As more consumers set their sights on electric vehicles, Chevrolet is working to make the market more accessible. It offers the two most affordable new EVs: the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV hatchback and 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV crossover. Both start under $30,000. 

If you’re considering one of these models, you might assume you’d be getting more for your money with the Bolt EUV. It’s the larger of the two, with a wheelbase that’s 2.9 inches longer and a body that’s 6.3 inches longer. It also costs a bit more than the Bolt EV.

However, in some areas, the EUV doesn’t offer much of an improvement over the smaller Bolt. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how these two EVs stack up. Here are four of the ways the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV tops the EUV.

1. Cargo space

Surprisingly, the smaller model comes out ahead in this category. Although the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV is just over six inches longer than the Bolt EV, that extra length doesn’t go toward the cargo area. According to MotorTrend, the EUV has 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space — 0.3 cubic feet less than what you’ll find in the Bolt EV. 

2. Fuel economy and driving range

Because the EUV is larger, it’s no surprise it’s slightly less efficient than the smaller Bolt. According to the Department of Energy, the Bolt EV boasts 120 MPGe, while the EUV gets 115 MPGe. The hatchback also has a slightly better driving range than the crossover: 259 miles on a full charge versus 247 miles.

3. Price

$GM is cutting price for Chevy Bolt EV from $32k to $26k pic.twitter.com/rSkABZddFh

— Market Rebellion (@MarketRebels) June 1, 2022

As for purchase price, you can’t go wrong with either of the 2023 Bolt models. Both are remarkably affordable. But the original Bolt edges out the EUV in this category as well. Its starting MSRP is $26,595, while the EUV will set you back at least $28,195. The $1,600 difference might be worth it to some buyers. 

4. Passenger space

We’re driving the electric Chevy Bolt EUV today. Any questions? pic.twitter.com/DgOMfWrBBN

— Fox News Autos (@FoxNewsAutos) February 24, 2021

The only place you’ll see the extra length of the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV is in the back seat, where it boasts 3.1 inches more legroom than the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV. Other than that, the hatchback slightly edges out the crossover in most passenger space measurements.

For instance, the EUV has 0.1 inches less headroom in the front and rear rows. Shoulder space is smaller in the rear by 0.8 inches. And although you’ll find a tiny 0.1 inches more hip room in the EUV’s front seats, you’ll lose 0.6 inches of hip room in the rear seats compared to the Bolt EV.

The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV wins in this comparison

When you compare the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV and EUV in the above categories, there’s a clear winner. Both have garnered considerable consumer interest as affordable EVs, and expert reviews of the two models are generally good.

The EUV has plenty to recommend it, and it stacks up well against other electric vehicles, such as the Toyota bZ4X. But compared to the Bolt EV, the crossover loses out against the hatchback in significant ways. 

When it comes to the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, this might be one of those rare situations where you come out ahead by spending less money.