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Overview

Those seeking for an all-electric subcompact will find the Kia Niro EV a decent alternative. This pocket-sized EV is packed with amenities for the money and has an attractive external design with an optional unique two-tone color motif. The inside looks new and modern, too, and gives plenty of space despite the SUV’s tiny, nimble size. The Niro EV’s range estimate of 253 miles is not a highlight, it doesn’t charge as rapidly as some other EVs, and it doesn’t provide all-wheel drive. But it is a sleek, lively vehicle with enough great characteristics and a fantastic warranty to overcome its relatively small shortcomings. The Niro also offers hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants, evaluated separately, if you’re not ready to go totally electric.

What's New for 2025?

The Niro EV is sailing until 2025 with no alterations.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

2025 Kia Niro EV

The pricing of the 2025 Kia Niro EV starts at $40,975 and goes up to $47,275 depending on the model and extras.

We'd stay with the entry-level Wind trim, since upgrading to the Wave model doesn't result in any gains in driving range or performance. Plus, the Wind comes standard with plenty of luxuries, including a huge 10.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic temperature control, a number of driver-assistance systems, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Both versions are powered by a 201-hp electric motor driving the front wheels, and both store their juice in a 64.8-kWh battery pack.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

A single electric motor supplying the front wheels is the Niro EV's only powerplant. Kia says this configuration delivers 201 horsepower, which makes it more powerful than the 139-hp hybrid and 180-hp plug-in-hybrid Niro sibling models. In real-world driving, the Niro EV effortlessly keeps up with city traffic and doesn’t struggle while merging onto the highway—so long as you don't have it in Eco mode. Floor the accelerator in Eco and the Niro EV veritably creeps, which is no doubt helpful for increasing driving range but not fantastic for your view on life. Normal and Sport driving modes help the Niro EV seem more alive. The Niro EV's handling is precise and progressive, but the cornering grip is clearly lower than some rivals—not that you would mistake the Niro for anything even sporty.

0-60–MPH Times

In our tests, the Niro EV took 6.7 seconds to reach 60 mph—not sluggish for a gas-engine vehicle, but relaxed by EV standards.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Niro EV has an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles per charge. When linked to a DC fast charger the business believes it is able to charge its 64.8 kWh battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 45 minutes—far from lightning rapid. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Niro offered a realistic 210 miles of driving before needing to be recharged.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

2025 Kia Niro EV

The EPA has rated the new Niro EV for 126 MPGe city and 101 MPGe highway, which is comparable to the numbers that the Bolt EUV received but far better than the most efficient Volkswagen ID.4 model. For more information regarding the Niro EV's fuel efficiency, see the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Niro EV offers a modern design that's filled with eco-friendly materials. Kia's designers have placed attractively curved surfaces into the door panels and the top of the dashboard. The 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and attractive infotainment display underline the cabin's technological flair. The steering wheel has a unique two-spoke shape, and the center console holds a rotary shifter. Kia says the interior incorporates recyclable materials; fragments from eucalyptus leaves were utilized to produce the seat covers. Small-item storage is ample, with spacious door pockets and helpful cubbies in the center console.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 10.3-inch touchscreen works as the major center of the Niro EV's infotainment system. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, wireless charging and a Harman/Kardon sound are extra-cost options. A digital key feature allows customers to remotely access car features via their smartphone. Likewise, some features may be operated using voice-command services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Niro EV boasts a range of basic driver-assistance technologies as well as some optional options. For additional information about the Niro EV's crash-test results, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety elements include: