Used 2022 Kia Niro EV

The Niro EV is a small, practical, electric crossover. If you’ve been thinking about making the big leap from gas to electric, the Kia is a good candidate for a first electric car. It has the practicality of a small crossover with pretty good interior space for its size, plus a good range of up to 239 miles on a full charge.

The Niro EV is now available in all 50 states. If you want to ease your entry into electric-vehicle ownership, you might want to think about the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (reviewed separately) which runs on gasoline as well as electricity from an outside outlet.

The Kia Niro EV has two clear competitors: the Hyundai Kona Electric and the all-new Chevrolet Bolt EUV. These similarly sized electric crossovers are priced reasonably with impressive ranges.

The Niro EV is a peppy little SUV. If you’ve never driven an EV before, you’ll be delighted by the plentiful torque that’s immediately available when you hit the accelerator. It’s quick off the line in around-town driving and has no trouble at all in highway passing.

Unfortunately, the Niro loses some of its agility when it’s electrified because it’s quite a bit heavier than its hybrid counterpart (reviewed separately). That said, it still has a tight turning radius thanks to its tiny footprint, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

Another perk of electric cars is their quietness. The silent powertrain makes for a pleasantly quiet cabin, adding to a comfortable drive.

The interior of the Kia Niro isn’t anything to write home about, but we wouldn’t call it uncomfortable. Considering the price, the design and the quality of the interior is just okay. The controls are laid out ergonomically, and there are some soft-touch materials at the common touch points, but we’re talking about a car with a price similar to the Tesla Model 3, which is a much more premium car.

This interior is pretty spacious, considering the size of the Niro EV. There is plenty of room in the front and the back with adult-friendly back seats. Cargo space is good, but there’s more in a bigger crossover like the Volkswagen ID.4, which has a similar starting price.

Like many electric crossovers, the Kia Niro EV has a smooth snout to indicate that it doesn’t need a traditional grille. Other than that, it looks an awful lot like the hybrid version of the Niro. We think that’s a good thing since the Niro is a stylish little crossover that looks good from every angle.

The size of the Kia Niro EV is similar to the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, but it rides a little lower. The Niro EV is 6 inches longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric, translating to more interior space.

239-MILE RANGE
An all-electric range of over 200 miles makes the Kia Niro EV a practical commuter for most people.

10.25-INCH INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
This lovely, big screen comes standard, and it’s loaded with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and satellite navigation.

The base Niro EV EX trim comes well-equipped. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, cloth/SynTex seat trim, heated front seats, automatic climate control, remote start, 60/40 split-folding back seats, wireless charging, and more.

The standard infotainment system in the Niro EV is a 10.25-inch screen with navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. It’s easy to use and sounds great through the standard Harman/Kardon premium audio system.

Standard safety tech in the Niro EV includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving system, driver attention warning, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Upgrading to the EX Premium trim adds some excellent features. Added features include a power sunroof, LED taillights, full SynTex faux leather seating, ventilated front seats, ambient interior lighting, a cargo screen, and rear parking sensors.

There’s a Cold Weather Package available for both trims, which adds a battery heater, a heater pump, and a heated steering wheel. On either trim, this is a $1,100 option package.

An electric motor linked to a lithium-ion battery pack powers the Kia Niro EV. It produces 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, which gives it brisk acceleration. Although it’s quick and fun to drive, it also achieves an EPA estimated range of up to 239 miles.

That range is slightly less than the Chevy Bolt EUV and the Hyundai Kona Electric, but still more than enough to cover the average daily driving habits of the vast majority of Americans.

All Niro EV models are front-wheel drive. Unfortunately, there is no AWD option.

Permanent magnet electric motor
64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
201 horsepower
291 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 123/102 MPGe
Range on a full charge: 239 miles

Charge times vary depending on what charge method you’re using, but you can be confident that your Niro EV will fully charge overnight (about 9 hours) with a 240-volt Level 2 charger.