Hyundai Kona Electric vs Kia Niro EV

If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, you might think all battery-powered options are priced out of reach. Heck, it’s tough to find a gas-powered vehicle that won’t break the bank, let alone one powered by the latest and greatest technology.

That’s where the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV comes in. This second-generation subcompact crossover was redesigned for the 2024 model year and now comes with more features and value than before, all wrapped up in a sleek little package. Sure, there are others that might perform better, but if you’re cost-conscious and willing to settle for slightly slower acceleration, you’ll be rewarded with a competent and comfortable electric car.

Verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric goes big on value with fresh styling, myriad features, and an excellent starting price.

The 2023 Kia Niro enters its second generation with fresh styling and numerous mechanical and tech updates, but it still offers a choice of three powertrains, with the Niro Hybrid, Niro EV, and Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid all returning for 2023. That means a change in focus for the all-electric Niro EV, which is the subject of this review.

The first-generation Niro EV was Kia’s first mass-market electric car not based on an existing gasoline model (the Soul EV paved the way for it). But the redesigned 2023 Kia Niro EV now shares the lineup with the Kia EV6. That model takes aim at more premium electric vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Nissan Ariya, leaving the Niro EV to compete with entry-level models, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan’s Leaf.

For this review, we spent some time in the U.S. equivalent of the top Limited trim.