2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Expert Review
Reviewed by Zach Gale
Thanks to the new Bolt EUV, Chevrolet is doubling the size of its electric lineup. The new 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV hopes to translate the goodness of the brand's 2017 Car of the Year winning hatchback into SUV form.
Either an electric SUV or an SUV-like hatchback depending on your view, the 2022 Bolt EUV is Chevrolet's way of attracting a slightly wider variety of buyers to its electric offerings. And compared to the Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID4, and Tesla Model Y, the new 2022 Bolt EUV has a couple key advantages and disadvantages.
Curious about the standard, non-SUVBolt EV?Find out moreon the 2022 Bolt EVhere.
What We Think
We're still scratching our heads as to why Chevrolet introduced the Bolt EUV with nearly identical styling and naming to the existing Bolt hatchback, but other than that there's plenty to like. The EUV offers 3.1 additional inches of rear legroom compared to that car and based on our First Drive, the difference in size and weight don't mar the driving experience.
Even so, electric vehicle-ness is the most likable thing about the Bolt EUV. Comfort, materials, and capability are generally lacking. Although it's spacious inside, its poorly controlled suspension leads to a stiff ride, and unimpressive driving dynamics. Chevrolet's extensive use of hard plastics in the cabin leaves a cheap-feeling impression. And as much as Chevrolet might like you to think that the EUV acronym makes this Bolt an SUV, it really isn't—with mandatory FWD and low ground clearance, it's no more rugged than the standard Bolt EV.
On the plus side, the EUV is the first non-Cadillac to feature GM's excellent Super Cruise semi-autonomous hands-free driving functionality. As an EV it functions well, charging relatively quickly and offering easy one-pedal driving functionality. Dive into the details with our pros and cons review.
This Is the Bolt EUV's Low Base Price
If the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV's squint-and-it's-an-SUV styling doesn't impress, the price might. The Bolt EUV will carry a base price of only $33,995 including destination. That's only $2,000 more than the regular Bolt EV hatchback, and is expected to go on sale in the summer. It's also one of the lowest electric-car prices around, for cars or SUVs.
Bolt EUV vs. Bolt EV: What's the Difference?
So is the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV's $2,000 price premium worth it? Start with styling. Neither Chevrolet can compete with the far more expensive Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID4, or even Tesla Model Y in terms of traditional SUV styling, but the Bolt EUV does get a few distinct visual cues compared to the regular hatch.
Besides the standard roof rails, the 2022 Bolt EUV also has a cleaner profile, with more well-defined shoulders that give it a slightly stronger stance. The Bolt EUV also rides on a wheelbase that's 2.9 inches longer, and is 6.2 inches longer overall. Width and height are about the same, however.
Inside, buyers will find more room to stretch out in the Bolt EUV. With 3.1 inches more rear legroom, the EUV model may feel more spacious compared to the normal Bolt.
What Unique Features Does the Bolt EUV Get?
The Bolt EUV does offer a few features beyond anything the standard hatchback makes available. In addition to the roof rails you can't get on a Bolt EV, the Bolt EUV SUV has a panoramic sunroof on its options list as well as General Motors' Super Cruise semi-autonomous highway driving tech. When we drove a 2021 Cadillac Escalade with Super Cruise, we said it functioned better than Tesla's Autopilot feature. What the Bolt EUV doesn't appear to get, however, is available AWD.
What's the Driving Range?
The Bolt EUV possesses an EPA-rated 247 miles of driving range with its standard 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, just nine miles shorter than the smaller Bolt EV. That's certainly not class leading, but it's still very respectable for an SUV-like hatchback with a starting price under $35,000.
To help make sense of that 247-mile figure, here are some competitive figures. The Hyundai Kona Electric comes in at an EPA-rated 258 miles and the Standard Range Plus model of the Tesla Model 3 is estimated to have a 263-mile range.
Putting the pedal to the floor will drain range at a faster rate, but also result in a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds—if you can keep the front wheels from spinning.
How Long Will It Take to Charge?
Chevrolet has improved the charging-quickness of the Bolt EV and the new Bolt EUV. With a 240V Level 2 charger, you'll have a full range in about seven hours. If you're sticking with a 120V outlet, expect four miles of range added every hour.
The real story with the Bolt EUV's charging is that Chevrolet is offering a Dual Level Charge Cord. Equipped with a changeable plug, the feature is said to allow buyers to switch from 120V or 240V charging sources with ease, and we look forward to testing out the tech.
The automaker also says it will pay for the cost of standard installation of a Level 2 charger for customers who purchase or lease a Bolt EUV or EV.
What Is the Launch Edition? And What's Standard?
The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Launch Edition is a completely loaded version of the new electric model. With a $43,495 price tag, the Bolt EUV Launch Edition will have Super Cruise, a panoramic sunroof, different wheels compared to other trims, an illuminated charge port, and special badges. Standard equipment on all 2022 Bolt EUVs includes slim LED headlights, a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and flat-bottom steering wheel.
Safety
The NHTSA gave the 2022 Bolt EUV a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the frontal crash test, five stars in the side crash test, and four stars in the rollover test. Every Bolt EUV gets automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system are available.
