Overview

The Kia Niro EV has been a smash-hit electric car for the brand. The previous generation e-Niro was the UK’s second best-selling EV throughout 2021 and early 2022 thanks to its appealing blend of affordability, comfort and technology – and Kia hopes to continue its success story for the SUV’s follow-up act.

Kia has changed the car’s name slightly name change from e-Niro to Niro EV, but the mechanical formula remains the same. In fact, this new car is based on a tweaked version of the previous car’s underpinnings, with Kia making only a couple of changes to benefit the car’s refinement and range.

This is important because the number of electric family cars on the market is growing rapidly. The number of compact electric SUVs on sale has exploded in the past couple of years. Now the Niro is tussling with the likes of the Fiat 600e, Jeep Avenger and Smart #1. It also needs to contend with the closely related Hyundai Kona Electric. However, buyers might also want to consider electric hatchbacks such as the MG 4 EV and Volkswagen ID.3.

The Niro EV’s line-up is very simple. There’s a single 64.8kWh battery available, which is fractionally larger than the old car’s 64kWh unit. The electric motor is also much like the old car’s, offering the same amount of power (204hp) but less torque (255Nm). As a result, maximum range has increased from 282 miles to 285 miles.

The Niro EV’s trim-levels are similarly easy to understand. You have three options to choose from, called ‘2,’ ‘3’ and ‘4.’ The cheapest model is priced from £37,295 and comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, fabric upholstery, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia’s mid-range Kia Niro EV ‘3’ is priced from £39,545. Upgrades over the base-model include part-leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, also with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The flagship Niro EV ‘4’ has a starting price of £42,295. That sounds like a lot of cash, but you get even more standard equipment, such as a power-operated tailgate, a sunroof, remote smart parking assist, full leather upholstery and a head-up display. Both the middling and range-topping models can be optionally specified with a heat pump, providing a more efficient way of heating and cooling the cabin.

Click through the following pages to read our full review of the Kia Niro EV. We’ll consider the car’s practicality, equipment, running costs and driving experience before offering our final verdict.