2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

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 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.

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 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.