The Kia Niro is a compact five-passenger crossover that was first introduced in 2016. It received a major overhaul for its second generation that offers unique styling cues and more power. It's offered with three distinct powertrain configurations: the Niro HEV hybrid, the Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric Niro EV. All Niro models are front-wheel-drive, which provides advantages in adverse weather. A 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard in HEV and PHEV. This five-passenger crossover delivers a range of 139 - 180 horsepower depending on its configuration. The Niro hybrid is available in five different trims known as LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX touring. PHEV models are available in EX or SX Touring trims. And Niro EV models come in a Wind or Wave trim. Prices for the Niro EV start at $39,550 for a Wind model and climb to $44,550 for the I spent a week in the Niro EV Wave and here's what stood out...
Electrification (+)The all-electric Niro EV is powered by a 64.8 kWh battery and a 150kW (201-horsepower) motor with DC fast-charging capability as standard. Plugged into a Level 3 fast charger, the Niro EV can replenish 10 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes, at a maximum charging capability of 85 kW. The 11kW onboard charger also helps recharge the Niro EV in under seven hours on a Level 2 charger. According to Kia, it can take more than 57 hours to charge the Niro EV using a regular 120-volt household-style power outlet which makes sense as overnight charging in my standard 120-volt home outlet offered little charge. This method is not recommended.
EPA-rated all-electric range for the Niro EV is 253 miles. An optional heat pump and battery warmer help preserve range in cold temperatures. It gets an estimated 113 MPG-equivalent in combined city/highway driving which is above average for an electric vehicle.
Exterior Styling (+)The second-generation Niro EV is unique in its design with identifiable lighting signatures, stylish wheels, and its contrasting Aero Blade D-pillar (optional). Up front is the signature 'tiger nose' Kia faux grille that is flanked by large new lights that have a very defined daytime running light signature. The side profile is accentuated by the Aero Blade, a highly distinctive shape that also aids airflow underneath the D-pillar. The Aero Blade can be painted in body color or in a variety of contrasting colors. Niro HEV and Niro PHEV can be identified by black door cladding and wheel arches, while Niro EV is distinguished by Steel Grey or black exterior trim, depending on body color. At the rear, boomerang-shaped LED taillights sit alongside uncomplicated surface treatments for a concise and aerodynamic styling combination. The earth tone color palette complements the design well. EV models get their own silver and mostly black 17" alloys.
Powertrain (+/-)The Niro EV generates a respectable 201 horsepower and scoots from 0-60 MPH in around 6.5 seconds. While not as quick as the bigger Kia EV6, it still feels punchy. It is exclusively front wheel drive with a single-speed automatic. It offers a well-balanced ride around town with a pop of liveliness that is quicker than the non-EV Niros. The ride is more refined than its predecessor as it feels solid and planted to the pavement. Handling is sufficient, but not athletic. The suspension is fairly smooth, but not as refined as others in the class. It's available with Eco or Sport drive modes that will alter the driving dynamics. Sport is the most engaging and agile. Overall, the ride is comfortable and pleasant as it serves its basic needs of the class with a calmer approach to EV driving compared to those that offer "in your face" instant power.
Interior (+)Hopping inside, an all-new interior complements the exterior with a modern design and materials. The parametric design borrows cues and materials from the higher-priced Kia EV6. Drivers will face an extended dual screen display with a 10.25" digital cluster and a 10.25" infotainment touchscreen. Textured surfaces and a glossy black trim give it a more upscale feel inside. However, be warned that the piano black finish shows every fingerprint possible on the surface. You'll want to keep a microfiber cloth close by. A traditional T-shaped gear selector is standard in the non-EV versions while the EV gets an electronic dial gear selector. It's well placed with room for a wireless phone charger in front of it.
The seats are comfortable and supportive with good head and legroom up front. It comes standard with combination vegan leather and cloth upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a six-way manually adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats and a vegan leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also available are vegan leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, driver's seat memory settings, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Back seats also proved to be sufficient for three kids or two taller adults. For installing child safety seats, the Niro has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.
Cargo (+/-)The Niro offers 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which is subpar for the electric class. The second row does fold down to deliver 63.7 cubic feet of space, but also has a higher load floor and standard power liftgate.
Technology (+/-)The touchscreen wirelessly integrates with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreens are intuitive for operation with clear graphics and easy navigation. Underneath the screens though is a row of controls that doubles as both the climate and audio controls (it's the same unit found in the EV6). While it offers a cleaner display, it can be frustrating if you forget to hit the button to switch it from audio to climate. Quite often I found myself cranking up the heat instead of the volume or vice versa. It takes time to get used to and one week wasn't enough.
Below the screen is a wireless charging tray behind the gear selector and available is a Harman Kardon sound system with clari-fi technology and eight speakers. Kia also offers a Head-Up Display that projects directions, active safety warnings, vehicle speed, and current infotainment directly in the driver's line of sight. And finally, the Niro EV is available with the same vehicle-to-load onboard generator functionality pioneered by the EV6.
Bonus Technology (+)A bonus feature is the remote smart park assist in which you can start and move the Niro EV without sitting inside. It operates just like Hyundai's system and is a neat trick that is quite easy to use. While standing near the vehicle, you can start it up via the remote and once activated, you can control the car at the touch of a button by moving it forward or back as if it was a remote-controlled car. The feature is very user friendly and safe. Releasing the button immediately stops the Niro EV or it will stop itself if it detects an object or person.
Safety (+)Despite its lower price point, the Niro EV comes loaded with standard safety technology that includes:
* Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian detection capability: Warns if there is risk of a collision with a pedestrian in front of the vehicle while driving and may automatically assist with braking.
* Lane Keeping Assist: Helps detect lane markings and provides steering inputs to help prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane while driving.
* Lane Following Assist: Helps detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and provides steering inputs to help center the vehicle in the lane.
* Driver Attention Warning: Analyzes the driver attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. It may also provide a leading vehicle departure alert if the leading vehicle departs from a stop and the driver does not react within a certain time period.
* Blind Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit: May help avoid collisions with rear-side vehicles when exiting a parallel parking spot by automatically assisting with braking.
* Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist: Helps detect approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and may apply brakes.
* Safe Exit Warning: Provides a warning when a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side while someone is exiting the vehicle.
* Rear Occupant Alert: Provides a warning to the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle.
Final Statement:I've now driven both the Niro hybrid and the Niro EV and have been impressed by both. The new design is fresh and looks more expensive than it is. The EV is smooth, quick, and nimble around town. It offers a good range and quick charging ability for Level 2 and 3 chargers. Interior design and comfort are good as is the technology. There are a few quirks in the technology that will be personal preferences, but overall, it's a solid car to consider in the segment. There's good value with its range of prices and all of them come equipped with an impressive list of safety features.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Kia Niro EV Wave
Exterior Color: Snow White Pearl
Interior Color: Light Gray
Notable Options: Snow White Pearl paint ($395), Wave Preserve Package ($1,300)
MSRP as tested: $47,570 (with destination)