Duking it out in the expanding small electric vehicle market, the 2021 Kia Niro EV is a worthy contender.
The Niro EV compares well on features and capabilities with primary rivals, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai Kona EV.
Though the Niro EV is more expensive than the regular gasoline Niro models, a federal tax credit and various state incentives help bring the price down.
Note that currently the Niro EV is only sold in a limited number of states, specifically California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Texas, and Washington.
2021 Kia Niro EV EX (starting at $39,090)
While the Niro EV EX is a bit more spacious than some of its rivals, this hatchback design is really only fit for four adults, though five can fit in a pinch. The vehicle rides on 17-inch wheels and powers its front wheels with a 201-horsepower electric motor. All-wheel drive (AWD) is not available.
A 64-kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 239 miles of range in ideal conditions. Expect less in extreme weather, especially cold climates where battery range suffers on all EVs.
However, for snow belt buyers the EX trim is well equipped, with heated front seat and heated, power-folding mirrors.
The driver seat is 10-way power-adjustable, all the seats are trimmed in cloth and faux leather, and the rear seat is split 60/40 and folds flat.
A 7-inch instrument screen sits in front of the driver, and an 8-inch touch screen is in the center of the dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. There is a 6-speaker audio system, leather wrapped steering wheel and remote start.
Outside, the Niro EV has automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, and roof rails.
One standout feature of the Niro EV is its suite of standard safety features, which exceeds that of most competing vehicles and some more expensive ones. The list includes blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, cyclist/car/pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and smart cruise control.
We like the feature set on the EX trim and consider it to be the best value choice. The extra items on the EX Premium trim are nice to have but not essential.
Adding in the $1,175 destination fee, the Kia Niro EV sticker comes to $40,265. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $691. Find a 2021 Kia Niro EV EX for sale
2021 Kia Niro EV EX includes:
- Attractive styling – Crisp design distinguishes Niro EV.
- Heated front seats – Must have feature for cold climate buyers.
- Safety systems – Excellent array of driver aids is standard.
2021 Kia Niro EV EX Premium ($44,650)
Adding to the EX features, the EX Premium trim brings powered tilt/slide sunroof, LED rear lights, heated and cooled front seats, 10.25-inch center touchscreen with navigation, Harman Kardon audio system with 8 speakers and sub-woofer, and a wireless phone charger.
On the safety front, the EX Premium does to the list of driver aids, with reverse parking distance warning, highway driving assist, and navigation-based smart cruise control, which will automatically slow the vehicle as it approaches curves.
Adding in the $1,175 destination fee, the Kia Niro EV Premium sticker comes to $45,825. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $787. Find a 2021 Kia Niro EV EX Premium for sale
2021 Kia Niro EV EX Premium includes:
- Heated and cooled seats – Good for all conditions.
- Larger center screen – High-tech look with navigation included.
- Power sunroof – Opens up interior.
