2023 Kia Niro EV in Present White Pearl with Grey “Aeroblade” (a $590 shade choice)
2023 Kia Niro EV
Class: Compact Crossover
Shade: Snow White Pearl
Miles pushed: 259
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishB
Gasoline EconomyA+
ValueA-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup.
Massive & Tall Consolation
Massive GuyB+
Tall GuyA-
Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs201-hp
Engine TypeElectric motor
Transmission Computerized transmission
Drive WheelsFront-wheel drive
Battery capability: 64.8 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 133 metropolis/101 hwy/126 mixed
EPA-estimated driving vary: 253 miles
Client Information vary estimate (best situations): 253 miles
Base value: $44,450 (not together with $1295 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Particular paint ($590)
Value as examined: $45,355
Fast Hits
The good: Excessive-value electrical car that’s sensible and enjoyable to drive, loads of battery vary for the worth
The nice: Snug cabin with easy, easy-to-use controls, a lot of premium options
The not so good: Cargo space load ground too low, erratic idle creep, international constructed–could not qualify for federal EV incentives
Tom Appel:
Added for the 2019 mannequin 12 months, the EV joined a green-oriented Niro lineup that already included hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Maybe slightly forward of its time, the all-electric Niro EV by no means loved compelling gross sales success, damage partially by geographically restricted availability. The primary-generation electrical Niro may solely be bought in California, Oregon, and some different “inexperienced” states.
2023 Kia Niro EV
That’s all modified for 2023, as your complete Niro lineup receives a radical replace, and EV availability expands to all 50 states. For ’23, all Niros are handled to up to date styling, and a number of recent and improved security and infotainment options. Additionally new is the Niro EV’s function as Kia’s entry-level electric-car providing. New for 2022, the EV6 electrical compact crossover has earned awards and reward for its design and efficiency, however beginning at virtually $50,000, is out of attain for an excellent variety of would-be EV homeowners. That’s the place the Niro EV is available in.
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2023 Kia Niro EV
Be aware: Manufacturing of the Kia Soul EV, a spunky and sensible small electrical crossover, was suspended after 2019, with plans for an up to date model to return for 2021. Due to Covid and associated supply-chain points, the Soul EV by no means returned to U.S. showrooms.
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2023 Kia Niro EV
The 2023 Niro EV is obtainable in entry-level Wind and higher geared up Wave trim ranges. Niro EV pricing begins round $42,000 together with the vacation spot cost, that’s about $8000 lower than the most-affordable EV6 mannequin. Client Information not too long ago frolicked with a well-appointed Wave in Snow White Pearl.
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2023 Kia Niro EV
The one Niro EV drivetrain pairs a 65-kWh battery with a single 201-horsepower electrical motor. In contrast to the EV6, which is obtainable with rear- or all-wheel drive, the Niro comes solely with front-wheel drive. Per the EPA, the Niro EV will journey an estimated 253 miles on a single cost. Relying on the way it’s configured, the EV6 will journey between 233 and 310 miles on a full cost.
Some of the vital variations between the Niro EV and the EV6 is cost instances. Whereas each automobiles will cost at about the identical charge utilizing level-2 residence charging, the Niro accepts DC “quick charging” at an 85-kw charge, nicely under the EV6’s 350-kw peak cost charge. What this implies is that, utilizing a DC public-charging station, the Niro EV will go from a 10-percent cost to 80 % in about 45 minutes.
Right here’s the actually excellent news: The Niro EV is rewarding to drive. The trendy, clean-looking cabin options loads of glass and straightforward sightlines out of the car. The controls, like these in most Kia’s, are logically arrayed and straightforward to make use of. There’s additionally loads of front-row individuals area.
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2023 Kia Niro EV
Like most electrical automobiles, energy within the Niro EV comes on shortly and builds easily—principally, extra on that in a minute. The ‘EV is a pleasure to drive round city and has loads of passing and merging energy. These on the lookout for it can sense the mass of the battery throughout aggressive dealing with maneuvers, however for essentially the most social gathering the Niro EV steers and handles with a sporty angle.
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2023 Kia Niro EV
Rear-seat passenger area is mostly okay, although taller of us will discover knee-space restricted behind different tall of us. Talking of area, there’s loads of helpful stowage area within the Niro hatch space, and slightly little bit of room below the hood within the “frunk” (FRont + trUNK). Be aware that Client Information doesn’t totally condone use of the phrase frunk. And, concerning the hatch space, the load ground is nicely under the rear sill, complicating the load/unloading course of.
One drivability difficulty: Low-speed driving is compromised by an odd idle-creep hitch. Simply after rolling off from a cease, throttle response pauses briefly, making clean stop-and-go driving troublesome.
One disappointment was vary. Although EPA rated on the aforementioned 253 miles, our full-charge estimates, per the instrument-panel readout, have been a lot decrease. Issues have been simply getting chilly right here in Chicago when the Niro EV arrived, and through its go to temperatures ranged from 32-45 levels. Chilly, however by native requirements, not particularly chilly.
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2023 Kia Niro EV
That mentioned, our estimated totally charged vary got here in constantly between 220 and 223 miles, virtually 15 % off the EPA estimates. Our calculators recommend that the 220-miles estimate was fairly near correct, based mostly on our use.
Be aware that Client Information doesn’t all the time have entry to electrical automobiles throughout colder climate, and that the majority EVs sufferer vary discount when temperatures drop. We’re stunned, nonetheless, by the diploma of the Niro’s vary discount throughout comparatively delicate climate.
It’s value noting how a lot high-end gear comes commonplace on the 2023 Niro EV, together with: adaptive cruise management, wi-fi gadget charging, head-up show, heated steering wheel, energy sunroof, smartphone digital key, energy liftgate, heated and vented entrance seats, and upscale-looking “SynTex” leatherette seating surfaces.
There’s an terrible lot to love right here, and little or no concerning the Niro EV to complain about. If the Kia EV6 is simply too costly, or in the event you merely can’t get ahold of 1, the Niro EV could make plenty of sense. It’s a contemporary, refined, fresh-feeling EV that’s surprisingly reasonably priced and really straightforward to stay with.
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2023 Kia Niro EV
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2023 Kia Niro EV Gallery
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