Automakers across the globe are making the switch from gasoline-powered planet killers to eco-friendly EVs, and Kia is no exception. In fact, some may argue Kia is a trendsetter in the eco-friendly vehicle market. You may not know it, but the 2017 Kia Niro hybrid set a Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption while driving from coast to coast, a record previously held by the Kia Optima. Go figure.
But hybrids aren't considered marvels of engineering, or even the most earth-loving vehicles by today's standards. The concept has been redesigned and upgraded, sure, but new hybrids aren't exactly reinventing the wheel. Electric vehicles are.
Now more than ever we're seeing more iconic models like the VW Bus or Kia Soul get an engine swap to meet new emissions standards while making the switch to alternative energies more comfortable and familiar. Even supercars are getting in on the EV powertrain party. But the Kia Niro is it's own, economical beast that was designed to be efficient and clean from day one.
The Kia Niro was first electrified in 2018 and has been improving ever since. So let's get excited about what we can expect from the 2021 Kia Niro EV.
Increased Battery Power
The 2018-2020 Kia Niro EVs had a bit of an energy crisis, only able to hold about 64kw of battery power, which makes sense. The electrical systems onboard the Kia Niro were ripped straight out of the Hyundai Kona, though there are some slight differences between the two layouts. And even if the two EVs are slightly similar on paper, there are some significant differences between the regular, gasoline power Kona and Niro.
Hyundai plans on sticking with their 64kw roots this coming year, but Kia is upping the ante, opting to replace the measly 64kw battery with an 80kw battery instead. This will provide more power to the engine, and thus, more power to the ground.
Exceptional Handling
One of the Niro's biggest faults in earlier production models was how painfully slow it is. The good news is that the 2021 Niro will be less slow, partly thanks to the aforementioned 80kw battery. The bad news is it's not going to be blazing fast either, clocking in a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds, which is slower than other EVs in its price range (such as the Kona, which does it in 5.8 seconds).
However, the Niro as a car was never meant to be a fast, it was meant to be economical. It started as a hybrid in 2017, never to be fitted with a gasoline option like the Kona, and morphed into an EV a year later. You simply can't judge the Niro based on its speed, that'd be like judging an apple based on its stem.
But with this low speed, comes great responsibility. The driver experience shouldn't be ruined by this car's performance. And it won't be. The car is fitted with 4 different driving modes, offers four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Eco+. Each one adjusts the regenerative braking level, heating, and cooling settings, and even speed limits to help you effectively manage the vehicle.
While you're going to get the best range out of Eco+ as it maximizes that regenerative braking, every one of these driving modes keeps energy efficiency at the forefront. So it won't feel like you're draining the battery too much more than you usually would, even when you can't resist putting the pedal down.
Competitive Range For Its Size
In terms of mileage, the Niro goes above and beyond other cars in its class, and it has in precious years as well. Competitors like the Kona, or even some smaller EVs like the Chevy Bolt that are in a similar price range, can't compete. Despite its size, the Niro can go along for an average of 239 miles on a charge. To put it into perspective, that's roughly 10 more miles than the Kona, and 50 more miles than the Bolt.
But let's touch on the Niro's size because it is one of the larger EVs on the market (at least if you're not talking about the Tesla SUV lineup). In comparison to the Bolt, the Niro is a goliath, but the Kia Niro is only about 8 inches longer than the Hyundai Kona and similar in height. You wouldn't think that 8 extra inches would matter much, but it does. The interior of the Niro is vastly superior to the Kona's in terms of size and spaciousness. With the seats folded down, the Niro has 53 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Kona is stuck with 45.8 cubic feet.
It's a top competitor in both EV range and practicality, meaning you can take yourself, and all your stuff farther than the competition.
An Upgraded Interior
And speaking of going on trips, you'll be happy to hear that the cabin you'll be in is relatively nice (especially for the price). The base trim of the Niro EV alone comes with an 8-inch touch screen, fitted with Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto, sending your precious tunes through a 6-speaker Surround Sound System. It has satellite navigation for the less directionally inclined, with real-time traffic updates.
The biggest drawback to the interior that the Niro has faced before is headroom. If you're tall, it's a bit cramped, but the average Joe should be able to make do with what the Niro's got. There's plenty of room in the back for kids and adults alike, and nobody will be complaining as they comfortably sit in the stay-cool leather seats.
All in all, the 2021 Niro EV is a real bargain in the electric market, with the 2020 base model starting at $39,090 (a price that isn't expected to change). That's significantly cheaper than other electric SUVs on the market. And while it is slightly more expensive than the Kona, it offers better range despite its higher weight and provides a spacious, comfortable cabin for you and whoever you may be sharing the road with. It's more powerful than previous model years but manages to keep efficiency in focus as to continue Kia's legacy on tend setting EVs.