This week I am reviewing the all-new 2023 Kia Niro all-electric crossover SUV. Kia Niro has been around since 2017, but this year it is longer, wider, and taller than in the past.
You can get the Niro as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or as a full-electric like this one.
Exterior
The exterior looks are unique for sure. Gray trim runs over the front wheels, down the sides, and abruptly stops. Above the rear wheels is a wide, boomerang shaped wedge that actually has a function. Wind can go between the wedge and the car to cut wind resistance. I actually find it kind of cool to look at. 18” alloy wheels really enhance the cool factor of the Niro.
Powertrain
The Niro is powered by a single electric motor in front that is powered by a 64.8 kilowatt battery that produces 201-horses. There is a storage box in the frunk in which you can put items in.
Interior
Inside, you find mostly recycled materials and a very uncluttered, clean interior. Seats are made from Vegan materials, and the center of the seats are made from eucalyptus leaves.
As you sit behind the steering wheel, there is a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster that you can configure from the steering wheel. It will show you your battery range, speed, and there is a tachometer.
On the steering wheel you can change drive modes from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Each drive mode creates a very different feeling.
Center dash is another 10.25” digital screen that handles the Harmon Kardon sound system that has SiriusXM and HD radio, navigation, Bluetooth, and a lot more including Quiet Mode, which turns off rear speakers if there are sleeping children. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
There is also an EV page which will give you in-depth info on where you stand with range, and will direct you to the nearest charging stations and tell you what kind of charging unit is available.
The center console has USB and USB-C ports, a wireless phone charger, a rotary dial for the shifter, and buttons to turn on the heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, park assist, and auto hold, which I always love.
Back seat room is very good, both for head and legroom. Rear passengers get their own air conditioning vents and there are USB-C ports built into the back of the front seats. There is also a fold-down armrest with cup holders.
In the rear, there is a very good amount of cargo, with more room underneath. The lift gate is power, always a nice touch.
Features
My tester came loaded with nice features. Besides what I already wrote about, you get remote start, power seats, a power sunroof, a terrific head-up display that also shows you if there is something in your blind spot, power front passenger seat, rearview camera, and a lot more.
Safety
On the safety side, you get automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning.
Range/Charging
Range is rated at 253-miles and you can get an 80% charge at a Level 3 station in 40 minutes. The Niro does not come with any kind of charger, so plan on purchasing a Level 2 or Level 3 home charger ASAP. I will say that the range is accurate if you stay in Eco mode, even with the air conditioning on.
Ride and Drive
The Niro rides, drives, and handles great. As with most EVs, it is super quiet and the acceleration is fantastic.
What You'll Pay
I have a pre-production model, so I don’t have exact pricing, but best guess it is around $45,000 as equipped, way below the $68,000 average price for electric vehicles today. The Niro does qualify for the $7,500 Federal tax credit.
- What I liked most: The price point and range.
- What I would change: It’s 2022, add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- MSRP: As equipped, estimated at: $45,000
- Fuel Economy: 126 MPGe City/101 MPGe Highway/113 MPGe combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,200 miles.
- Weight: 3,721 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Inflator kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 174” long/72” wide/62” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A-Charging port in the center of the grill.
- Official Color: Snow White Pearl.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2023 Kia Niro in a few words: An affordable, roomy EV that is an outstanding value as compared to its competition.
- Warranty: 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, and 10-year/100,000 mile power train warranty that includes the battery pack.
- Final Assembly Location: Korea.
- Manufacturer's website: Kia
