2023 Kia Niro EV

Overview

Thanks to intriguing lighting elements and two-tone body panels, the redesigned 2023 Kia Niro EV will be a lot more noticeable on the road than its predecessor. The all-electric subcompact SUV also has a snazzier interior that includes distinctive styling and digitized instruments. Kia touts the extensive use of recycled materials inside, too. The new Niro EV again features a 201-hp electric motor feeding the front wheels. Energizing that power source is a 64.8-kWh battery that the company claims should offer 253 miles of range. Kia also says the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 45 minutes when connected to a DC fast-charger. For those seeking a more traditional Niro, a hybrid and plug-in hybrid are again part of the lineup, but we review them separately.

What’s New for 2023?

For 2023, Kia introduces the second generation of its diverse Niro family, which again includes an all-electric model. As with its hybrid and plug-in-hybrid counterparts, the Niro EV receives a new look inside and out.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

EX

$42,000 (est)

EX Premium

$46,000 (est)

Kia hasn’t announced pricing or specific trim levels for the 2023 Niro EV. If the previous generation is any indication, it’ll be offered as either an EX or EX Premium trim level. Those two 2022 models had a price range that started between $41,165 and $45,825, respectively. Kia says the 2023 Niro EV will go on sale starting this summer.

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EV Motor, Power, and Performance

A single electric motor feeding the front wheels will be the Niro EV’s lone powertrain. Kia says this setup generates 201 horsepower, which makes it more powerful than the 139-hp hybrid and 180-hp plug-in-hybrid models. Apart from those details, we don’t know much else about the Niro EV’s performance. Once we have the chance to drive one, we can evaluate its ride quality and handling characteristics.

Kia

More on the Niro EV SUV

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Kia says it expects the Niro EV to have a range of 253 miles per charge, which is 14 miles more than its predecessor’s 239-mile range. The 2023 Niro EV uses a 64.8-kWh battery pack that when connected to a DC fast-charger is said to be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 45 minutes.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the 2023 Niro EV will look completely different than its predecessor. Kia’s designers have incorporated angled surfaces into the door panels and top of the dashboard. The digital instrument panel and 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 along with other miscellaneous controls. Kia says the interior contains recycled materials, and elements from eucalyptus leaves were used to make the seats. Small-item storage appears to be plentiful, with what looks to be large door pockets and useful cubbies in the center console.

Kia

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 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, wirelss charging and a Harman/Kardon stereo are extra-cost options. With the new Digital Key 2.0, Kia says users can remotely access vehicle functions via their smartphone. Likewise, some functions can be controlled using voice-command services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2023 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 Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

While Kia’s warranty coverage doesn’t come with complimentary scheduled maintenance like 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

As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe