History/Overview
The Kia Niro EV is the Korean brand’s compact all-electric wagon/crossover model. It’s one of three Niro variants, all of which come with electrified powertrains. There are also plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and regular hybrid versions covered in separate buyer’s guide entries.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, Kia has added a mid-range EX+ trim level that makes a few comfort items more affordable than they are in the top-end SX Touring model.
Available Trims
Kia offers the Niro in EX, EX+ and SX Touring trims. All three use an electric motor that drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission.
Standard Features
On the outside, all Niro EV trims get 17-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights with high beam assist, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, heated/power-folding/power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, and passive keyless entry.
Inside, EX has cloth/leatherette upholstery, automatic A/C, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
EX+ adds heated front seats, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a climate control heat pump.
SX Touring trim gains LED headlights and taillights, a sunroof, chrome exterior trim, leather seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a cargo cover, luggage net, high-gloss interior trim, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, a 110-volt power outlet, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED cabin and mood lighting, radar cruise control, and a Harman Kardon stereo.
SX Touring is also where you’ll find the Niro EV’s driver safety assists: blind spot monitoring, lane keep/lane follow assist, driver attention alert, forward collision avoidance, front/rear parking sensors, and rear cross traffic alert.
Fuel Economy
Kia’s energy consumption estimates for the Niro EV are 1.9/2.3 Le/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
A few of the Niro EV’s key competitors come from within the Hyundai Motor Group to which Kia belongs: the Kia Soul EV, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Others include the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, the Volkswagen ID.4, and the Nissan Leaf.
