This week I am reviewing the all-new 2023 Kia Niro all-electric crossover SUV. Kia Niro has been around since 2017, but this year it is longer, wider, and taller than in the past.
You can get the Niro as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or as a full-electric like this one.
The exterior looks are unique for sure. Gray trim runs over the front wheels, down the sides, and abruptly stops. Above the rear wheels is a wide, boomerang shaped wedge that actually has a function. Wind can go between the wedge and the car to cut wind resistance. I actually find it kind of cool to look at. 18” alloy wheels really enhance the cool factor of the Niro.
The Niro is powered by a single electric motor in front that is powered by a 64.8 kilowatt battery that produces 201-horses. There is a storage box in the frunk in which you can put items in.
Inside, you find mostly recycled materials and a very uncluttered, clean interior. Seats are made from Vegan materials, and the center of the seats are made from eucalyptus leaves.
As you sit behind the steering wheel, there is a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster that you can configure from the steering wheel. It will show you your battery range, speed, and there is a tachometer.
On the steering wheel you can change drive modes from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Each drive mode creates a very different feeling.
Center dash is another 10.25” digital screen that handles the Harmon Kardon sound system that has SiriusXM and HD radio, navigation, Bluetooth, and a lot more including Quiet Mode, which turns off rear speakers if there are sleeping children. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
There is also an EV page which will give you in-depth info on where you stand with range, and will direct you to the nearest charging stations and tell you what kind of charging unit is available.
In the rear, there is a very good amount of cargo, with more room underneath. The lift gate is power, always a nice touch.
My tester came loaded with nice features. Besides what I already wrote about, you get remote start, power seats, a power sunroof, a terrific head-up display that also shows you if there is something in your blind spot, power front passenger seat, rearview camera, and a lot more.
On the safety side, you get automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning.
Range is rated at 253-miles and you can get an 80% charge at a Level 3 station in 40 minutes. The Niro does not come with any kind of charger, so plan on purchasing a Level 2 or Level 3 home charger ASAP. I will say that the range is accurate if you stay in Eco mode, even with the air conditioning on.
The Niro rides, drives, and handles great. As with most EVs, it is super quiet and the acceleration is fantastic.
I have a pre-production model, so I don’t have exact pricing, but best guess it is around $45,000 as equipped, way below the $68,000 average price for electric vehicles today. The Niro does qualify for the $7,500 Federal tax credit.