3 Advantages the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Has Over the 2023 Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro offers a lot of variety to prospective buyers because it’s available with multiple electrified powertrains. All of them have been redesigned for the 2023 model year. However, with so many new EVs on the market, it’s still difficult for the Kia Niro EV to stand out.
One of its latest rivals is the Chevy Bolt EUV, released for the 2022 model year. While both generate the same amount of power and share similar range estimates, we think the Bolt EUV is slightly better. Here are three reasons to support that conclusion.
The Chevy Bolt EUV is more affordable
According to Chevy, a 2023 Bolt EUV retails for just $27,200. The trim lineup has also been shortened this year to just the base LT and the upgraded Premier. The latter has an MSRP of $32,695.
Both the Chevy Bolt EUV LT and Premier trims are also available as Redline versions. This is an extra appearance option, sprucing up the exterior and interior with red and black accents. It’s a $495 upgrade for both trims.
Both models also have many package options to add more advanced safety features and attractive convenience options. In total, a fully-loaded Chevy Bolt EUV with a premium sound system and Super Cruise might cost close to $38,000.
In contrast, Kia says that the Niro SUV’s base trim costs a minimum of $39,450. The Niro EV Wave costs at least $44,450 before any upgrades. Granted, most of the Niro EV’s features already come included on their respective models, so there’s less need to buy extra packages.
Slightly better ‘fuel economy’
Chevy promises that the Bolt EUV gets the best mileage during city driving, earning 125 MPGe. The EPA estimates that this EV gets 104 MPGe on the highway. That equates to 115 MPGe overall, while the Kia Niro earns 113 MPGe.
However, Kia says that the Niro EV has a higher range of 253 miles. The automaker also reports that, with a Level 3 charger, 70% of the battery can be restored in less than 45 minutes. In under 30 minutes, Chevy claims that this charger restores 95 miles of range to the Chevy Bolt EUV.
The Chevy Bolt EUV can be driven for 247 miles once fully charged. The Bolt EUV makes 200 hp, while the Kia Niro EV is capable of 201 hp. Both are also on par in terms of acceleration, but the Chevy Bolt EUV has the highest torque output.
Both EVs have adult-friendly interiors, but the Kia Niro EV is the winner when it comes to cargo space. It offers almost 64 cu-ft total, while Edmunds shows us that the Bolt EUV only offers about 57 cu-ft.
You also have a Chevy Bolt EV and EUV option
The Chevy Bolt EUV is actually based on the Bolt, a smaller and more efficient hatchback. It’s rated for 120 MPGe overall and has 259 miles of range. Despite that, it still makes just as much horsepower as the Bolt EUV.
The Chevy Bolt EV is also cheaper than both its EUV twin and the Niro EV, starting at $25,600. Interior quality was improved for the 2023 model year, plus it has the added convenience of wireless smartphone integration. The Chevy Bolt 2L retails for $29,795 and includes some extra safety features, plus leather-trimmed seats.
While it’s an awesome car for a quick commute, the Bolt’s cramped backseat might be annoying for adult passengers. Its shorter wheelbase also creates a rough ride quality at points, but it still offers a generous 57 cu-ft of cargo space. Compared to these two Bolts, the Kia Niro EV looks less efficient and way too overpriced.