2024 Kia Niro EV Review, Pricing, and Specs

The subcompact Niro EV is the bite-sized appetizer to Kia's growing buffet of electric SUVs. Smaller than EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Volkswagen ID.4, it's also more affordable. The Niro's exterior design turns heads, especially in one of its striking two-tone paint schemes. Its interior looks almost as stylish and modern as its exterior and features digital instruments and eco-friendly materials. Driving range is a workable EPA-estimated 253 miles per charge, and the Niro's 201-horsepower electric motor moves it along with acceptable pep, though it lacks the strong off-the-line acceleration that many EVs offer. Nor is it capable of ultra-fast charging like Kia’s other EVs. It offsets those shortcomings with a generally pleasant driving personality and a price that’s as much as several thousand dollars less than most key rivals’.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd stick with the entry-level Wind trim, as upgrading to the Wave model doesn't result in any increases in driving range or performance. Plus, the Wind comes standard with plenty of niceties, including a large 10.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, a host of driver-assistance features, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Both models are powered by a 201-hp electric motor driving the front wheels, and both store their juice in a 64.8-kWh battery pack.