The Kia Niro offers drivers easy-to-use infotainment controls and decent fuel economy. It is a reliable SUV that comes with an array of tech features, including different powertrain options. These selections offer an all-electric variant, a plug-in hybrid, and a hybrid powertrain mode. Irrespective of the configuration, this small SUV has excellent EPA ratings, and the all-electric variant beats its rivals with an impressive mile range.
Price and Value
The average selling price for a used Kia Niro is $16,300. However, the price can range up to as much as from $23,500 to $35,000, depending on the machine’s mileage, condition, location, and additional features. The machine’s annual cost for insurance, fees, taxes, maintenance, and repair can accumulate to approximately $4,000. However, the 2020 Kia Niro EV EX retails at around $40,000, while the Premium model that comes with Harman Kardon Audio, cooled front seats, and a sunroof retails at around $45,700.
Performance, Engine, Range, and Battery Specs
Although the driving experience is a bit wanting, the Niro EV credentials are top-notch. When it comes to driving range and acceleration, the Niro EV is ideal in showing its quiet and quick potential of its fully electric powertrain. Under the hood of the Kia Niro EV is a permanent-magnet electric motor that generates an impressive 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. What makes it stand out among its hybrid rivals is the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. And unlike other electric cars, the urgency of the vehicle does not weaken beyond 60 mph.
Like other Kia Niro models, the EV comes with a standard front-wheel-drive feature with fewer all-weather power features. Since it is a bit heavier than the Kia Niro Hybrid, this machine tends to settle more on the highway than its siblings. However, it is not fit for off-road adventures as it has no impressive off-road attributes.
The Niro EV has both excellent steering feedback and handling, making navigating it around corners easy and enjoyable, establishing it as a perfect vehicle for a day-to-day drive. With a 120-volt outlet, you can charge this machine in 60 hours, but if you want to reduce the charging time to 10 hours, you can use a 7.2 kWh charger to power up the device. Compared to its rivals, this machine uses regenerative brakes that arrest energy and recharge the battery when you press the brake pedals.
Interior and Comfort
The Niro EV has two rows that can accommodate up to five people. The rows have enough leg and headroom for adults of any size, ensuring that they are comfortable. On the other hand, the seats have an impressive cushion that enhances comfort, making the machine ideal for long rides.
The rear seats come with two complete LATCH connectors, while the middle seat comes with an upper tether for your child’s comfort. The IIHS awarded the LATCH system with the second-highest rating because of its easy-to-use nature.
Although the interior requires some upgrades, it has a stylish cabin that gives it an impressive look. Most surfaces have soft-touch material that covers them, although some hard plastics are interspersed throughout.
The EV comes with the same cargo space package as the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and Hybrid. Thus, it features 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, which extends to 54.5 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats. And although these numbers fall short in other electric and hybrid machines, these machines offer more cargo space than most small SUVs.
Trim Levels and Features
The Kia Niro EV is available in two trim levels: EX and the EX Premium. The Niro EX is the base level model and comes with black cloth upholstery and 17-inch wheels. It also comes with an impressive standard infotainment system consisting of a 7-inch display unit, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, two USB charging ports, and Sirius XM Radio. Other features that enhance comfort include a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, keyless ignition, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The EX Premium that tops the trim level list comes with most features present on the base model, plus extra modern tech features. This includes a compass, Harman Kardon premium sound system that comes with a subwoofer and 12 speakers, and a navigation system. Other features available include LED lighting, a center console mood lamp, and a power sunroof that enhances comfort.
With an extra $1,000, you can get EX Premium Launch Edition Package. The packages come with LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, a rear and front parking distance warning, a cargo cover, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
It is good to note that all trim levels use the same powertrain. The only difference is that the EV base model comes with an array of standard features. Kia does not limit the number of safety features to lower the manufacturing cost. On the other hand, the EX Premium comes with additional features that enhance extra quality and comfort, creating a gap between them.
Safety
The Niro EV is yet to undergo an NHTSA and IIHS test. However, its siblings, the Niro Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, went through the IIHS test and came out with a Top Safety Pick, an award that KIA hopes will be emulated in the Niro EV.
And although the machine has yet to undergo safety rating tests, the Niro EV has many safety features that boost drivers’ confidence when they navigate the highways. These safety features include driver attention warning, blind-spot warning, stability control, seven airbags, and smart cruise control. Other key features include lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and lane change assist.
Reliability
Since it’s a newbie to the market, it has yet to record or recall any issue, but since it uses a 76 kW charge rate, the EV can see many drivers paying more for their recharging since the rate has exceeded 75kW. However, drivers can benefit from the five-year limited warranty and 10-year powertrain warranty.
The Takeaway
Compared to other subcompact SUVs, the EV is a reliable car. It has rather good acceleration, but it can sometimes turn sluggish, especially when you are accelerating at high speeds or driving up a hill. The machine also has a smooth ride offered by the suspensions that soak up the road flaws before you feel them in the cabin.
Although it has less cargo space and is smaller than other SUVS, the EV is among the top subcompact SUVs with a spacious cabin. It also has modern tech features that are easy to use to enhance your driving experience by improving your comfort. Although it is not as athletic or powerful as other SUVs, it leads in offering drivers with striking gas mileage.
Comfort, luxury, and safety features are important factors to check when selecting the type of Kia EV you want, so contact us today to schedule a test drive appointment.
