We have just tested both the 2022 Bolt EUV and the conventional 2022 Bolt. Here’s why buying the Bolt EUV makes much more sense.
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Two of our favorite vehicles are the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle). If you are new to the Bolt family, the EUV is very similar to the five-door compact hatchback Bolt that has been around for about five years but larger. The EUV version of the Bolt has more rear-seat legroom and adds features you cannot get on a conventional Bolt hatchback.
Related Story: GM’s Super Cruise Elevates the Bolt EUV Electric Utility Vehicle
Here in my home state, Drivegreen consolidates all of the green vehicle deals in the state and works with dealers to show the final discounted price breakdown. It makes cross-shopping EVs very simple. We checked out the prices of the Bolt EUV vs. the Bolt this week and found that both have the same starting price of about $28K after discounts and state EV incentives. Theoretically, the Bolt has an MSRP about $2K lower than the Bolt EUV, but in actual shopping, we found they are priced pretty much the same. Given that fact, we feel the larger Bolt EUV is the better value.
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Bolt EUV vs. Bolt EV - The Drive
One reason that we feel the Bolt EUV is a better value is that its driving experience is just as satisfying and enjoyable as the smaller Bolt. We’ve driven both - a LOT - and in all situations. We tried them both in inner cities, suburban streets, mountain roads, and hundreds of highway miles. No typical driver is going to feel a meaningful difference between the two.
The larger Bolt EUV still handles great, turns sharply, feels like its center of gravity is under your seat, and brakes and accelerates like a sporty car. During my Bolt EUV test on a single-lane state highway with a 55 MPH speed limit, I had a chance to test the Bolt EUV’s emergency maneuverability. I was turning to the left on the highway and a full-size SUV was coming at me turning to its right on this stretch of high-speed roadway. Except it didn't turn, and instead crossed over the center yellow lines and into my lane. I was about to crash head-on into a glutton-mobile and die. However, I snapped the wheel to the right and then quickly snapped the Bolt EUV back to the center of my own lane without thinking. Thank you Skip Barber Driving School!
The Bolt EUV’s outstanding handling was on full display. The car didn’t oversteer but instead moved into the breakdown lane in an instant. Because the vehicle is well designed for handling I was able to correct back to the center of my lane after the leviathan passed and didn’t overcorrect. The Bolt EUV has it where it counts.
Related Topic: 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV Brake Energy Recapture Test- Mt. Washington New Hampshire
Bolt EUV vs. Bolt EV - Features
The Bolt EUV has a roomy back seat and the conventional Bolt has a relatively snug back seat. The legroom of the Bolt EUV is what you really want if you plan to carry any passengers. Other than that, they are so similar nobody but an owner or vehicle tester will ever be able to tell these two apart.
The Bolt EUV also has hands-free Super Cruise available, and you won’t get that in any trim of the conventional Bolt. At least not this model year. In addition, the Bolt EUV has other features such as cooled seats you won’t find in the Bolt hatchback.
Conclusion - Buy or Lease the Bolt EUV (and Get Super Cruise)
Since the two vehicles have such similar pricing, we feel the somewhat larger Bolt EUV is clearly the better way to go. Now, if GM decides to resume its nearly $20K in discounts on the Bolt Hatchback, and the prices diverge, you will have a choice to make. However, with the two presently similar in price, there is really no choice here. The Bolt EUV Premier currently costs Massachusetts residents under $33K after the state rebate and there are no federal tax hassles to concern yourself with. At that price, the Bolt EUV Premier is the best value in the automotive world right now. Unlike many in-demand vehicles, Bolt EUVs are in stock for same-day delivery in many areas.
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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Yeah, these two Bolt models
Yeah, these two Bolt models are very close in all ways. Almost enough that Chevy could drop the base model and few people would notice. But it could be that Chevy will offer steeper discounts on the base model, and make it more of a deal. While keeping the EUV model as a more premium version. I am curious about where the federal EV funding bills are with regard to offering subsidies to Chevys and Teslas again. If the full discounts could be renewed for the Bolt the resulting net prices could be under $24K for even the EUV model. Which would make it ultra competitive against gas only powered cars. It is ironic that Biden is actively promoting EVs and legacy automakers, but the US still offers the full federal tax benefits to all of the foreign built EV competitors, but denies them to Tesla and Chevy.