Overview If you want a small yet practical EV but don’t need the latest and greatest powertrain and charging capabilities, the Kia Niro EV is worth a look. Its modern styling is just a bit different from the mainstream, and its small size makes it supremely maneuverable. Still, there’s decent room inside for you and your stuff. It’s no sports car, but the driving experience is appropriately relaxed, and the EPA estimates 253 miles on a charge—behind some competitors but still useful for daily driving. If you like the Niro’s package but prefer something with a gas engine, check out the hybrid and plug-in-hybrid versions, which we review separately.What’s New for 2026?There are no major changes to the Niro EV for this model year.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Kia Niro EV is expected to start around $41,000 and go up to $46,000 depending on the trim and options.Wind$41,000 (est)Wave$46,000 (est)We’d stick with the entry-level Wind trim, as upgrading to the Wave model doesn’t result in any increases in driving range or performance. Plus, the Wind comes standard with plenty of niceties, including a large 10.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, a host of driver-assistance features, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.Getting Started with EVsEV Motor, Power, and PerformanceA single electric motor feeding the front wheels is the Niro EV’s sole powertrain. Kia says this setup generates 201 horsepower, which makes it more powerful than the 139-hp hybrid and 180-hp plug-in-hybrid Niro sister models. In real-world driving, the Niro EV easily keeps up with city traffic and doesn’t strain when 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 crawls, which is no doubt good for extending driving range but not great for your outlook on life. Normal and Sport driving modes let the Niro EV feel more alive. The Niro EV’s steering is accurate and progressive, but the cornering grip is measurably lower than some rivals’—not that you would mistake the Niro for anything remotely sporty.0–60-MPH TimesIn our testing, the Niro EV took 6.7 seconds to reach 60 mph—not slow for a gas-engine vehicle, but relaxed by EV standards.More on the Niro EV SUVRange, Charging, and Battery LifeThe Niro EV has an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles per charge. When connected to a DC fast charger the company says it can charge its 64.8-kWh battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 45 minutes—far from lightning quick. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Niro delivered a credible 210 miles of driving before needing to be recharged.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGeThe EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the 2026 Niro EV yet, but the 2025 model was rated for 126 MPGe city and 101 MPGe highway, which is much better than the most efficient Volkswagen ID.4 model. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Niro EV’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoInside, the Niro EV features a contemporary design that’s peppered with eco-friendly materials; for instance, elements from eucalyptus leaves are used to make the seat coverings. Kia’s designers have incorporated stylishly angled surfaces into the door panels and the top of the dashboard. The 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and handsome infotainment display highlight the cabin’s technical vibe. The steering wheel has a distinctive two-spoke design, and the center console hosts a rotary shifter. Small-item storage is plentiful, with large door pockets and useful cubbies in the center console.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityA 10.3-inch touchscreen acts as the central hub of the Niro EV’s infotainment system. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, wireless charging and a Harman/Kardon stereo are extra-cost options. A digital key feature allows users to remotely access vehicle functions via their smartphone. Likewise, some functions can be controlled using voice-command services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe Niro EV includes a host of standard driver-assistance technology as well as some optional equipment. For more information about the Niro EV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageWhile Kia’s warranty coverage doesn’t come with complimentary scheduled maintenance like models from its corporate counterpart, Hyundai, it does offer one of the best limited and powertrain plans in the industry.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
SpecificationsSPECIFICATIONS
2023 Kia Niro EV
Vehicle Type: front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE (C/D EST)
Base/As Tested: $33,000/$40,000POWERTRAIN
Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Power: 201 hp @ 9000 rpm
Torque: 188 lb-ft @ 0 rpm
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 64.8 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 85 kW
Transmission: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: vented disc/disc
Tires: Nexen N Priz S EV
215/55R-17 94V M+S AK1
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.0 in
Length: 174.0 in
Width: 71.8 in
Height: 61.8 in
Passenger Volume: 100 ft3
Cargo Volume: 23 ft3
Curb Weight: 3715 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.2 sec @ 94 mph
100 mph: 17.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 106 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
75-mph Highway Range: 210 miEPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 113/126/101 MPGe
Range: 253 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
