When you’re shopping for a small electric hatchback, the spec sheet can make the Chevy Bolt EV cargo space dimensions look a little abstract. Cubic feet are fine on paper, but what you really need to know is: can this thing handle Costco runs, strollers, a dog crate, or gear for a long weekend away?
Quick takeaway
Chevy Bolt EV cargo space at a glance
Key Chevy Bolt EV cargo numbers
On paper, the Bolt EV’s cargo hold is right in the mix with subcompact SUVs. In real life, the upright hatch and low liftover height make it feel more generous than the raw numbers suggest, especially when you fold the rear seats and use the vertical space.
Pro shopper tip
Bolt EV vs. Bolt EUV cargo dimensions
Chevrolet eventually spun the standard Bolt EV into a slightly longer, more SUV-flavored sibling called the Bolt EUV. Many shoppers assume "bigger body" automatically means tons more room in the back. The reality is more subtle.
Chevy Bolt EV vs. Bolt EUV cargo dimensions
Approximate factory cargo specs for both models. Exact numbers can vary slightly by model year, but this gives you the right ballpark.
| Model | Cargo behind rear seats | Max cargo with seats folded | Overall length | Rear legroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt EV | ≈16.6 cu ft | ≈56.5 cu ft | ~163 in | 36.0 in |
| Bolt EUV | ≈16.3 cu ft | ≈56.9 cu ft | ~169.5 in | 39.1 in |
The EUV adds rear legroom and a bit of cargo flexibility, but the basic footprint stays compact.
The Bolt EUV stretches the wheelbase and overall length to give rear passengers noticeably more legroom and a slightly different cargo shape. Surprisingly, the raw cargo space dimensions between the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are nearly identical. If you routinely carry adults in the back, the EUV is the better compromise. If it’s mostly you, a partner, and the dog, the regular Bolt EV’s shorter length makes it easier to park and live with.
Detailed Chevy Bolt EV cargo space dimensions
Let’s get more granular about the Chevy Bolt EV cargo dimensions. Exact measurements can vary slightly by tape measure and model year, but owners and reviewers tend to report very similar numbers. Think of these as real-world, "how it feels" figures rather than lab-grade specs.
Approximate Chevy Bolt EV cargo measurements
What you can expect when you’re standing at the hatch with a measuring tape.
Depth
Rear seats up: about 36–38 inches from the inside of the liftgate to the back of the rear seats.
Seats folded: roughly 63–65 inches to the front seatbacks, depending on how far you slide the front seats back.
Height
Floor to privacy cover: around 18–20 inches.
Floor to roof: roughly 32–34 inches at the rear opening, a bit more just inside the hatch.
Width
Between wheel wells: about 39–40 inches at the narrowest point.
At the opening: closer to 41–42 inches, handy for sliding in wider items on a slight angle.
Underfloor storage
Most Bolts have a two-level load floor. With the floor in the high position, you get a flat surface when the rear seats are folded. With it in the low position, you gain a shallow underfloor well, great for charging cables, emergency kit, and small bags.
Mind the slope
What actually fits in a Chevy Bolt EV?
Numbers are one thing, but you’re probably wondering what that means in terms of actual stuff. Here’s how the Bolt EV trunk space shakes out in everyday use.
Real‑world Chevy Bolt EV cargo examples
Airport run with luggage
With the rear seats up, most owners report fitting <strong>two large checked suitcases plus a carry‑on or two</strong> stacked on top. Soft duffel bags make it easier to take advantage of the vertical space.
Family Costco or grocery trip
The deep floor and tall hatch allow you to line up <strong>multiple grocery totes or boxes</strong> across the width, then stack extras on top. A typical big shop for a family of four is very doable with the rear seats up.
Road trip for two
Fold the rear seats and you unlock nearly wagon‑like space. It’s realistic to pack <strong>two large suitcases, a cooler, camping gear, and loose bags</strong> with room to spare. Just use cargo nets or bins so it doesn’t become a jumble.
Flat‑pack furniture
Long, flat boxes, think small IKEA bookcases, coffee tables, or shelves, can slide in diagonally with the rear seats folded. Extra‑tall wardrobes or very long boxes may be a stretch; take measurements before you buy.
Dog crate or pet gear
A medium dog crate usually fits with the rear seats up; larger crates often require folding at least one side of the 60/40 split. Many Bolt owners let dogs ride with the seats down and a barrier or harness instead of a full crate.
Stroller plus daily clutter
Compact and mid‑size strollers fit well, especially if you stand them upright and use the remaining space for diaper bags, backpacks, and groceries. Full‑size double strollers are possible but may need a wheel popped off or a seat folded.
Surprisingly capable small EV
Chevy Bolt EUV cargo space: what changes?
The Chevy Bolt EUV cargo space dimensions are so close to the hatchback’s that most shoppers will experience them as essentially the same volume. Where the EUV differentiates itself is in rear passenger room and slightly different packaging.
Bolt EUV advantages
- More rear legroom: adult passengers are noticeably more comfortable.
- Similar cargo volume: you don’t give up much trunk space for that extra legroom.
- More SUV‑like stance: some drivers simply feel more confident sitting higher.
Bolt EUV tradeoffs
- Longer overall length: slightly harder to parallel park or swing into tight garages.
- Weight and efficiency: a bit heavier, which can nibble at range.
- Still not a giant hauler: cargo shape is similar, so don’t expect a cavernous SUV.
If you frequently carry adults or tall teens in the back seats, the EUV’s extra stretch is worth hunting for in the used market. If your back seat is mostly empty or reserved for small kids, the standard Bolt EV gives you essentially the same usable cargo space in a tidier package.
Cargo space vs. people space: how livable is it?
Cargo volume is only half the story. The genius of the Bolt platform is how it balances cargo room with passenger comfort inside a small footprint. That’s especially important if you’re considering a used Bolt as an all‑in‑one family car, commuter, and road‑trip machine.
How the Bolt uses its interior space
Where the room actually goes when you’re sitting inside it.
Rear seat space
Both Bolt EV and EUV offer enough rear headroom for most adults, thanks to the tall roof. The EUV adds welcome legroom, which can matter if you’re installing rear‑facing child seats.
Child seats and cargo
With two child seats installed, you’ll still have a healthy amount of trunk space. Strollers and diaper bags usually fit fine behind the seats, especially if you pack vertically.
Passenger vs. cargo tradeoff
Drop either side of the 60/40 split‑folding rear seat and you can simultaneously carry one or two passengers plus long items like skis, shelves, or a bike with the front wheel removed.
Reality check for large families
Practical packing tips for maximizing Bolt cargo space
You can make a small EV feel a lot bigger with a few smart habits. Owners who get the most from their Chevy Bolt EV cargo area treat it like a well‑organized closet, not a junk drawer.
Smart ways to stretch Chevy Bolt EV cargo capacity
Use soft bags instead of hard suitcases
Duffel bags and soft‑sided luggage mold to the Bolt’s interior dimensions better than rigid roll‑aboards. They’re easier to stuff into the corners and under the cargo cover.
Take advantage of height
Pack heavier items low and push them forward against the seatbacks, then stack lighter bags on top. The tall hatch lets you build "layers" without blocking your rear view too badly.
Flip the floor when you need depth
If your Bolt has the adjustable load floor, drop it to the lower setting for extra vertical room. That can be the difference between closing the hatch and fighting with a bulging suitcase.
Fold only what you need
You don’t always have to flatten the whole back seat. Dropping just one section of the 60/40 split lets you carry <strong>one or two back‑seat passengers plus long cargo</strong> down one side.
Use bins or organizers
Shallow totes or collapsible bins tame rolling groceries, sports balls, and loose tools. They also make unloading much faster when you get home or to the campsite.
Keep the charging gear tidy
Stash portable charge cables and adapters in the underfloor compartment or a dedicated bag. That frees up main cargo space for everyday items and keeps dirty cords away from groceries.
Road‑trip strategy
Is the Chevy Bolt EV’s cargo space big enough for you?
Here’s the bottom line: Chevy Bolt EV cargo space dimensions make it a very practical small EV for singles, couples, and many small families. You get trunk room that rivals subcompact crossovers, with the bonus of a flat load floor and flexible 60/40 split seats.
If your life involves occasional big‑box furniture runs, weekend camping trips, or a dog plus a stroller, the Bolt can absolutely keep up, as long as you’re willing to fold seats and pack with a little intention. If you’re loading three kids, giant sports bags, and a full‑size dog crate every weekend, you may want to look at larger electric crossovers instead.
When you shop the used market, the advantage of buying through a dedicated EV retailer like Recharged is that you can get expert guidance on how each model fits real life. Every vehicle comes with a Recharged Score Report so you know the battery is healthy, and our EV specialists can talk through how a Bolt EV or EUV will handle your specific cargo needs before you ever sign anything.
Think of the Bolt as a cleverly packaged city‑size EV with the heart of a small wagon. If that sounds like your kind of everyday workhorse, and you like the idea of low running costs and easy parking, its cargo space is less a limitation and more a clever puzzle you quickly learn to solve.
