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. “It is no longer the default answer to the decent value, long-range family EV question”, Autocar explains, pointing to the fact that 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 May 2024, the Kia Niro EV holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 80%.
- 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: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“the Niro EV makes the biggest improvements when it comes to design, on-board tech, ride comfort and practicality, which have all taken big steps forward, putting it among the best electric family cars on the market.”
Read review
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)
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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.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The advances made by the electric Kia Niro EV would have made it a five-star car in 2019. However, the EV space is moving so fast – driven largely by Kia and Hyundai’s larger cars – that in 2022, the Niro EV isn’t a game-changing electric car, just a very good one.”
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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Carwow
Model reviewed: All Niro models (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, EV)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Niro is an eco-friendly family SUV that comes loaded with kit. Some versions have smaller boots than others, though.”
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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.”
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Move Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The new Kia Niro EV retains all of its strengths from the old e-Niro in terms of practicality, value, durability and comfort. It is a very hard car to fault and delivers an extra dose of refinement and style that is wrapped up in an uncomplicated package. We have no doubt in recommending it to any wannabe EV driver on the lookout for a new electric car.” (Sam Phillips)
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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)
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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.”
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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.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Niro EV isn’t the groundbreaking electric car its predecessor (the e-Niro) was, but it’s still a very fine all-rounder.”
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 crash tested 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 May 2024, the Kia Niro EV has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
The Kia Niro EV is still a new model, so we don’t have enough reliability data on the Niro EV to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Niro EV, we’ll publish the score 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 | A | 285 – 285 miles | A – A |
Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
EV models | 4.4 m/KWh | B | 4.4 – 4.4 m/KWh | B – B |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 23 | B | 23 – 29 | B – C |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £194 | A |
Year 2 | £491 | A |
Year 3 | £787 | A |
Year 4 | £983 | A |
Year 5 | £1,295 | A |
Overall | £3,750 | 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.
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
Audi Q4 e-tron | Citroën ë-C4 | DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Hyundai Kona Electric | Mazda MX-30 | MG ZS EV | Nissan Ariya | Peugeot e-2008 | Skoda Enyaq | Subaru Solterra | Toyota bZ4X | Vauxhall Mokka-e | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge
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
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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 Carparison Leasing. Find out more
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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?)
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