Kia Niro EV Review 2024
The Kia Niro EV is making waves in the electric vehicle market with its blend of efficiency, advanced technology, and stylish design. As the demand for eco-friendly cars grows in the UK, the Niro EV stands out as a top contender, offering a range of features that cater to the modern driver’s needs.
Rivals to the Kia Niro EV include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.3, and Tesla Model 3.
Our Kia Niro EV review covers:
- Modern and Sleek Design boasts a contemporary design
- Well-designed and roomy cabin, featuring high-quality materials
- 451-litre boot, expanding to 1,405 litres with rear seats down
- Equipped with a 64 kWh battery and a 150 kW electric motor,
- Three trim levels are available: 2, 3 and 4
Pros:
- Impressive Range
- Low Running Costs
- Advanced Technology
Cons:
- Road noise
- Not as roomy as rivals
- Sub-par rapid-charging speeds
The Kia Niro EV boasts a modern and aerodynamic design that sets it apart from other electric vehicles in the market. Its sleek lines and bold front grille give it a striking presence on the road. The distinctive LED headlights and taillights not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also improve visibility and safety. The design is further complemented by a choice of vibrant exterior colours and stylish alloy wheels, allowing drivers to personalise their Niro EV to suit their tastes. Inside, the cabin is equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a sophisticated layout that prioritises both driver and passenger comfort.
Practicality is a key strength of the Kia Niro EV range. The spacious interior comfortably accommodates five passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom for everyone. The well-thought-out design includes numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, ensuring that personal items can be easily stored and accessed. The seats are designed to provide maximum comfort on long journeys, with the rear seats offering the flexibility to be folded down to increase cargo space. The user-friendly infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensures that staying connected on the move is effortless.
When it comes to boot space, the Kia Niro EV does not disappoint. It offers a generous 451 litres of boot capacity, which is more than sufficient for everyday use, whether it’s for shopping, sports equipment, or luggage for a family holiday. The practicality of the boot space is further enhanced by the flat loading floor, making it easier to load and unload bulky items. For those times when you need even more space, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the boot capacity to an impressive 1,405 litres. This versatility makes the Niro EV ideal for a wide range of activities, from weekend getaways to moving house.
The interior of the Kia Niro EV is meticulously crafted to ensure maximum comfort and convenience. High-quality materials and a sophisticated design language are evident throughout the cabin. The seats are upholstered in soft-touch fabrics or optional leather, offering excellent support for long journeys. The driver's seat is highly adjustable, allowing for a perfect driving position, while the heated and ventilated front seats ensure comfort in all weather conditions.
The dashboard features a modern layout with a large infotainment touchscreen that is both intuitive and responsive. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling seamless smartphone integration. The digital instrument cluster provides clear and comprehensive information, enhancing the overall driving experience. Ambient lighting and a premium sound system further elevate the interior ambience, making every journey a pleasure.
Three trim levels are available: 2, 3 and 4.
Trim Level 2
The entry-level Niro EV '2' is well-equipped with essential features that ensure a comfortable and convenient driving experience. Key features include:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines
- Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
- Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) and Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
- LED daytime running lights
- Cloth upholstery with driver’s seat height adjustment
Trim Level 3
Stepping up to the Niro EV '3' adds a range of advanced features that enhance both comfort and technology. Key features include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system
- Wireless mobile phone charger
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Rear parking sensors
- Smart key with engine start/stop button
- Synthetic leather and cloth upholstery
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Trim Level 4
The top-of-the-range Niro EV '4' offers the most luxurious and technologically advanced features, providing an unparalleled driving experience. Key features include:
- Premium sound system with eight speakers
- Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats
- Sunroof
- Head-Up Display (HUD)
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
- Full LED headlights with adaptive lighting system
- Premium leather upholstery
The Kia Niro EV is powered by a robust electric motor and a high-capacity battery that together provide a seamless and powerful driving experience. The 64 kWh battery pack coupled with a 150 kW electric motor generates approximately 201 horsepower, offering swift acceleration and a smooth ride. This powertrain configuration ensures that the Niro EV is not only efficient but also capable of handling a variety of driving conditions, from city commutes to longer motorway journeys.
The electric motor's instant torque delivery makes the Niro EV responsive and agile, providing a dynamic driving experience. With a top speed of around 104 mph, the Niro EV proves that electric vehicles can be both eco-friendly and exciting to drive. Additionally, the car features multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, allowing drivers to tailor the performance to their preferences and driving conditions.
Driving the Kia Niro EV is an engaging and comfortable experience. The vehicle's low centre of gravity, thanks to the placement of the battery pack, enhances stability and handling. The Niro EV’s suspension system is finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride even on rough surfaces.
One of the standout features of the Niro EV is its regenerative braking system. This system captures energy during braking and deceleration, which is then used to recharge the battery, extending the vehicle's range and improving overall efficiency. Drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking to suit their driving style, with the highest setting allowing for one-pedal driving, which can be particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic.
Latest Engines Available:
- Kia Niro EV (Electric Vehicle): Equipped with a 64 kWh battery and a 150 kW electric motor, offering an impressive range of up to 282 miles on a single charge.
- 2025 Kia Niro '4' 1.6GDi Hybrid: This variant features a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with a 1.32 kWh battery and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering a balanced combination of power and fuel efficiency.
The Kia Niro EV is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £36,545.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £277.99.
If you're considering leasing a Kia Niro EV, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a Kia Niro EV can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.
