Summary
The Kia Niro EV is an all-electric compact crossover, and the successor to the discontinued e-Niro SUV, which rivals electric SUVs like the Peugeot e-2008 and Skoda Enyaq, as well as family-sized electric hatchbacks like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.3.
Described as “a really impressive package” by Electrifying.com, Parkers says that the Niro EV “is better than its predecessor in just about every way – it’s better equipped, it’s better to look at, it’s easier to use the onboard tech, it should be slightly more economical and it’s a little roomier without getting externally bulky.”
Carbuyer adds that the Niro EV can travel further than the e-Niro on a single charge too. It’s 64kWh battery and 150kW electric motor pairing can muster 201hp and a promised battery range of 285 miles – stats that are quite competitive with its rivals.
That said, these improvements come at an additional cost. The Niro EV range hovers around the £40k mark at launch, while the e-Niro was available for under £35k.
When it comes to driver appeal, Car argues that “it’s nothing special” – noting that there has been a reduction in torque and top speed moving from the e-Niro to the Niro EV. The reduced performance isn’t likely to bother the Niro’s key audience though – UK buyers looking for an easy-to-drive and user-friendly electric family car. Kia’s reputation for reliability and the Niro EV’s seven-year warranty is an added bonus.
As of July 2025, the Kia Niro EV holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 79%. It scores top marks for its low running costs, zero tailpipe emissions, excellent media review scores and seven-year new car waranty, while its safety rating is also good. We don’t yet have reliability data so check back soon.
- Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid (2022 onwards) – Expert Rating
- Kia e-Niro (2019 to 2022) – Expert Rating
- More Kia Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Niro EV highlights
- Intuitive infotainment
- Competitive battery range
- Practical and comfortable cabin
- Larger boot than standard Niro range
Niro EV lowlights
- Top-spec models are expensive
- Some cheap interior plastics
- Not much personalisation for entry-level models
- Not all that exciting to drive
Key specifications
Body style: Compact SUV/crossover
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £36,245 on-road
Launched: Summer 2022
Last updated: Winter 2023/24
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The Kia Niro EV is an eco-friendly family SUV that comes loaded with kit. The fully electric car costs more than the rest of the range, though.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
“The Kia Niro EV boasts a number of key upgrades over its best-selling predecessor, the e-Niro, but range isn’t one of them.”
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Max Adams, Alex Ingram
More reviews
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While the figures hint that not much has changed about the all new Kia Niro EV, they didn’t need to. The areas which did need improvement – design, on-board tech and refinement – have all taken a big step forward. We’d hoped for faster charging, but the Niro is one of the most efficient EVs around.” (Alex Ingram)
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“This full electric version will likely attract the most attention, and builds successfully on the very solid reputation for value, range and usability established by the previous generation e-Niro.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 65kWh ‘2’
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Niro EV is a very commendable electric car, and drivers given the 2 version shouldn’t feel too short-changed – although higher-spec versions do enough to justify the extra outlay for those with the budget.” (Sean Keywood)
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“To drive, it’s nothing special. The reduction in performance is no bad thing, though; it shows Kia understands what the Niro EV is all about, and who it’s for. It makes life very easy for the driver, with a common-sense mix of physical buttons and modern electronics. And don’t forget that reputation for reliability and seven-year warranty – huge draws for Kia owners.”
Author: Colin Overland
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: All models (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV)
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest Kia Niro arrived with a lot of expectations on its shoulders. After all, this is a car that acts as a replacement for a model that was hugely popular, both with buyers who were focused on an electrified vehicle as well as those who simply wanted an affordable yet practical hatchback.” (Ted Welford)
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Kia’s second-generation Niro EV takes all the positives from its predecessors and improves on certain aspects.” (Ben Custard)
Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: Range overview
“While not quite as stylish as the larger Kia EV6, the Niro is an appealing crossover that’s well worth a look. But there are cheaper options – and more spacious ones.” (Colin Goodwin)
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Kia Niro EV picks up right where the e-Niro left off, adding sharper styling and intuitive infotainment to the brand’s popular electric family-car package.” (Ellis Hyde)
Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“One of the UK’s most popular electric cars gets a new look, more space and tech. The figures don’t look like much of an improvement, but it’s better where it matters.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 65kWh ‘2’
Score: 9 / 10
“The Kia Niro EV is a very good all-round EV, and critically, good value in entry-level ‘2’ trim (if you can survive without sat nav and heated seats – items that are usually fairly important for an EV). However, it doesn’t match the leap forward that the last generation e-Niro did.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a case of the ‘difficult second album’ for the Kia e-Niro – or rather, the Kia Niro EV as it now likes to be known. But Kia’s used its electric car expertise (as well as features from the ultra-impressive Kia EV6) to make it more desirable. This is one of the best all-round electric cars on sale.” (Andy Brady)
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia e-Niro becomes the Kia Niro EV, gaining a distinctive new look, improved interior and the latest tech. It doesn’t move the game on in range and performance from the old car, but it’s still a seriously compelling and efficient electric car at a good value price.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you need a sensible family electric car, the Kia Niro EV is a good choice. It isn’t the most affordable option on the market, but it’s well equipped, well made and very refined on the motorway. Overall, the Niro EV is a very appealing all-round package, offering an easy transition into the world of electric car ownership.” (Luke Wilkinson)
Read review
The Independent
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Stylish, spacious and easy to live with, it’s no surprise the Niro EV has become a big hit with families (and Uber drivers, too), although it’s starting to look pricey.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed:
“The pure-electric version starts at £36k but costs pennies to run. Whichever you choose, the Kia Niro EV is a thoroughly-modern, right-size family car punching way ahead of the rest.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Niro EV is practical, accessible and economical, and there’s a maturity to it that shows just how dedicated Kia is to upping its game and going electric. And the company’s latest styling efforts mean you’ll be less embarrassed to be seen in it.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: September 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 60%
The current-generation Kia Niro was assessed by Euro NCAP in September 2022, achieving a four-star safety rating. This rating stands for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the SUV, as well as the all-electric Kia Niro EV.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2025, the Kia Niro EV has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of July 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Kia Niro EV to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Niro EV, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 285 miles | B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.4 m/KWh | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 29 | B |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £182 | A |
| Year 2 | £377 | A |
| Year 3 | £622 | A |
| Year 4 | £777 | A |
| Year 5 | £1,001 | A |
| Overall | £2,959 | A |
The Kia Niro EV is very good in terms of running costs. Scheduled servicing and maintenance costs are outstanding, while insurance costs and electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is good as well.
As an added bonus, the battery range is good so you won’t have to charge the car too often.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Kia Niro EV
| Overall rating | A | 99% |
| New car warranty duration | 7 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
Kia’s new car warranty is one of the best in the new car market, and better than pretty much any rival brands in a similar price bracket to the Niro EV.
The duration is seven years, with a limit of 100,000 miles. This is good news for both new and used car buyers, as it helps the residual value of the Niro EV for new car buyers when they come to sell the car, and it gives near-new car buyers confidence that they are covered for years to come.
In addition to the overall new car warranty, battery components benefit from an additional eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. This is pretty much standard for all new EVs on sale in the UK, but is an extra reassurance that petrol and diesel cars don’t get.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Niro EV has received
2024
- Business Motoring Awards – Best Small Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Lower Medium Car
2023
- EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Electrified Car of the Year + Best Electric Medium SUV
- Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Small SUV
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Crossover
- Business Motoring Awards – Best Medium EV
2022
- The Car Expert Awards – Best Small SUV
- Auto Express Awards – Best Small SUV
- Carbuyer Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Family Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Kia Niro EV, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica | BYD Atto 2 | Citroën ë-C3 Aircross | DS 3 E-Tense | Fiat Grande Panda Electric | Ford Puma Gen-E | Honda e:Ny1 | Hyundai Kona Electric | Jaecoo E5 | Jeep Avenger Electric | Kia EV3 | Mazda MX-30 | MG S5 EV | Mini Aceman | Nissan Ariya | Omoda E5 | Peugeot e-2008 | Renault 4 E-Tech | Skoda Enyaq | Smart #1 | Suzuki e Vitara | Toyota Urban Cruiser | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | Volkswagen ID.4
Discontinued models: Hyundai Kona Electric (2018-23) | Kia e-Niro (2019-22) | MG ZS EV (2019-25)
Buy a Kia Niro EV
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Kia Niro EV, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
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Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Lease a Kia Niro EV
If you’re looking to lease a new Kia Niro EV, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Kia Niro EV
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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