I've been juggling this very question, but I think the Model 3 is going to win out. If the EUV was arriving before the 3, it would be a coin flip. Here's how I looked at things comparing a SR+ Model 3 and loaded 2022 Bolt EUV Launch Edition:
Cool Factor
So hands down, the 3 wins this category. While the 3’s exterior styling can be polarizing for some, there’s no question it is overall a much sleeker, sporty looking car than the EUV. The EUV’s more about utility, so the 3 really wins this category by default. The 3’s super simple dash with single tablet screen has also been polarizing, but is also very clean looking and very appealing to the wife. The 3’s superior acceleration and more sporty feel also pad to the Tesla’s lead in this category.
Technology
This category is more debatable. The Model 3 has OTA updates, a much better app, and features like dog/camp/sentry mode, overheat protection, streaming shows via Netflix/YouTube (while parked), a boom box mode, games, etc. The EUV has wireless Android Auto/Carplay and theoretically OTA updates and…..that’s about it (self driving touched on later). But AA/Carplay is a big feature that the Model 3 lacks, and to keep a lot of the entertainment features in the 3 you have to fork over $10/month to Tesla. Meanwhile, I very much like AA and having it be wireless is even better. I’m gonna give the edge to the Model 3 even though it lacks AA and a lot of the features it offers require a paid subscription. The standard features plus OTA updates push it over the top
Creature Comforts
The Model 3 and EUV both have a 6-way power driver’s seat (though the 3 also has a power passenger seat). However, the 3 lacks a heated steering wheel and rear heated seats require an extra $300 to activate on the SR+. On the other hand, the EUV comes standard with a heated steering wheel and has heated front and rear seats as well as ventilated front seats. The 3 has a more expansive glass roof compared to the Bolt’s panoramic moonroof, but the Bolt’s roof actually opens and has a cover. I did also find the 3’s door handles annoying FWIW. The EUV reportedly has a nicer ride than the 3, though I will still have to confirm that myself. I give the edge to the EUV in this category for the time being. No rear AC vents in the EUV is a bummer though.
Charging
Not too much to talk about here. 3’s charging capability >>>>>>>> the Bolt’s.
Self Driving Technology
I’ll have to wait until I can actually test out the EUV’s Supercruise feature, but from what I’ve read and videos I’ve watched, I think I will prefer Supercruise over Autopilot. Being able to truly drive hands free without nags makes up for the fact it is usable on less roadways. Plus we’ve seen the plethora of “Tesla on Autopilot crashes….” articles over the years. Yes, Tesla offers “Full Self Driving”, but that costs an extra $10k and isn’t anywhere close to actual full self driving. There are lots of reports of Tesla owners regretting forking over $5-10k for a feature that is still basically in beta and can’t be transferred over to new Tesla purchases.
Cost
The EUV is $43.9k sticker, but due to the buyback I will be able to trade my $43.9k ’19 Bolt for the ’22 EUV for $0 out of pocket. The Model 3 I reserved costs $41.7k ($39.5k base price + $1k white interior + $1,200 destination), but the price has increased $500 since I ordered. Premier/Launch Edition EUV’s seem to basically be selling for sticker right now (outside of a $1k Costco rebate), so I think it’s safe to say these cars are more or less even on price. The 3 has higher insurance costs (talking $200 difference for a 6 month policy in my case) and repair costs are also higher (hence the higher insurance premiums). However, the 3 will likely have superior resale value compared to the Bolt. A little too much uncertainty to declare a clear winner, but probably in the end the TCO is probably similar or maybe slightly in favor of the 3 due to resale value.
If I traded in the EUV for a Model 3, I would most likely be taking on an extra $5k in financial burden to complete the swap assuming I can get at least $36k trade value for the EUV, so that’s another consideration to factor. Keeping the Bolt and not trading into a 3 would save me at least $5k up front. It’s also possible both the EUV and 3 could become eligible for federal tax credits down the road if Congress passes a new EV tax credit and makes it retroactive, but who knows if that will actually happen.
Cargo
The Bolt can fit bigger things due to the hatch form factor, but the 3 can fit longer things (like golf clubs) fairly easily without having to fold down the rear seats. And the 3 also has a frunk, which while small, has its uses. It also has a fairly deep rear trunk sub-compartment. I would probably rate the cargo category a tie.
Also, the EUV is a LOT taller than the 3 and has higher seating position. The 3 is longer and wider and lower. Guess this would depend on your personal preference.
