While we’re fans of EVs – if they’re right for you – the sad truth is that they can be expensive, often much more than their gas or hybrid siblings. But if you’re interested in an EV but don’t want to break the bank, there still are some great choices for you. And one of the best is the Kia Niro. So, let’s take a look at what you get!
Smart and Fresh
We’ve always liked the Kia Niro. One of the first hybrid crossover/tall hatches, even before it was an EV it had plenty of style, performance and amenities to make you wonder if you need anything more.
The Niro line got a major freshening two years ago, and it’s continuing to grow on us. Kia calls the design philosophy “Opposites United” merging inspiration with aerodynamics. You’ve still got the signature Kia “Tiger Nose” grille with upswept daytime running lights and large LED headlights with a cool check-mark signature line. A large lower grille gives a sporty look as well. Interestingly, when they did the refresh, they simplified the door for the charging point on the nose. It’s subtle, and if you didn’t know this was an EV, you might never guess.
The profile shows off the tall hatch lines, that are modern and fresh. Our tester did not have the optional contrasting Aero blade D-pillar which we think has a very Audi-like vibe, but it still comes off rugged with deep cutaways in the doors, a chunky, lower panel and aero design wheel well trim. The finishing touch are the 18-inch snowflake style alloy wheels that add some cheeky personality.
Like the front, the rear is clean and modern, with a large hatch opening, and a contrasting lower fascia that gives a little chunk to the trunk. Slender vertical taillights and a full-width rear spoiler over the rear window gives off some aero cred. Finished off in optional Snow White Pearl, it looks like an EV you could drive out of an Apple store!
Futuristic and Fun
The interior is one of the best things about the Niro EV.
With a sleek, chic interior, the Niro is a great place to spend time. Open the door and your first take is an elegant one, thanks to our testers two-tone gray and charcoal color scheme, with a light color on the 2-spoke steering wheel and the perforated SynTex Seat Trim elevating the experience. You also notice the unique shaped headrests that include integrated coat hangers. Ambient interior lighting also adds to the good vibes.
That experience also includes a commitment to eco-friendly materials – the headliner is made of recycled wallpaper; the seat covers are made from eucalyptus leaves. No Koala bears were harmed in the making of this interior. (We hope!)
Tech is certainly along for the ride with dual 10.25-inch screams seamlessly creating a massive wide screen that spans most of the dash. The gauge display is modern and clean, and we like how it changes depending on Drive Mode. Our tester also had a heads-up display that helps reduce time looking away from the road.
Info-tainment is served up with a touchscreen that gives quick access to information – and with an EV there are always extra screens for consumption, to help you find a charging point and control the charging process. All models feature standard navigation, and our upscale Wave model added a terrific sounding 7-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. We also love that you can just say “Hey Kia” and voice control key info-tainment features.
Below that screen is a dedicated digital touchpad for climate control that’s very handy, as well as wireless charging for your phone.
The heated and ventilated power front seats are very comfortable, the driver’s seat has a memory system, and the heated steering wheel is a nice touch – literally! Adults can fit in the rear seats, and although this is one of the largest interiors in its class, it is a relatively small vehicle, so rear seat legroom is on the snug side.
The trade-off here is a very spacious cargo area – especially when you consider the EV powertrain intrudes a little bit. Flipping down the rear seats serves up a large hold for stuff, and the power rear hatch makes for easy loading.
Whisper Smooth and Quick
Driving is elevated as well.
While some EV’s are cranking out stupendous HP numbers, the Niro offers a 201 horsepower (150kW) and 188 lb.-ft of torque with standard DC fast charging capability. While those are not big numbers, the Niro is a small vehicle, so performance is quite good.
Especially in Sport mode, the little Kia has plenty of low-end oomph and should see you to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds – plenty quick for the daily drive. And let’s not forget that the powertrain is completely silent, so it makes it feel even quicker. Offered exclusively in front wheel drive, we think this is an excellent powertrain for a commuter/city car.
Ok, range and charging are always the big questions, and here the Niro also does well, with an EPA rating of 253 miles. Not the longest, but certainly adequate enough that you don’t find yourself looking at the range readout constantly.
When you do need to charge, available fast charging can take you from 10 to 80 percent in 45 minutes. Again, not the fastest, but works fine if you’re grabbing lunch or a workout. Figure about 7 hours on a level 2 charger. Perfect for an overnight plug-in in the garage.
Kia makes no bones about this being a sport sedan, and it really doesn’t goad you into finding a twisty road, but handling is responsive, and we found the ride supple, and thanks to that EV goodness, it’s whisper quiet even on the freeway. Lovely.
Which brings us to the impressive suite of driver-assistance features, including Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping and Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance and more. You’ve also got additional helpful tech with things like Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Warning.
More you say? Ok, our tester also features Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Navigation Based Curve, along with Forward Collision Warning with Assist Junction w Cyclist & Junction Turning.
And optional for the first time on Niro EV, Highway Driving Assist II – which integrates the functionality of Lane Change Assist, FCA with Lane Change, and Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning. OK, you feel surrounded with smart and capable tech!
Charge it!
So, what’s it going to cost? Let’s find out. The Niro EV comes in two trims, the very nicely equipped Wind at $39,600, and the Wave like our tester, starting at $44,600. Options on our tester were Snow White Pearl paint ($395), add $1,375 for Destination and we rang the bell at $46,370. We think the Wind trim is the best bang for the buck here.
Competitors would include the slightly larger Hyundai Kona Electric at $42,445. We’ll admit that the Kona’s styling won’t appeal to all, but it’s also a great choice in affordable EVs. The Mini Countryman Electric looks promising, coming in Fall 2024 and starting at $46,195. But we’d guess it’s easy to bump that over $50,000 with a few tasty options. While it has a smaller range than the Niro, with 308 horsepower, it’s sure to be one quick EV!
Stylish, fun and frugal with a gorgeous interior and loads of tech, the 2025 Kia Niro EV is a great, affordable EV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.