Compared: 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2023 Kia Niro EV
One of these EVs competes primarily on price, while the other charms buyers with loads of features.
Chevrolet | Kia
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The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV subcompact hatchback and 2023 Kia Niro EV beg for a deeper comparison than their hefty price difference might initially suggest. Kia demands a nearly $14,000 premium for its Niro, and yet its generous standard feature set aligns quite well with a well-optioned Bolt EV.
In terms of size, the Niro EV best matches the Bolt EV's big brother, the Bolt EUV. (That added U stands for utility.) But if you're in the market for a small, affordable, and eco-friendly ride, either of these mini electrics might serve your purposes. Here's how the two differ in important areas.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2023 Kia Niro EV: Price
Currently, the Bolt is the cheapest EV on the market. You can find yourself in the base 1LT for as little as $27,000. The next and highest trim level is the 2LT, which justifies its starting price around $31,000 with leather seats (heated up front), a surround-view camera, and blind-spot monitoring.
Kia
The Niro EV is much more expensive, with the entry-level Wind model starting at around $41,000. Above that, Kia offers another trim called Wave, which adds a few amenities such as a sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a Harman Kardon premium stereo. It starts around $46,000.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2023 Kia Niro EV: Features
While the Niro costs about $14,000 more than the Bolt, it's larger and comes with many more standard features, including a wireless phone charger, power adjustments for the driver's seat, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a power liftgate, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The last two are unavailable on either Bolt trim.
Kia
Both models have automatic climate control, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision-mitigation tech, automatic high-beams, remote start, and one-pedal driving capability. Only the Chevy has a Wi-Fi hotspot, and it comes standard. The Bolt also comes with a heated steering wheel (optional on the entry Niro) and offers real cowhide (unavailable on the Kia).
Inside the cabin, the Niro boasts two 10.3-inch screens, one for the driver and the other for infotainment duties. The Bolt, meanwhile, has an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.2-inch dashboard screen. But while the Kia's tech setup may win in size, the Bolt's wins in functionality, providing wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, while the Niro's system requires a cable for smartphone mirroring.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2023 Kia Niro EV: Range
The Chevrolet has an EPA range estimate of 259 miles. That puts it marginally ahead of the Kia, which has a 253-mile rating. Both models use a single 201-hp motor at the front wheels — meaning all-wheel drive is not an option — and they support DC fast charging.
Kia
The Niro can restore the battery from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes at a Level 3 station. Chevy says the Bolt EV can recover up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes. On a Level 2 charger both EVs can achieve a full charge in about seven hours.
