Chevrolet’s appealing Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle) was introduced last year and is a variation of the well-established Bolt EV compact hatchback. It provides 3 extra inches of legroom for back seat passengers, an available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system, and the SUV look that remains strongly popular among car buyers.
A price reduction of $6,300 dominates the news for the 2023 Bolt EUV. It applies to both trim levels, LT and Premier, and reinforces Bolt’s position as the most affordable compact EV. By the way, the hatchback version gets the price reductions, too.
With the destination charge included, 2023 Bolt EUV base prices are $28,195 for the LT and $32,695 for the Premier.
A Redline Edition appearance package is another newcomer for 2023. It gives the Bolt EUV gloss black 17-inch wheels with red accents, black exterior trim in place of chrome, and a black and red Bolt EUV badge on the liftgate.
A 200-horsepower electric motor provides the Bolt EUV with high-spirited and pollution-free acceleration. Power is routed to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available.
A push-button gear selector is a space-saving feature of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV interior. (Chevrolet)
Unwanted noise inside the cabin is next to nothing, and rough patches of pavement are traversed with gentleness. On the renowned twisty roads of Snohomish County, Bolt doesn’t handle like a sports car, but it’s close enough to generate fun. Maneuverability in cramped parking lots is the stuff of legend.
When fully charged, the Bolt EUV has an EPA-estimated driving range of 247 miles. A push-button one-pedal drive mode can be engaged to increase regenerative braking. Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged up to 95 miles in 30 minutes.
The Bolt EUV Premier model I drove was outfitted with desirable standard features as well as a couple of expensive options. The standard features column includes an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment, heat and ventilation for both front seats, heated outboard rear seats, adaptive cruise control, wireless device charging, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, and wireless capability for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A slew of safety and driver assistance equipment was on board as well.
The expensive options were a Sun and Sound Package ($2,495) and a Super Cruise Package ($2,200). The former adds a seven-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and a dual panel panoramic sunroof with power sunshade. The latter is the previously mentioned hands-free driving technology. It includes three years of Super Cruise connectivity, after which a Super Cruise Connectivity Plan must be purchased.
Personally? As someone who thinks of driving as recreation, not just transportation, I’d skip the Super Cruise. Driving without using your arms is like soccer instead of football. Ew.
On a full charge, the compact Chevrolet Bolt EUV has a 247-mile driving range. (Chevrolet)
2023 CHEVROLET BOLT EUV PREMIER
Base price, including destination charge: $32,695
Price as driven: $37,390
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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