The Kia Niro subcompact SUV is somewhat of an electrified shapeshifter. The Niro is available as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a full EV, making it unique in Kia’s lineup as the only model to offer all three forms of electrified power. For 2023, the Niro EV stands out more with a new exterior design, a tech-forward cabin with plenty of amenities, and an improved driving range.
These updates are key for the Niro as is getting more difficult for models to set themselves apart as the mainstream subcompact crossover EV market becomes more saturated. There are relatively new entrants like the Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevrolet Bolt EUV, the more established Hyundai Kona EV and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and, for those in California, the Mazda MX-30 and Hyundai Nexo. Of course, there are also larger options like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 that require a notable-but-not-massive jump in price over some of their subcompact counterparts.
So, with its new styling, a revamped interior, increased range, and improved charging times, does the Niro EV stand head-and-shoulders above the competition? In a word, no. The second-gen Niro EV is strong in many aspects but at the expense of others.
2023 Kia Niro EV
- 253-Mile Range
- 10.25-Inch Touchscreen
- Vegan Leather Seats
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Heated Rear Seats
- Power Liftgate
- Harmon Kardon Audio System
- Model: Niro EV Wave
- Engine: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- Power Output: 201 HP
- Torque: 188 LB-FT
- Range: 253 Miles
- Transmission: 1-Speed
- Driveline: FWD
- MSRP: $45,875
- MSRP (As Tested): $45,875
- Rich With Tech And Creature Comforts
- Respectable Driving Range
- Spacious For Its Size
- Unimpressive Charging Times
- Mundane Performance
- Not Eligible For $7,500 EV Tax Credit
The Niro Wears An All-New Look For 2023
The most obvious updates to the 2023 Niro EV concern it's styling. The 2023 iteration dismisses the first-generation’s Niro EV rather bland looks for a relatively unique take on the subcompact crossover segment. The Niro, in a sense, looks a bit like a mashup of a hatchback, shooting brake, and mini-crossover. And that’s not a criticism.
The front of the EV now sports a more squared-off front fascia with an updated, hexagonal “grille” just above the charge port. The lower intake has grown significantly with a new headlight design. The faux intakes forward of the front tires have also been erased. The character lines seen in the profile of the 2022 version are now gone in favor of a more consistent shape with some contrasting cladding above the wheels. Perhaps the most notable styling changes occur from the C-pillar back.
The C-pillar body panel can sport contrasting paint, giving off some Audi R8 flavor, with the rear lights completely flanking the liftgate and up toward the rear passenger window. The flow of the liftgate also has a more outward bulge, and the rear brake lights have been incorporated into the bumper area. Above the rear window, an overhang insinuates the presence of a rear spoiler. The styling changes don’t make for a particularly pretty subcompact EV, but credit where it’s due, Kia has certainly enlivened the Niro’s looks. The same can be said for the interior.
A Refreshed Cabin Sports An Interesting Quirk
The dash, center stack, steering wheel, and digital gauge cluster don new, more modern designs. Most notably, the center stack has ditched the traditional controls for the infotainment system and climate controls and combined them into one. Instead of a myriad of buttons and knobs, the screen on the lower portion of the stack houses a thin “screen” displaying these controls, but only climate or infotainment inputs are shown at one time.
Drivers can press a button to switch between the two. For instance, one knob controls either climate control temperature or audio volume depending on what “menu” is selected. There is quite a learning curve to this system. Sometimes I found myself wanting to turn down the heat a bit and instead muting the song that was playing.
Ditto for trying to turn up the volume only to find I had turned the heat up so high it was scorching my face. The dual-control system certainly helps aid the “open” feel of the cabin, but it can be annoying in short spells. Luckily, Kia has the foresight to include plenty of audio controls on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to mostly keep the climate control setting inputs on the center stack.
Aside from this relative oddity, the interior sports a Kia EV6-inspired, arrow-like design, and the rotary gear lever has remained while now flanked by some smaller buttons for drive and heated seat settings. Overall, it delivers an airy and modern appearance in keeping with its fully electric status.
Kia Niro EV Powertrain, Range, And Charging Times
The Niro EV’s powertrain has been slightly tweaked for its second generation, though it’s a good-news/bad-news situation. The electric motor driving the front wheels offers 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque paired with a single-speed transmission. The 201-horsepower figure is the same as the 2022 model, but its torque figure is reduced by nearly 35 percent, down from the 291-pound-feet offered in the outgoing generation.
On the road, the drop is certainly noticeable. Though EVs are heralded for their nearly instantaneous acceleration, the Niro shows that not all possess immediate throttle response. Put your right foot down hard and the Kia delivers what I can only describe as electric turbo lag — as if it takes the powertrain a moment to actually deliver any substantial grunt. I recorded a 0-60 MPH run in a respectable 6.7 seconds, but it doesn’t exactly feel that quick.
The positive news of the powertrain updates is the Niro’s battery power has been increased from 63.8kWh to 63kWh, and it now gets an EPA-rated 253 miles of range, up from 239 miles in the ’22 model. The extra range puts the Kia on par with the Chevy Bolt and Hyundai Kona Electric while beating out the 226 miles offered by the Nissan Leaf, though the Volkswagen ID.4 offers up to 275 miles on a single charge.
Charge times are fairly lackluster, however. At a max charging capability of 85kW, the Niro EV requires 45 minutes (at 100kW) to replenish its batteries from 10 to 80 percent. That said, the Kia seems to hold its charge well with regenerative braking. Four settings can be adjusted via paddle shifters from “off” to one-pedal driving. On the medium setting, the Niro appeared to only lose about a half-mile of range per mile traveled while in stop-and-go city traffic.
Driving Dynamics, Notable Features, And Practicality
Though it has somewhat tepid acceleration, the Niro EV otherwise feels solid from behind the wheel with a respectable-enough steering feel and linear braking. Though it won’t moonlight as a sports EV, it stays composed in corners. Ride quality could be a bit more comfortable, it will judder over hard bumps, but sound-deadening keeps out wind, tire, and traffic noise for a whisper-quite commute. The Niro EV will comfortably seat four adults thanks to its slightly elongated proportions for 2023, and its 22.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row of seats is adequate.
Though mostly in line with its competition, the Niro does stand out for its long list of standard features. All models are equipped with dual 10.25-inch displays, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, synthetic leather/cloth seats, and smart cruise control.
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Upgrading to the top trim (Wave) adds a sunroof, heated steering wheel, navigation, SiriusXM with a Harman Kardon audio system, wireless phone charging, Hyundai’s Digital Key, and heated and ventilated front seats. Heated rear seats are also available in Wave models.
2023 Kia Niro EV Pricing
The Niro’s extensive features list is needed to justify its price. The 2023 Kia Niro EV Wave model starts at $40,875 with a destination, and the Wind commands $45,875. There is plenty to unpack with those figures. For starters, the Niro EV is no longer eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. The Bolt EUV, which still qualifies for that tax credit, can be had in its top trim for under $35,000. The Niro also infringes into the pricing zone of the bigger Kia EV6, which offers more power and range, along with its sister product, the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Without a price cut or the EV tax credit, the Niro ends up being an expensive proposition.
The 2023 Niro EV Overall
The revamped Kia Niro EV provides plenty to like, including its fresh styling, an extensive list of standard features, competitive range, everyday practicality, and driving manners. But it presents too many sacrifices – lackluster charge times, a high price, its somewhat annoying control quirk, and lukewarm acceleration. The Niro is by no means a bad compact EV crossover — in a lot of ways it’s a very good one — but there are more appealing overall options.