Used 2023 Kia Niro EV

The 2023 Kia Niro EV marks the second generation of this all-electric model. It’s one of three distinct Niro variants, each using some form of electrification. This new Niro EV is the only one that’s completely battery-powered, with no combustion engine. We review the 2023 Kia Niro hybrid and 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid models separately.

Kia calls the Niro a crossover utility vehicle (CUV); consequently, the Niro EV has no direct competitors. If pressed to name a couple, we’d put forward electric SUVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

A rose by any other name, right? However you classify the re-imagined Niro, it has interior space comparable to vehicles one size category above. Kia used the subcompact SUV class to reach that conclusion. We’re impressed Kia managed to squeeze so much passenger space from such a small container.

The 2023 Niro EV’s motor generates 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty for around-town driving, as well as highway cruising.

We didn’t expect the Niro EV to be NASCAR-quick; however, the maximum torque figure is impressively strong. Moreover, all of that torque is immediately available. In fact, 0-30 mph might well be the most entertaining phase of this particular exercise.

Your Tesla-driving buddy might not be overwhelmed, but the Niro EV sprints away from surrounding traffic when the light goes green. All of that pent-up torque makes things happen pretty quickly.

We also like the Niro EV’s clever regenerative braking system controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Each pull on the right paddle decreases the regenerative braking while decreasing the rate of deceleration. There are three levels of deceleration. Pulling on the left paddle increases the level of regenerative braking and increases the rate of deceleration.

Here’s the cool part. Once you’ve used the left paddle to bring deceleration down three levels, click it again, and you have one-pedal control over acceleration and braking. In this mode, the Niro EV accelerates when you depress the accelerator and effectively brakes as you ease pressure off the accelerator. It will even bring the Niro EV to a complete stop. Once you get the hang of it, you can run weekend errands without ever touching the brake pedal.

Some luxury car companies could do much worse than taking inspiration from Kia’s most recent interior designs. For example, take the cabin of the 2023 Niro EV with its aforementioned available 10.25-inch dual panoramic screens. They would look at home in a car costing thousands more.

Kia also uses recycled materials to enhance the Niro’s sustainability and employs paint that’s free of toxic compounds. Vegan leather may not sound particularly appetizing, but it makes for eco-friendly upholstery.

Kia lists the luggage space at 22.8 cubic feet — up considerably from the 18.5 cubic feet available in the previous Niro EV. It’s also more than the Kona EV or the Chevy Bolt EUV. Kia also contends the new 2023 Niro EV has a class-leading amount of interior space. We always found the Niro to be roomy inside for its exterior dimensions. Now it’s even better.

Remember how the previous Niro looked? Neither can we. Kia solved that problem. We think the styling of the new Niro EV is rad. Not in a surfer-dude way, but truly radical. We had no problem locating the redesigned Niro EV in the parking lot.

Let’s go directly to the contrasting rear pillars, because they’re truly eye catching. They stretch from the roof to the rear wheels, and it brings the curved-yet-upright taillights into an extra dimension. There is still a hint of the recognizable Kia grille up front; however, the designers cleverly made the charging socket flap a part of that trademark look.

The new Niro is 2.5 inches longer than the first generation. That’s actually a big jump for a car this size. The wheelbase (measured between the axles) is a tad longer, and the ground clearance of 5.9 inches is unchanged. All of this pitches in to make the Niro seem beefier and more planted.

Digital Key 2.0
This allows several users to access the same 2023 Niro EV using their smartphone or smartwatch, which performs the functions of a key fob. You can authorize use by text message.

Dual-screen display
Two 10.25-inch screens sit in one curved unit. One has a speedometer and other gauges; the other is a touchscreen for the infotainment system. For something so high-tech and high-resolution, this optional system enables the Niro EV to blur the line between mainstream and luxury.

Highway Driving Assist
Optional on both Niro EV grades, Highway Driving Assist is a driver-assistance technology that can accelerate, brake, and steer the Niro EV under certain conditions with driver supervision.

DriveWise safety technologies
Available on every Niro EV is a bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies that help keep your family safe. Among the included features are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and a lot more.

Harman Kardon audio system
This is an 8-speaker audio system with Clari-Fi sound-enhancement technology and a sub-woofer. It’s standard in the SX.

Proximity Keyless Entry
Included on every Niro EV, this feature allows you to unlock your Niro simply by touching the door handle as long as the key fob is on your person. It also includes a push-button start.

With the Niro EV’s makeover, Kia left a stone or two unturned. It still uses one electric motor energized by a lithium-ion polymer battery. Output remains at 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, going solely to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission.

Kia goosed the Niro EV’s range. On a full charge it was 239 miles. In the new-generation Niro EV, Kia expects a range of up to 253 miles.

Even though range increased, charging times decreased. Using a home charger with a 240-volt supply, a full battery replenishment takes less than 7 hours. Or a DC fast charger will take capacity from 10% to 80% in under 45 minutes. Making this possible is a new 11-kW onboard charger. The 2022 model, with a 7.2-kW charger, needed more than 9 hours or a full hour in these two scenarios.

Permanent magnet synchronous motor
201 horsepower
188 lb-ft of torque
Fuel economy: 113 MPGe (126 city, 101 highway)
EPA-estimated range: 253 miles

More Niro EV range and efficiency information is available on the EPA website.

High-Tech Safety Features

Every Kia Niro EV is well-equipped with standard safety tech features like rear parking sensors, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and the Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving system. Visit the IIHS and the NHTSA for the latest safety ratings.

Exceptional Warranty 

The 2023 Kia Niro EV is protected by the automaker’s generous 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. A 24/7 roadside assistance matches the terms of the limited warranty. The Kia new-car warranties are among the best in the industry.