Overview: 2023 Kia Niro EV

With its captivating lighting components and two-toned body panels, the 2023 Kia Niro EV stands out more prominently on the road compared to its forerunner. This fully electric subcompact SUV boasts an even more stylish interior, complete with unique designs and digital gauges. Furthermore, Kia has proudly incorporated recycled materials throughout the cabin. Equipped with a 201-horsepower electric motor powering the front wheels, the new Niro EV exceeds the horsepower of the Niro hybrid models (which are assessed separately), but its acceleration feels less powerful. Its 64.8-kWh battery provides a range of up to 253 miles, and according to Kia, it can be charged from 10 to 80 percent within approximately 45 minutes when using a DC fast charger.

Price and Variants: 2023 Kia Niro EV

For those looking to purchase the 2023 Kia Niro EV, we recommend going with the base model, Wind, as the higher-priced Wave trim does not offer any notable benefits in terms of driving range or performance. The Wind comes packed with standard features, such as a spacious 10.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and an array of driver-assistance technologies. Both the Wind and Wave models share the same 201-horsepower electric motor, front-wheel drive, and a 64.8-kWh battery pack. With Wind's plethora of features, it's a better value for your money compared to the Wave trim. The Wind is priced at $40,875, while the Wave model starts at $45,875.

Power and Performance: 2023 Kia Niro EV

Niro EV will come equipped with a solitary electric motor that powers the front wheels, serving as the sole powertrain. According to Kia, this configuration generates 201 horsepower, surpassing the output of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models that produce 139 and 180 horsepower, respectively. Despite the increased power, the Niro EV's acceleration feels underwhelming, requiring 6.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. Engaging the accelerator in Eco mode results in sluggish performance, possibly useful for maximizing range but unsatisfying for drivers seeking a lively driving experience. However, the Normal and Sport driving modes give the Niro EV a more responsive feel, and in our tests, it performed marginally better than the Chevy Bolt EUV in the quarter-mile drag strip. While the Niro EV's steering feels natural, it provides less cornering grip compared to some of its rivals.

Range, Charging and Battery: 2023 Kia Niro EV

The 2023 Niro EV has an impressive estimated range of 253 miles per charge, which is 14 miles more than its previous model. It is equipped with a 64.8-kWh battery pack, and when connected to a DC fast charger, it can be charged from 10 to 80 percent within an estimated 45 minutes. In our fuel-economy test, we drove the Niro EV on the highway at a speed of 75 mph, and it provided us with an impressive 210 miles before requiring a recharge.

Interior: 2023 Kia Niro EV

The interior of the 2023 Niro EV boasts a strikingly different appearance from its predecessor. Kia's designers have implemented slanted surfaces into the door panels and dashboard, resulting in a futuristic aesthetic. The digital instrument panel and infotainment display add to the cabin's technological ambiance. The steering wheel features a unique two-spoke design, and the center console includes a rotary shifter and various other controls. According to Kia, the interior is composed of recycled materials, and the seats incorporate elements from eucalyptus leaves. The vehicle offers ample small-item storage space, including sizable door pockets and convenient compartments in the center console.

Infotainment and Connectivity: 2023 Kia Niro EV

The Niro EV features a 10.3-inch touchscreen that serves as the centerpiece of its infotainment system. The vehicle comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while wireless charging and a Harman/Kardon sound system are available as additional options. The new Digital Key 2.0 allows users to remotely access vehicle functions using their smartphone. Additionally, certain functions can be controlled through voice-command services such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Safety and Warranty: 2023 Kia Niro EV

The Niro EV comes with a range of standard and optional driver-assistance features. For details on its crash-test results, you can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Some of the key safety features of the Niro EV include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. Kia's warranty coverage for the Niro EV doesn't include complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike its corporate cousin Hyundai. However, it offers an impressive limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, as well as a powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles.