History/Overview
Since 2019, the Niro has served as Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, sharing a platform with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of this handsome wagon, which are covered in separate buyer’s guide entries. This is likely to be the final year for the first-generation Niro, as a redesigned model looks set to arrive for 2023.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, the Niro is carried over with no changes.
Available Trims
Kia offers EX, EX+, and SX Touring trim levels. All use a single electric motor that drives the front wheels.
Standard Features
EX trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, heated/power-folding side mirrors, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and passive keyless entry.
EX+ adds a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a heat pump.
SX Touring gains LED headlights, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, heated rear and ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, upgraded audio, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind spot monitoring, lane keep/follow assist, forward collision mitigation, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Fuel Economy
Kia’s energy consumption estimates for the Niro are 1.9/2.3 L/100 km (city/highway), and driving range is 385 km.
Competition
The Kia Niro’s competitors include the brand’s own Soul EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen ID.4, Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, and the Nissan Leaf.
