All-new for 2023, the Kia Niro returns in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure EV form. It's a 5-passenger subcompact crossover that is offered only with front-wheel drive. Competitors include the outgoing Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Leaf and Ariya, Subaru Soleterra, Toyota BX4X and Volkswagen ID.4.
Changes for 2023 include all-new exterior and interior design, slightly larger footprint, updated infotainment system and additional features. Trim levels include Wind and Wave. Both get a 64.8-kWh battery pack that allows for an EPA estimated 253 miles of range. Power comes from a 201-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels.
Prices start at $41,000 and climb to more than $45,000. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and intersection collision mitigation. Wind models come with 17-inch wheels, heated front seats, vegan leather interior, digital gauge cluster and 10.3-inch infotainment screen with wired support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play and wireless phone charger. Wave adds LED headlights, power tailgate, sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 7-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system and rear parking sensors. A cold-weather package adds heated rear seats and heat pump.
Given its smallish dimensions and reasonably powerful motor, the Niro EV feels quite peppy around town. As is the case with most EVs, there is no delay in power delivery -- simply stomp your foot and go. Most peg the 0 to 60 MPH time at about 7.2 seconds. Certainly, quick enough in the class.
At more than 250 miles per charge, range is impressive. Part of that range comes from the largish battery pack, but more importantly, Niro is very efficient. It nets between 3.5 and 4 miles per kW. Most other EVs rarely do better than 3 miles per kW. One area where Kia saved a few dollars is in the charge rate. While some EVs charge at a max of 150 kW, the maximum rate for the Niro is 85 kW.
From behind the wheel, Niro is reasonably nimble. Though its ride is tuned more for comfort than athleticism, the low center of gravity helps it feel stable around corners and connected to the road. However, there's no hiding the weight of the battery pack and in quick changes of direction, Niro feels a bit queasy and awkward. The tires have limited dry-rod grip and the steering lacks feel, which doesn't help. Brakes are always an EV sticking point. Sometimes the pedal is too numb and other times it is like an on-off switch. Thankfully, Niro's brakes feel natural and transition from regeneration to friction braking seamlessly. Niro does offer one-pedal driving, but it must be activated each time you get behind the wheel.
Interior noise levels are quite low, but there's a difference between models here. The Wave models gets additional sound deadening, which helps quiet the highway ride.
Despite being a EV, Niro sports a very conventional interior. Yes, it has a digital instrument cluster and large touchscreen, but there are separate controls for the radio and HVAC (more on that later) and a familiar design language. Materials are price appropriate, but there are certainly more than a few cut-rate plastics throughout.
Front seats are roomy enough, but a bit short of padding. Same can be said for the rear bench, which lacks lateral support. At least outward visibility is great and entry/exit a snap.
Niro offers an impressive array of standard safety and technology features. The infotainment system and instrument cluster are well designed and easy to read and use. Two things stand out as demerits though. One, there is no wireless support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The second is a bit more nuanced but can also be found in the new Sportage and EV6. It's a toggle that allows the same controls to be used for the radio and climate control. Yes, it saves on buttons and knobs (and thank you for the buttons and knobs). But, it also adds a layers of complexity that results in lots of additional distraction when driving.
As a hatchback, Niro is fairly cargo friendly. It offers 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64 cubic feet overall. There is also space under the trunk floor for additional storage. The rear opening is reasonably large and the rear seats fold flat in a snap. There's also a small bin under the hood that's perfect for storing the emergency charging cable. Interior storage is minimal with small map pockets, a tiny center console bin and a few open cubbies throughout.
Bottom Line -- Hard to imagine recommending another EV over Niro for urban dwellers. It's a snap do drive around town, won't break the bank and offers occasional room for four adults. Of course the slower charging rate means longer wait times when taking road trips. Still, if you are looking for a second car for around-town driving, give Niro a serious look.
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