Chevrolet Bolt EUV Vs Kia Niro EV: Which Small EV SUV is Right for You?

It’s a deep dive of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV vs Kia Niro EV.

Introduced in 2022, the Bolt EUV is a new model for Chevrolet. Built on the foundations of the Bolt hatchback, the EUV offers more interior space and ground clearance. The goal, to give Chevy entry in the small electric SUV segment.

The 2022 Niro EV will be the last iteration of the current design. The 2023 models featuring a brand new exterior and interior. It’s a car that has mostly flown under the radar in its segment, but the new redesign may awaken would-be buyers.

We put Chevy’s small electric SUV up against Kia’s offering in a head to head showcase of features and capabilities. Which one may be worth your money in the Chevrolet Bolt EUV vs Kia Niro EV showdown?

Chevrolet Bolt EUV: Without a side-by-side comparison, you might have some difficulty telling the Bolt EUV apart from the Bolt. Squaring off a few angles on the Bolt and adding a bit more heft, the Bolt EUV sits a bit taller. But it’s also quite a bit longer and slightly wider than the smaller Bolt. Presented as an SUV rather than a hatchback, Chevy hopes the Bolt EUV attracts more SUV-focused buyers.

It’s a design that’s not likely to catch too much attention, but also has the advantage of not putting off potential buyers. The interior design language also draws inspiration from this approach, making it a perfect high volume, entry-level EV.

Kia Niro EV: Newly redesigned for 2023, the Niro EV will sport an angular front end and two-tone side panels. Headlights are set wide and low, allowing for black trim to run above and across the entire front end. At the back, new boomerang-shaped tail lights contemporary Volvo estates or previous generation Ford Focus.

A new interior accompanies the exterior redesign. It’s one that accents the familial connection with the EV6. Sporting the same dual-screen set up as its larger sibling, the Niro EV also borrows the two-spoke steering wheel. A center console adorned in piano black houses the gear selector, seat functions, and the start button.

Bottom Line: The 2023 Niro EV puts the Kia closer to other futuristic and more boldly-designed EVs on the market. In contrast, the Bolt EUV may find it easier to blend in among the gas-guzzling traffic.

Kia Niro EV: The newly designed 2023 Niro EV features an interior similar to its larger sibling, the EV6. Official numbers for interior space have not available at this time. The 2022 model of the Niro EV’s front row offers 40.1 inches (1019 mm) of headroom, 41.7 inches (1059 mm) of legroom, 56 inches (1422 mm) of shoulder room, and 53.7 inches (1364 mm) of hip room. The back row of the 2022 model features 37.7 inches (958 mm) of headroom, 36 inches (914 mm) of legroom, 55.1 inches (1400 mm) of shoulder room, and 48.3 inches (1227 mm) of hip room.

Bottom Line: Based on the 2022 cars, taller people will enjoy the extra legroom in the front row of the Bolt EUV, but the Kia offers slightly wider seating in the front. The new Niro EV should eclipse the Bolt EUV in most regards, especially rear seat space.

Kia Niro EV: Much like the Bolt EUV, the Niro EV comes in one powertrain configuration. A 64.8 kWh battery powers a single motor driving the front wheels, with an output of 201 hp. Torque figures for US spec cars have not yet been released.

Bottom Line: With singular powertrain configurations from both brands and using very similar battery sizes and motors, it’s an extremely close tie between the Kia and Chevrolet.

Kia Niro EV: With a nearly identical battery capacity as the Bolt EUV, the Niro EV gets a rated 253 miles (407 km) of EV range. The Kia’ efficiency is rated at 112 MPGe (2.1 Le/100 km) combined, getting 123 MPGe (1.9 Le/100 km) in the city and 102 MPGe (2.3 Le/100 km) on the highway.

Bottom Line: With such similar battery and motor setups between the two, it’s no surprise they also have very similar ranges and driving economy. The Bolt EUV is slight more efficient, but the Niro EV has slightly more range. It’s another tie for the Bolt EUV and Niro EV

Chevrolet Bolt EUV: You can have a Bolt EUV with just airbags and cruise control if you’d like, which is a rare existence in today’s market that heavily invests in new technology. In reality, the LT trim sits more comfortably with the addition of a few options packages. As well, extra safety items are available like Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Park Assist. The Premiere trim further adds Adaptive Cruise Control and Surround Vision, and you also get the option of installing Super Cruise to the Bolt EUV for semi-autonomous driving.

Kia Niro EV: Kia bundles in a suite of safety technology with every Niro EV. Features include Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Traffic Stop-Go, Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. Parking Distance Warning for backing up is also available on the higher EX Premium trim.

Bottom Line: The Bolt EUV is an enticing first step into EV ownership, but the basic model strips away many of the contemporary safety features that are now standard. Still, with all of the bells and whistles equipped, the Chevy offers up just as much safety tech as the Kia. For entry level models Kia holds the advantage, but more to the upper trim and it’s once again a tie.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV: Despite starting thousands less than the most affordable Niro EV, the Bolt EUV LT comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ambient lighting. Options packages can also add features such as power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and auto dimming mirrors. The Premiere builds on the features available on the LT trim and adds heated rear seats, with the option to put in a Bose premium audio system and navigation.

Kia Niro EV: All Niro EVs come with heating for the front seats, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless device charging as standard. Front seat ventilation and an 8-speaker Harman/Kardon system is found on EX and EX Premium trims, but you lose the ability to stream CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly.

Bottom Line: Trying to best the Bolt EUV on value is a futile endeavor. At every trim level, the equivalent Chevy offers a similar level of equipment for thousands less than the Kia.

Kia Niro EV: Is yet to disclose pricing for the 2023 Niro EV at this time. For the 2022 models, the Niro EV starts at $40,385, destination charges included. The EX trim begins at $41,285, and the top of the line EX Premium is priced from $45,945.

While we wait for pricing information on the redesigned 2023 model, based on 2022 prices, we can expect the Niro EV to start at just over $40,000, and a range topping premium trim to start over $46,000.

Bottom Line: There’s no contest here. Chevrolet’s new price reductions push the Bolt EUV into internal combustion territories. You’ll be hard pressed to find another EV with the same level of equipment for anything remotely close.

In the battle of Chevrolet Bolt EUV vs Kia Niro EV, it’s a matter of priorities. A fresh face for the 2023 Niro EV brings a much needed spotlight to the Kia offering. Now thoroughly modern inside and out, the Kia represents a desirable option within its class with increased space. It’s the choice for consumers needing more space and looking for a fresher design.

Not to be outdone, Chevy’s price reduction for 2023 models of the Bolt EUV creates an unbeatable value proposition. For those looking at more options and increased value, the Bolt EUV is the better choice.

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