Electric vehicles are becoming more desirable than ever before. Companies are creating EVs that are more powerful, longer-ranged, and better equipped, and these models are now designed to look the same as their regular gasoline counterparts. You’re no longer sacrificing power or style when you choose an eco-friendly model. But how do you know which model is the best? When we look at the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV vs 2020 Kia Niro EV, why is the Bolt EUV the better option for car buyers?
Comparing a 2022 model against a 2020 model may seem a little unfair at first glance, especially in the fast-moving world of EVs, but the comparison is closer than you might think. While the Bolt EUV is an all-new model for 2022, it uses the same powertrain and platform as the popular Bolt EV, which was introduced in 2017. Meanwhile, the 2020 Niro EV only hit the market in 2019 and is currently Kia’s only electric model with the recent discontinuation of the Soul EV.
These two models are also two of the only competitors in the affordable EV segment. While the number of high-end models is growing almost daily with options from brands like Porsche, Jaguar, Rivian, and Tesla, there are few affordable models. Both the 2022 Bolt EUV and the 2020 Niro EV start under $40,000 and still provide well over 200 miles of range. So on to the comparison.
Technological Advances
Technological assets are important when comparing two new models. You don’t want to take a step back when there’s an option to go forward. That’s where the 2022 Bolt EUV comes into play. The Chevy comes with a unique new technology called “Super Cruise Hands-Free Driving.” No, this doesn’t mean you can lay back in the seat and watch viral videos while your car drives itself. However, it does mean that your vehicle can steer itself while you alertly watch the road. This feature isn’t a replacement for attentiveness, but it does make long drives much more relaxing.
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV‘s Super Cruise feature is compatible with over 200,000 miles of highways across the country. This means that in most cases, your vacation road trip will offer Super Cruise compatibility. The Super Cruise feature is trustworthy, using cameras, map data, and sensors to ensure its accuracy. This unique technology is not available on the 2020 Kia Niro, and honestly, it’s not available on many vehicles at all. When you choose the 2021 EUV, you’re gaining access to a technology that was only previously seen on luxury models at an affordable price.
On top of these important tech advances, Chevy’s 2022 Bolt EUV also comes with something called “Energy Assist,” which gives you the best mileage route. No matter where you’re at, this technology can calculate the quickest routes with the most available charging stations. Thanks to this, the EUV’s one-pedal driving feature, and the “Regen On Demand” energy paddle, you’re sure to save more energy in the Bolt EUV than in any other electric crossover model.
Mileage And Charging
Range is obviously one of the main concerns that drivers have when purchasing an electric vehicle. The good news here is that the Bolt EUV gets an amazing range for an electric crossover model. We are confident that in the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV vs 2020 Kia Niro EV battle, Chevy comes out ahead here. The 2022 Bolt EUV gets an estimated 250 miles of range, while the 2020 Niro EV is rated for 239 miles.
On top of this range advantage, Chevy promises to help cover the cost of installing a Level 2 charging station in your driveway or garage if you purchase or lease a 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV. If purchasing charging equipment is a concern, Chevy eliminates this issue, making the 2022 EUV even more affordable overall. When you can easily and affordably charge from home overnight, your mileage range isn’t even an issue on your daily commute.
The EUV: More Features, More Options
There are also more features that are included and available on the Bolt. The 2022 Bolt EUV comes with six standard driver-assist features, collectively known as Chevy Safety Assist. Further, you can add on a rear-view camera mirror on the 2022 EUV. This rear-view camera mirror lets you see what’s behind your vehicle without blind spots and cargo getting in your way.
The Bolt EUV also one-ups the Niro by offering remote start, assist handles, and driver modes. These driver modes include “Sport Mode,” which amps up your torque, creating a more powerful driving experience. Otherwise, drivers can stay in “Normal Mode,” still producing plenty of torque. You can also set your preferred amount of regenerative braking, allowing you to ease into this aspect of driving an EV.
As far as entertainment features are concerned, the Bolt EUV comes with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen display. While the 2020 Niro EV is available with a 10.25-inch display of its own, it comes standard with a smaller 8-inch touchscreen. While both models include features such as heated seats and wireless device charging, the Bolt EUV simply comes with more standard features and options overall.
Aesthetic Appeal And Exterior Features
Aesthetic appeal is important to all drivers, but especially for those considering electric or hybrid models. Thankfully, modern eco-friendly models are much more attractive than they used to be. Both the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV and the 2020 Kia Niro EV come with seven different color options. These both include shades of blue, red, silver, white, and black. Further, both models have a rounded crossover body style. However, the Bolt EUV’s grille is much wider and more defined than the Niro EV’s slimmer grille.
They both include roof rack rails and body-colored door handles, except the Bolt EUV’s handles include a chrome strip for an upscale touch. Both vehicle interiors come with standard cloth seating. However, the Bolt EUV’s interior comes with a two-toned gray and charcoal accented interior style. In this case, both models are aesthetically appealing, but the Bolt EUV’s sharp grille and two-toned interior make it stand out a bit more over the Niro EV.
The First Affordable EV
One of the largest drawbacks of buying an electric vehicle is the high price tag. While the much lower cost of ownership that comes from burning cheap electricity instead of gas and needing less maintenance to boot evens things out in the long run, the truth is that EVs are expensive. The 2020 Kia Niro EV starts at no less than $39,090 despite being aimed at the more affordable end of the market. The Premium trim is even more expensive at $44,590.
However, the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is one of the first truly affordable electric vehicles. The base LT trim starts at just $33,995 – a simply incredible price tag considering all the features that the Bolt EUV brings to the table. Even the Premier trim starts at only $38,495. More features at a far lower price? What’s not to like? And once you factor in the lower cost of ownership when compared to a gasoline vehicle, the Bolt EUV will end up saving you money in the long run.
While Kia has made an extremely credible offering in the form of the 2020 Niro EV, Chevy has gone above and beyond with the 2022 Bolt EUV. Not only does the newest Chevy electric vehicle offer a high level of standard technology and incredible features like Super Cruise, but it also manages to be incredibly affordable. While either of these options will serve as an excellent introduction to electric vehicle ownership, the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV gets our nod for the best buy.
