier spec.

We like the EUV's bold SUV styling, and Chevrolet compliments this design with seven attractive exterior paint color options. For 2022 the Bolt EUV is offered in Ice Blue Metallic, Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, Gray Ghost Metallic, Silver Flare Metallic, Bright Blue Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat; the latter two colors will cost you $395 and $495, respectively. If we were buying, we'd settle on Gray Ghost Metallic, which seems to fit the overall design quite well.

The Bolt EUV was never meant to set the world on fire with Tesla Model S Plaid levels of electric performance, but there's no denying the fact that this little crossover SUV (which is really a front-wheel-drive hatchback) is eager to please. With 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque directed to the front wheels, the Bolt EUV can struggle for traction, but the instantaneous torque of the permanent magnetic drive motor is impressive and gets the Bolt EUV to 60 mph in only seven seconds, making it as quick as a 1988 BMW M3 Coupe. An AWD option would solve the traction issue and slot in perfectly with the EUVs crossover SUV act, but unfortunately, there's only an FWD option for now. Top speed for the Bolt EUV is in the mid-90 mph range, which shouldn't be an issue if you mainly stick to suburban streets.

The powertrain in this compact crossover is a simple one: you get a 65 kWh battery connected to a single permanent magnetic drive motor that produces 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels exclusively via a single-speed transmission, and with a set of eco-focused tires at all four corners, the instant shunt of electric torque can cause serious wheelspin. Acceleration is relatively brisk, and most first-time EV drivers will be pleasantly surprised at just how smooth the Bolt EUV's power delivery is. All that torque makes driving in the city a pleasurable experience, and overtaking and taking gaps in traffic is stress-free. The Bolt EUV runs out of steam rather quickly though, and when cruising on the highway, don't expect massive top-end performance.

The Bolt EUV might be bulkier but still retains the basic elements of the EV skateboard design, meaning the battery pack is situated as low down in the chassis as possible between the front and rear axle, giving an overall feeling of balance and stability. The Bolt EUV is still a city car, and the steering feel and overall ride quality have been tuned to give the best driving experience in urban areas. Steering is light, and the turning circle short and tight. This is perfect for tight spots, but the Bolt EUV manages to feel composed and planted at highway speeds too. We found that the regenerative braking system is effective at bringing the Bolt to a stop, and after an adjustment period, most drivers will barely touch the brakes at all. There's a physical button to select one-pedal driving and a paddle for regulating the regenerative braking.

Driven with more vigor, the Bolt EUV's eco tires quickly show their limitations, and quick throttle jabs result in spinning tires. The suspension isn't perfect, however, so expect some body roll and to feel road abrasions and major jostles into the cabin.

The Bolt EUV shares its 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack with the standard Bolt and provides an estimated range of 247 miles. Public DC fast chargers will add 95 miles of range in 30 minutes. The manufacturer claims a full charge can be achieved in around seven hours on a 240V outlet. On a fast charger, the battery can gain 95 miles of range in just 30 minutes.

According to official EPA numbers, the Bolt EUV will manage 125 MPGe in the city, 104 MPGe on the highway, and a combined figure of 115 MPGe, which works out to 29 kWh per 100 miles. While the Volkswagen ID.4 has a similar range of 250 miles, city/highway/combined figures aren't quite as impressive, at 107/91/99 MPGe in the most efficient guise.

Regular Bolt EV owners will instantly feel at home in the new EUV. That's because the interior of this electric crossover is virtually identical to the smaller Bolt. Both get integrated climate controls, smooth modern interfaces, and a lot of standard tech. We like the electronic shifter and the "Regen on Demand" paddle on the flat-bottom steering wheel. The Bolt EUV gets a large diagonal touchscreen and an eight-inch color driver display. Thanks to its extended length, the EUV offers superior passenger space to the regular Bolt, which will be one of the most significant selling points for this car.

The Bolt EUV's extra length affords it one great advantage over the standard Bolt: more interior space. The 2022 Bolt EUV will seat five people and offer enough front and back headroom for adults in the six-foot range. Legroom is also impressive: there's tons of space in the front, and with 39.2 inches of space in the rear, even taller passengers will feel comfortable on long road trips. The front seats of the Bolt EUV are comfortable and supportive enough, but we appreciate the two-way lumbar driver adjustment that's standard on the Premium trim. The Premier and LT trims get a six-way manually-adjustable front passenger seat, and the Premier gets an eight-way power driver's seat.

The interior of the 2022 Bolt EUV is impressively sophisticated but is dominated by dark materials. The base model is offered with Jet Black cloth seat trim, while the Premier comes standard with Jet Black and Nightshift Blue perforated leather seats. Premier models are also provided with Dark Ash Gray/Sky Cool Gray leather seats. The base model can be optioned with the same Jet Black and Nightshift Blue leather upholstery, but since it requires additional package changes, the cost for this is quite substantial. The rest of the cabin feels well put together and attractive, with alloy-look inserts breaking up the sea of black material.

Most EUV buyers are looking for better specs and more space over the standard Bolt EV, and not only for passengers but also for stuff. The 2022 Bolt EUV can fit 16.3 cubic feet of stuff into its trunk with the rear seats in the upward position, which is handy but is minuscule when compared to the VW ID.4, which offers 30.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Flip down the 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and the Bolt EUV now offers 56.9 cubes, which once again is less than the VW, which offers 64.2 cubic feet. At least there is a false cargo floor as standard on the Bolt EUV, which provides a long, flat surface when the rear seats are folded. Still, there's no massive improvement here over the regular Bolt EV.

Small items can be stored in the deep door pockets, center console storage, or the glove box. Seatback map pockets are standard on the top trim. There are dual cup holders in the front and back.

The Bolt EUV might not be a Bentley, but it does come with some impressive standard features. The LT Base model comes standard with automatic climate control, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a six-way manual driver seat, keyless open and start, remote start, wireless charging, and cruise control. The driver gets an eight-inch diagonal multi-color configurable display, an HD rear vision camera, and assistance tech, including lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and teen driver.

The top of the line Premier adds luxury features such as an eight-way power driver seat, ambient door lighting, adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, ventilated driver and front passenger seats, and driver assistance tech such as lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The sold-out Launch Edition includes all the features found in the Premier, and adds all the optional extras included in the Sun and Sound Package, and the Super Cruise Package, including Super Cruise, enhanced automatic braking, and a Bose premium sound system.

The infotainment system on the 2022 Bolt EUV won't blow you away, but it's functional, and the infotainment menus and functions are easy to get used to. Both trim levels get a standard six-speaker sound system, and a seven-speaker Bose system is available on the Premier and standard on the Launch Edition.

Both available models get a 10.2-inch infotainment screen imbued with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The Premier has navigation as standard.

Despite being new on the market, the 2022 Bolt EUV has faced two recalls already. The first was issued for improperly fitted front airbags. The second pertains to battery-related fires that have plagued the regular Bolt EV for quite some time.

Chevrolet will cover the 2022 Bolt EUV with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty (including a corrosion warranty) and an eight-year/100,000 electric component warranty. Roadside assistance is provided for five years/60,000 miles.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV has not undergone an NHTSA or IIHS review, but its smaller sibling, the Bolt EV, has managed to score two Good scores from the IIHS. While the authority has not comprehensively crash-tested it, did find the LATCH system to be less than acceptable. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Bolt EV a full five out of five stars, overall.

Each Bolt EUV comes with ten airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger and seat-mounted side-impact airbags for all outboard seating positions. Industry standards such as stability and traction control along with ABS braking and a reverse camera are also present.

Both trims get the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard. This includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and auto high beams. Teen driver and a pedestrian safety signal is also standard. The Premier adds an HD surround-view camera system, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Chevrolet has been very clever here. The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV shares the same platform and drivetrain as the regular Bolt EV, but it gets a unique exterior design that looks ready for the outdoors, and we all know that crossover SUV versions of standard models are all the rage right now. You still get a solid product underneath the fancy new exterior: the range is on par with the rest of the EV segment, and performance should be enough for most (if you want to go faster, you'll have to look at one of the ballistic Tesla SUVs). Sure there might be a chance that your Bolt blows up in your driveway, but that's a risk thousands are taking. The interior of the Bolt EUV is once again a familiar place and is filled with modern tech. The extra space afforded by the large design is probably the most crucial feature of the EUV. There's not much more cargo space, but rear passengers get more legroom. And it doesn't cost a fortune. Smart move, Chevrolet.

The Bolt is competitively priced in a segment of the EV market where people are still sensitive about costs, which will play in its favor. The base model LT comes in with an MSRP of only $33,000 excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $995. This puts it $500 below the Hyundai Kona Electric and a significant $6,995 below the Larger Volkswagen ID.4. Stepping up to the top-of-the-line Premier trim will cost you a heftier $37,500, which still beats the range-topping Kona Electric Limited FWD, which comes in at $42,500. The Launch Edition was priced at $43,495, and can be considered the full-house option - there aren't any new Launch Edition cars available anymore, however.

The 2022 Bolt EUV lineup consists of two trim levels. The LT represents the base model, while the Premier sits at the top. Both trim levels share the same electric powertrain producing 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.

The base model comes equipped with Wi-Fi hotspot capability, keyless open and start, a six-way manual driver seat, remote start, automatic climate control, wireless charging, and cruise control. The LT benefits from a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Driver assistance features include lane change alert with side blind zone alert and automatic emergency braking.

The Premier trim gets ambient door lighting, HD surround vision, an eight-way power driver seat, ventilated driver and front passenger seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver and front passenger visors with illuminated mirrors, a rear camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and navigation.

The Launch Edition includes all the features found on the Premier, but adds 17-inch Dark Android aluminum wheels with Black painted inserts, an illuminated charging port, unique badging, and all the features found in the Super Cruise and Sun And Sound packages.

The base model is available with the $495 Driver Confidence Package, which adds rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. For added comfort, we'd recommend the aptly named Comfort package, which, for $895, adds an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and a heated leather steering wheel. Adding this package requires the addition of the Driver Confidence Package too, so the cost is $1,390 in total. The most expensive package on the base car is the $1,695 Convenience Package, which adds luxuries such as ventilated front seats, leather seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. It also fits Dark Android wheels and additional cupholders to the EUV, but requires you to spec the other available packages too, which is a price change of over $3,000.

The Premier can be fitted with the $2,200 Super Cruise package, which is Chevrolet's hands-free driver assistance system. The $2,495 Sun and Sound package is another exciting option for the top trim and adds features such as a seven-speaker Bose sound system and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

The EUV was never meant to be a luxury car and will most likely spend most of its life making short trips around the city. For that reason, we'd recommend getting the base model and living happily ever after. The LT shares its powertrain and total range with the more expensive Premier and misses out on a few luxury and safety features. You still get a stylish and comfortable interior, lots of tech, and enough poke to get through traffic. We'd rectify the safety issue by going for the $495 Driver Confidence Package and then calling it a day.

These are essentially the same cars with different styling and dimensions. The Bolt EUV and Bolt EV share the same 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and a single electric motor that produces 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels in both cases. These cars are based on the same platform, but the EUV is a tad bigger and measures 169.5 inches in length than the Bolt EV's 163.2 inches. This means more cargo and passenger space. The price difference is about $2,000, so we see no reason why everyone wouldn't go for the EUV.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a massive milestone car for the German manufacturer: it's its first electric SUV, and as with the Bolt EUV, it aims to make EVs attainable for the regular man on the street. The Volkswagen looks and feels like a more premium product right off the bat, and its price tag of just under $40k is proof of that. The ID.4 is significantly larger than the Bolt EUV, measuring 180.5 inches in length, but offers less passenger space. It makes up for that by offering a superior 64.2 cubic feet of total cargo space. The range is pegged at 250 miles, but the ID.4 is down on power, with only 228 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bolt's 266 lb-ft. The interior feels more upmarket, and the standard tech is good. I you're after a budget EV, then instead look at the Bolt EUV, but if you appreciate a bit of luxury, look at ze German.

The Bolt EUV is the evolved form of the classic hatchback, so it is natural to assume that it is the better option. It is bigger, that's true, so it has more passenger space in the rear to accommodate taller people. However, it has slightly less cargo capacity, which somewhat undermines the practicality of its SUV body. The more rugged and attractive styling will be enough to sway most buyers away from the dying hatchback body. In every other regard, the two vehicles are very much alike, with the same standard and available features. The smart money may be on the Bolt EV to get the most value for your money, but there is no denying the allure of an SUV, so we are sure most people will prefer the EUV.