History/Overview
The Niro EV is a new addition to Kia's lineup for 2019. It's the third variant of this compact wagon, which is also offered with standard hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
Available Trims
Kia sells the Niro EV in EX and SX Touring trim levels. Both use an electric motor rated for 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. The battery promises 385 km of driving range and takes 9.5 hours to charge at a 240-volt electrical connection.
Standard Features
The Niro EV EX comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, heated and power-folding side mirrors, a rear spoiler, split-folding rear seats, cloth/synthetic leather upholstery, height-adjustable front seats, air conditioning with automatic defog, 7.0-inch display audio system with satellite radio and Apple Carplay/Android Auto, cruise control, electric parking brake, passive keyless entry, partial digital gauge cluster and tire pressure monitoring.
SX Touring trim adds LED headlights and taillights, sunroof, chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery, eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heat pump climate control, battery heater, 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Harman Kardon stereo, wireless smartphone charging, 110-volt power outlet, radar cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting, ambient mood lighting, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.
Fuel Economy
Kia estimates the Niro EV's energy consumption at 1.9/2.3 Le/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
Kia parent company Hyundai sells the Kona EV, which shares the Niro's powertrain and ostensibly competes for the same group of buyers. The Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf offer similar driving range in smaller hatchback bodies, and the Tesla Model 3 is a posher interpretation of a long-range electric compact car.
At the less-expensive end of the spectrum, the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Soul and Volkswagen e-Golf compete for buyers who can do with less driving range.
