Overview
With out the curiosity drawn by Tesla models or the favored branding of the Mustang Mach-E, the 2022 Kia Niro EV struggles to face out. Whereas Kia’s subcompact crossover is good-looking sufficient, it might probably’t match the cachet of these snazzier alternate options. Nonetheless, the Niro EV boasts the identical sensible components that outline its hybrid and plug-in-hybrid counterparts, which we overview individually. The electrical mannequin has an estimated EPA vary of 239 miles, and we went 210 miles on a full cost on the freeway. Whereas that is nonetheless not fairly so far as rangier rivals, it is notable, nonetheless. We want the Niro’s cabin was much less plasticky, and it isn’t offered in all 50 states. Nonetheless, it hits sufficient excessive notes to deserve consideration alongside the highest nonluxury EVs on this burgeoning section.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 Niro EV receives a handful of minor modifications. It now wears Kia’s newly designed badge and provides extra normal options. The latter features a 10.3-inch touchscreen that replaces the earlier 8.0-inch base unit; it additionally comes with built-in navigation, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We would suggest the bottom EX trim degree, which comes properly geared up and prices considerably lower than the EX Premium. Its standout normal options embody heated entrance seats, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assists akin to automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping help. We would solely add the Chilly Climate bundle (heated steering wheel, battery heater, and–most notably–a warmth pump, which is a extra environment friendly manner of heating the automobile’s cabin that additionally improves driving vary in chilly climate). The 2022 Niro EV nonetheless qualifies for a $7500 federal tax credit, however Kia solely sells the SUV in sure states.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The Niro EV is powered by a single electrical motor that produces 201 horsepower, which is shipped by the entrance wheels by a one-speed direct-drive transmission. The Niro EV places up a brisk 60-mph time of 6.2 seconds, which is faster than the Chevy Bolt EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric. It’s doable to drive the Niro EV with simply one pedal because of regenerative braking, which recharges the automobile as you brake. We like that there are 4 ranges of regeneration that may be toggled between utilizing the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Its brake pedal additionally feels extra linear than alternate options such because the VW ID.4. The Niro EV provides a extra refined experience than its competitors; wind and highway noise are far much less noticeable than within the Bolt EV, Kona Electrical, or Tesla Model Y.
Vary, Charging, and Battery Life
The 64.0-kWh battery capability of the Niro EV is true in keeping with the remainder of the section, besting the Nissan Leaf’s capability, matching the Kona EV, and falling simply in need of the Bolt EV. That battery offers the Niro EV an estimated vary of 239 miles, about common among the many competitors. The crossover may be recharged utilizing both a 120- or 240-volt connection, however the two connections supply drastically completely different cost occasions. The 240-volt connection is alleged to totally cost the battery in about 9 hours. For many who can’t wait that lengthy, its normal DC fast-charge functionality can present an 80 p.c cost in an hour with a 100-kW connection.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The Kia Niro EV we examined traveled 210 miles on a full cost on our 75-mph freeway route—a part of our extensive testing regimen—and that determine is simply 29 miles shy of its 239-mile EPA estimate. For extra details about the Niro EV’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s website.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
The Niro EV comes properly geared up even within the base EX trim, which has normal energy entrance seats, heated entrance seats, and a 7.0-inch digital driver show. Upgrading to the EX Premium trim provides on options like ventilated entrance seats, an influence sunroof, and wi-fi charging. Sadly, each trim ranges undergo from an extra of black plastic all through the inside that isn’t nice to take a look at or contact. The Niro EV additionally has an intuitive two-zone computerized local weather management system with an choice to show off the passenger’s local weather management if the seat is empty to save lots of vitality. This helps the EV maximize effectivity and permits for extra of the battery for use towards driving vary. We had been capable of match six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats. The rear seats don’t fold flat, however after they had been down we had been capable of match 18 carry-ons behind the entrance seats. Becoming passengers behind the entrance seats will not be very best–the rear flooring is raised to make room for the battery, and it creates a decent match for rear seat passengers.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The usual infotainment system within the Niro EV EX is a distinguished 10.3-inch touchscreen. Together with helpful quantity and tuning knobs, the interface additionally consists of SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio (a subscription is required after the three-month trial interval) and a voice-activated navigation system. Each setups have Bluetooth connectivity and help wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Security and Driver-Help Options
The Niro EV comes normal with all of Kia’s driver-assistance technology. For extra details about the Niro EV’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Normal forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Normal lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
- Normal adaptive cruise management
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Kia, together with company sibling Hyundai, provides among the most full and thorough guarantee coverages obtainable to automobile buyers. The principle promoting level is the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee, however the restricted and hybrid/EV part warranties additionally beat what Chevrolet provides on the Bolt and what Nissan provides on the Leaf.
- Restricted guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Hybrid elements are coated for 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
