2024 Kia Niro EV

We like the Niro EV for its functionality, decent range, impressive technology, and long list of standard features. Its price flirts with that of the somewhat larger Kia EV6, but there’s a lot of bang for your buck, not the least of which is that terrific Kia warranty.

Kia made the marketing decision to electrify, in some way, its entire lineup of Niro models, so even Kia’s Niro is really a hybrid. We provide separate reviews for the 2024 Niro and the 2024 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid. If you are confused as to whether the 2024 Kia Niro EV is an SUV or a car, you’re not alone. Kia calls this trio of front-wheel-drive Niro models “crossover utility vehicles.” Consequently, pigeon-holing direct electric rivals is a little confusing. We look at the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the Hyundai Kona Electric as at least somewhat direct competitors.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs, including the Kia Niro EV.

Kia released the current generation of Niro models for 2023; consequently, the 2024 Niro EV returns with zero notable changes.

Because it’s assembled in South Korea, the Kia Niro EV doesn’t qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. It may qualify for some state incentives, however. For example, California offers at least a $2,000 rebate on the 2024 Kia Niro EV.

Although the Wind and Wave trim levels enjoy relatively equal popularity as reflected by sales numbers, we’d stick with the more affordable Wind. The most tempting features luring buyers to the Wave are a sunroof, a hands-free power tailgate, remote park assist, and the Harman Kardon audio upgrade. If you can live without these, we say, save five grand.

Before buying the Kia Niro EV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. To date, the Niro EV has a below-average track record for retaining its value.

The 2024 Kia 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. That power enables the ability to scoot to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Most drivers will rarely tap into all that acceleration. The rush is from the immediate availability of the Niro EV’s torque. In fact, 0-30 mph might well be the most entertaining phase of any acceleration exercise. Your Tesla-driving buddy might not be overwhelmed, but the Niro EV feels quite quick against many similarly sized gas-fueled vehicles.

We also like the Niro EV’s clever regenerative braking system controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It offers several levels of regeneration/deceleration, including one-pedal control over acceleration and braking. In this mode, the Niro EV accelerates when you press 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, the 2024 Niro EV’s 10.25-inch dual panoramic screens would look right at home in a car costing thousands more. Moreover, 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-generation Niro EV. Folding those seats creates an impressive 63.7 cubic feet for additional gear. It’s also generous with passenger space. We always found the Niro to be roomy inside for its exterior dimensions. Now it’s even better.

Remember how the previous Niro EV looked? Neither can we. We argue that Kia solved that problem. In fact, we describe the Niro EV’s styling as rad. Not in a surfer-dude way, but it’s truly radical. We had no problem locating our test Niro EV in the cinema multiplex parking lot. Doing a lot to set the exterior styling tone are the contrasting rear pillars, because they’re truly eye-catching. Stretching from the roof to the rear wheels, they bring the curved-yet-upright taillights into an extra dimension. There is still a hint of the recognizable Kia grille up front, and the designers cleverly made the charging socket flap a part of that trademark look.

Digital Key 2.0
This allows several users to access the same 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
We love the two 10.25-inch screens arranged as one curved unit. One has a speedometer and other gauges; the second is a touchscreen for the infotainment system.

Highway Driving Assist
Included 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
Standard on every Niro EV is a bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies. Among them are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and a lot more.

Harman Kardon audio system
A couple of audiophiles on our review staff highly praised this 8-speaker audio system with Clari-Fi sound-enhancement technology and a sub-woofer. It’s standard in the Wave higher trim.

Proximity Keyless Entry
One of those features you don’t know you need or want until you drive a car equipped with it, Kia includes it on every Niro EV. It allows you to unlock your Niro EV simply by touching the door handle as long as the key fob is on your person. It also includes push-button start.

The 2024 Kia Niro EV is rated for 253 miles of range on a full charge. On a public DC fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in about 43 minutes. That’s on the slower side nowadays. Kia’s own EV6, for instance, can absorb the same charge in less than half that time. Using a home charger with a 240-volt supply, a full battery replenishment can take less than 7 hours.

The Kia Niro EV is driven by a single electric motor energized by a 64.8-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. That output goes solely to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. Using the EPA’s miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), the estimated fuel economy in mixed city/highway driving is 113 MPGe. You can find more Niro EV efficiency information on the EPA’s website.

Exceptional Warranty

The 2024 Kia Niro EV is protected by the automaker’s generous 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which includes the motor battery. A 24/7 roadside assistance program matches the terms of the limited warranty. The Kia new-car warranties match those of Hyundai, ranking among the best in the industry.

Safety Ratings

Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA has safety/crash tested the 2024 Niro EV. However, Every 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.