2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
One Of The Best Bargains In Green Motoring
There’s no denying, the Chevrolet Bolt, when it arrived for 2017, was a true game-changer; delivering real-world range to the masses like no EV before it. It only makes sense that GM would want to spread the love into the SUV category, it just took a little longer than we were expecting, but the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is finally here!
First thing to know about the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is that it’s essentially just a slightly bigger version of the pioneering Bolt EV. It’s 6.3-inches longer; but more importantly, there’s an additional 3-inches of wheelbase, which provides more space inside.
Second thing to know is there’s no all-wheel-drive; so, it’s more of an urban utility vehicle, designed with the space and comfort to make daily tasks and weekend errand running easier. So, it’s not a utility intended to get you far off the beaten path.
Back when we first tested the Bolt EV, we felt that it was very utility-like; now of course the EUV has made it even more so; though oddly enough, all of that additional room goes strictly to rear seat passenger legroom, as cargo space is actually a tick less in the EUV at 16.3 cubic-ft., down from 16.6. And you can tell rear passenger comfort was the EUV’s priority. While it shares the same basic profile shape, the rear doors are noticeably longer. But, the EUV brings a lot more than just additional rear seat legroom; it arrives with a load of updates, many shared with the Bolt EV.
The hood, as well as both front and rear fascias, have been tweaked slightly, headlamps are updated, and there are new wheel choices. Inside, there’s a new dash with updated infotainment touchscreen that’s now 10.2-inches, as well as a different control layout. While the center console now rises to meet the dash, and replaces the shifter with a row of buttons including a new one for 1-pedal driving. The EUV was also the first non-Cadillac to have SuperCruise available; in top Premier trim naturally. Though it’s still an older generation than currently available to Caddy buyers, so no 1-touch lane changes.
Premier trim also includes leather seating, surround view camera, and heated steering wheel; though wireless phone charging is standard on all. And due to customer demands, a sunroof is available in the EUV, as part of a Sun and Sound package that includes navigation and Bose premium audio.
The EUV does share the EV’s powertrain, and as you may have heard, all Bolts were recalled and EUV production was held up due to potential fire concerns with the LG-supplied battery. But, that has since been rectified, and GM added a little range to all Bolts for good measure.
The EUV is officially rated for 247-miles of range, which seems more than reasonable as we were on track for 270 miles before recharging. Its efficiency score is also quite efficient at 29 kWh/100 miles. That 247-mile range is actually 9 miles more than the Bolt EV had when it debuted, and its range has also increased from 238 to 259-miles.
No changes for the front-mounted 150-kW motor, as it outputs the same 200-horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque here in the EUV. The EUV’s bigger size equates to a slightly slower 0-60 time of 7.2-seconds; but it still feels quite peppy compared to traditional small ICE crossovers. Still, keeping the accelerator pinned for the entire ¼-mile is not exactly thrilling, as power delivery stays more moderate than aggressive; but the hyper-responsive steering does keep things interesting. Our best pass was 15.7-seconds at 90 miles-per-hour.
The Bolt EV was an adequately fun car to dart around traffic in, but when pushed to its limits would understeer quite a bit. The longer wheelbase of this EUV doesn’t seem to have improved on that, and there appears to be a little more body roll here too. Not much about the handling experience screams “sport-tuned” but the low-mounted weight of the batteries still lends a solid overall feel, and steering weight was actually quite good. Panic braking stops from 60 averaged a longish 120-feet, with significant nose dive, and lots of ABS pedal pulsing.
Things really get interesting when it comes to EUV pricing, with the base LT starting at just $28,195; that’s less than the Bolt cost 5-years ago when it debuted; so naturally Bolt EVs get a corresponding price cut to just $26,595 to start.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV surely won’t grab as much attention as the Hummers, Mach Es, and Teslas of the EV world. But we think it is still one of the best all-around, everyday EVs out there; and certainly, a clear bargain when it comes to green motoring. And we’re going to need a lot more entry-level EVs like the Bolt EV and this EUV if society is truly serious about wanting an all-electric driving future.
Specifications
- Battery: 65.0-kWh
- Motor Setup: Single Front Mounted 150kW
- Horsepower: 200
- Torque: 266 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 15.7 seconds at 90 mph
- 60-0 Braking: 120 feet (avg)
- EPA: 247 miles
- MW Range: ~ 270 miles
- MW Efficiency: 29 kWh/100 miles
2023 GMC Canyon
Canyon Goes Bigger
Most people know the GMC Canyon as the Chevrolet Colorado’s professional grade cousin. And while that sounds like just marketing speak, with an all-new design of GM’s midsize truck platform comes more genuine brand separation. So, let’s see what the third-gen GMC Canyon delivers in real time!
Small trucks are once again a big deal, and part of the reason is that they are no longer small. There’s not much about this 2023 GMC Canyon that resembles the ¼-ton Sonomas, S-10s, Rangers, and Datsun trucks that were wildly popular in the 1980s.
Of course, then, people were willing to sacrifice certain “big-truck” things for an easier to use and more economical pickup experience. Well, we don’t seem to be big on compromise for much of anything these days, and the current midsize crop of trucks deliver more than ever. So fittingly, the 2023 Canyon will be available as a Crew Cab only with a 5-foot bed. No more extended cab or long bed options. Wheelbase is about 3-inches longer than before, with the front wheels pushed more towards the front. It definitely looks tougher, and they’ve even eliminated the much-hated front air dam that protruded well below the front bumper.
The Canyon also comes exclusively with the high-output version of GM’s 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4, with a stout 310-horsepower and 430 lb-ft. of torque. At times it feels even more powerful than those numbers would indicate, with its diesel-like torque delivery enabling a best-in-class max tow rating of 7,700-lbs. No choice of transmission either, strictly 8-speed automatic, but you can still decide whether you want rear or 4-wheel-drive.
At minimum, ground clearance is 9.6-inches, which is more than an inch taller than last year, and almost 2-inches over Chevy’s base Colorado. And since it’s all about the off-road packages these days, our AT4 tester comes with 4-wheel drive, off-road suspension, locking rear diff, 2-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
And that’s just where things get started, as at the top of the heap, there’s a new AT4X with 10.7-inches of ground clearance, enhanced front and rear e-locking differentials, 33-inch mud terrain tires, Multimatic dampers, and an additional Baja Drive Mode. We’ll have more on the AT4X real soon.
But for all Canyons, including this AT4, GMC went tech-heavy, as all get 11-inch infotainment screens and a fully digital driver display in either 8 or 11-inches. Plus, an available head up display comes with most trims, and there are even optional underbody cameras.
Unique AT4 features include a Jet Black and Timber interior motif with stitched logos on the leather front seats. Those seats are definitely comfortable, and it feels maybe a tad roomier than before, but still well shy of the sprawling space in a full-size truck. It’s even more noticeable in the rear, though there are more practical storage options back here.
The AT4 gets a sliding rear window, along with a tailgate storage system to complement the integrated ruler, and bed side-mounted 120-volt power outlet. The Canyon already delivered one of the best rides in the midsize class, and the taller suspension seems to only improve on that; it’s not quite crossover plush, but certainly great for a body on frame truck.
Though the higher ground clearance and off-road emphasis kept it from being a track star. Indeed, healthy amounts of understeer and body roll greeted us in our handling course. It was a little hesitant off the line in speed runs, but once rolling, power poured on steadily. 0-60 in only 7.5-seconds, and through the ¼-mile in 15.6-seconds at 91 miles-per-hour.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the AT4 are 17-City, 21-Highway, and 19-Combined; we averaged an acceptable 18.2 miles-per-gallon of Regular. Pricing starts with a 2-wheel-drive Elevation at $38,395. That puts it at midlevel Chevrolet Colorado, with is consistent with the mission of the new Canyon. All other trims come with 4-wheel drive, this AT4 starting at $45,395, and the AT4X now eclipsing Denali as the highest offering at $56,995.
So, as small trucks have grown, so has the price of entry. But if that doesn’t scare you off, there is no denying the 2023 GMC Canyon is yes bigger, but also bolder and badder than before. Does that necessarily make it better? We say positively yes!
Specifications
- Engine: 2.7L Turbo-4
- Horsepower: 310
- 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
- 60-0 Braking: 121 feet (avg)
- MW Fuel Economy: 18.2 mpg (Regular)
- Transmission: 8-speed auto
- Torque: 430 lb-ft.
- 1/4 Mile: 15.6-seconds at 91 mph
- EPA: 17 City / 21 Highway / 19 Combined