2021 Kia Niro EV Review

　　

2021 Kia Niro EV Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Depending on what angle you view it from, the position of the sun, and any preconceived ideas you hold about automotive design, the 2021 Kia Niro EV can be a wagon, a hatchback or an SUV. Calling the Niro an SUV, as Kia does, is a bit ambitious — ground clearance is low, cargo space is minimal, and there's no all-wheel drive — but regardless of body style, the all-electric Niro EV completes a trio of energy-efficient alternatives that include the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

2021 Kia Niro EV Insights

Trim:Niro EV EX

　　EX 4dr SUV (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $39,090 MSRPEX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD) - $44,650 MSRP

　　

Estimated Range Based on Age

 zzdcar TESTED

　　269 milesThe range for a used 2021 Kia Niro EV is estimated to be 269 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 269 miles.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　10 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.

　　Estimated battery warranty remaining is 7 years or 58,000 miles for this car.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.

　　

Charging at Home

　　9.5 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　SAE ComboStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.

　　Plug Type

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$4,400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Federal Credit

　　$4,000

　　Restrictions: Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer.

　　For the vehicle to qualify: Price cannot exceed $25,000. Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased. Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted. Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.

　　For individuals to qualify: Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status. Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle. Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle. Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$63/mo

　　Niro EV

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　

Am I Ready for an EV?

　　EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.

　　If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.

　　Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

　　A 64-kWh battery and 201-horsepower electric motor combine for quick acceleration and a stated range of 239 miles on a full charge. That's not as much as rivals such as the Chevrolet Bolt or Tesla Model 3, although we found the Kia capable of more real-world distance in our testing. Roomy seating and an array of standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration further enhance the Niro EV's appeal. Be sure to read our test team's opinion in our Expert Rating below and learn why the Niro EV is one of our top-ranked electric vehicles.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Niro EV drive? Kia markets the Niro EV as a crossover SUV, but it moves and handles more like a small performance car. Power is plentiful, immediate and delivered smoothly. In zzdcar' testing, our Niro EV tester accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. That's noticeably quicker than rival EVs such as the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, though the Tesla Model 3 is quicker still.

　　The braking is smooth and consistent. The Niro offers partial one-pedal driving, but it won't bring you to a complete stop unless you hold the steering paddle. The steering is direct but doesn't translate much feedback from the road. When the Niro is pushed, the suspension keeps the car planted and composed. It's fun to drive this car quickly, though the eco-oriented tires provide only modest amounts of grip.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Niro EV? We like the Niro's ride quality. It smooths out bumps in the road without being overly soft or bouncy. The front seats are well shaped and firm, but they don't offer many adjustments. The dual-zone climate control works quickly and evenly, and the rear air vents are a welcome feature for passengers. The Niro's available ventilated front seats for cooling are a rare and appreciated feature for an electric vehicle at this price.

　　The Niro EV is very quiet with little wind, tire or road noise coming into the cabin. At low speeds, the car emits a futuristic whirring sound that's required to help alert pedestrians. It fades away above 20 mph.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Kia nailed the Niro EV's interior, which is surprisingly very different from the standard Niro's. The EV's front console has plenty of extra storage space and adds an intuitive dial shifter to complement the rest of the easy-to-use cabin controls. The available 10.25-inch screen has a premium look to it.

　　As far as space goes, there's a generous amount up front. The rear offers plenty of legroom and headroom for its size — something we've knocked some competitors for not having. It's also easy to get in and out of thanks to the square door openings. The rear window is a bit small, which can hamper your view when backing up or trying to see what's behind you in traffic. Otherwise, the Niro EV is pretty easy to see out of.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Niro's infotainment system is functional and easy to use, and the EX Premium trim's 10.25-inch screen further improves the experience. There are EV-specific screens that show range, driving data and more, which is a welcome feature for eco-conscious drivers. Syncing a smartphone is easy, and the Niro quickly reconnects once you get back inside. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. Our test Niro EV had three USB ports (one data and two charging ports) as well as a wireless charging pad.

　　The Niro (like its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Kona Electric) comes standard with a full suite of advanced driver aids. We like the smooth and easy operation of the adaptive cruise control, especially in traffic. But we found the lane keeping assist to be too aggressive, constantly fighting your hands to make minor corrections.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Rear cargo space is good for its size because of the Niro's hatchback body. As EVs go, the Niro is only slightly behind the Kona and Leaf when it comes to total storage capacity. But it makes the most of it by being easy to load and having rear seats that fold flat easily.

　　Up front, you'll find a lot of places to store your small items inside the cabin. All four doors feature pockets and water bottle holders. The main cupholders are adjustable and can be folded away to provide another bin or room for larger water bottles. Finally, we've found that it's pretty easy to install child safety seats thanks to the Niro EV's roomy rear seat and easily accessible seat anchors.

　　

Range and Efficiency

8.5/10

　　How are the range and efficiency? The EPA estimates the Niro EV will use 30 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles driven. That's about average for an EV in this price range. Total EPA-estimated range is 239 miles, which is also average. But in real-world driving, we've found this figure pretty conservative.

　　In zzdcar' testing, the Niro traveled 285 miles on a single charge and was more efficient, using 25.3 kWh for every 100 miles. This is the second-longest tested range behind the Hyundai Kona at 315 miles. Depending on your route, the weather and your driving style, you'll probably be able to outperform the EPA's estimates as well.

　　

Value

8.5/10

　　Is the Niro EV a good value? You get a lot for your money relative to other EVs, plus the Niro still qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. The Niro comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, dual-zone climate control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. The available ventilated front seats are nice too.

　　The Niro is solidly put together, but next to the Model 3, the Niro just looks and feels like less of a bargain. Still, there was nary a squeak or rattle from the car, especially important given how quiet the Niro EV is on the road.

　　The Niro comes with a 7.2-kW onboard charger. Charging times vary, but in general Kia estimates a full charge off a proper 240-volt wall unit at 7.2 kW (what most owners will have installed at home) takes nine hours and 35 minutes. It's estimated to take 59 hours to reach a full charge off a standard 120-volt outlet with the included cable (not recommended). Keep in mind that these times are going from an empty battery to full; most of the time you'll just be topping off. The Niro also has DC fast-charging capability.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　This car is much more fun than you expect it to be and shines both in traffic and on a twisty road. It's small and nimble, which makes it easy to place into a corner or slide into a small gap in traffic. The steering doesn't offer much feedback to the driver, but it's quick and weighted well. With a set of summer tires, the Niro would be a mean little hot hatchback.

　　The styling is more conservative-looking than some rivals, but it's also less polarizing. We dig the design and blue accents inside and out, and the plastic cladding gives it a bit of an SUV vibe.

　　

Which Niro EV does zzdcar recommend?

The base EX trim comes with enough features that most drivers will want that we don't see a compelling need to upgrade. The not-insignificant price jump to the EX Premium gets you a sunroof, ventilated seats and other luxury items, but nothing extra in terms of power, range or performance.

　　

2021 Kia Niro EV models

The Kia Niro EV is a five-passenger electric vehicle. A 64-kWh battery and a 201-horsepower electric motor combine for 239 miles of range (EPA estimate) on a full charge. The Niro EV comes in two trim levels: the base EX and the EX Premium.

　　EX

　　The base trim EX comes with a robust list of standard features, including:

　　17-inch wheels DC fast-charge connector (up to 100 kW capable) Remote start with cabin heating/cooling Xenon headlights Automatic climate control Power-adjustable driver's seat Heated front seats Cloth and simulated leather upholstery Leather-wrapped steering wheelStandard tech features include:

　　8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Six-speaker sound system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationSafety equipment includes:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Niro EV and the car in front) Rear-seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)The EX Premium model adds:

　　Sunroof Rear parking sensors Full faux leather upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats Wireless device charging pad 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system Navigation-based adaptive cruise control (per driver preference, can adjust cruising speed based on posted speed limits and reduce speed ahead of curves)Options include:

　　Cold Weather package Heated steering wheel Battery heater (improves battery performance in very cold weather) Heat pump (heats the cabin more efficiently than normal heater) Crossbars for the roof rails

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2021 Niro EV Highlights

Trim: EXEX PremiumEX

　　

Base MSRP	$39,090
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,400
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	239 miles
Cost to Drive	$63/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	9.5 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles