Kia Niro vs Kia Niro EV

The 2023 Kia Niro marked a significant evolution from its predecessors, showcasing a beefier and more defined design while maintaining its compact crossover footprint. With increased dimensions, the Niro offered a more robust presence on the road. The design was consistent across its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV variants, ensuring that powertrain preference did not dictate a drastic change in aesthetics. The Niro's styling featured sharper character lines and a strong profile, complemented by the Aero Blade design element, which provided aerodynamic benefits and added a touch of flair. The interior, though limited in colour options, exuded a premium vibe with its two-tone colouring and use of vegan leather, aligning with Kia's push towards sustainability.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV, while virtually indistinguishable from its hybrid and PHEV siblings, stood out among entry-level EVs with its unique styling features. The EV model boasted a distinctive front fascia with divided headlights and a larger grille, along with 17-inch alloy wheels. The charge port was conveniently located in the centre of the front fascia, enhancing ease of use at charging stations. At the rear, the Niro EV featured boomerang-like taillights and Air Blades, contributing to its aerodynamic profile. The interior design was creative, with a crescent-shaped dashboard and sustainable materials, including recycled wallpaper and eucalyptus-derived seats, though it still included some less desirable piano black plastic.

The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid was equipped with a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine paired with a 32 kW electric motor, delivering a total output of 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive configuration and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Niro Hybrid boasted an impressive driving range of nearly 950 kilometres on a single 42-litre tank of regular fuel, with a combined fuel economy rating of 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the most efficient trims. Despite its efficiency, the hybrid's performance left something to be desired, with a 0-100 km/h time of 10.4 seconds and a somewhat heavy feel during cornering. However, the Niro Hybrid adapted to different driving styles, offering a comfortable and pleasant driving experience with minimal wind and road noise.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV, powered by a 64.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery pack, delivered 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, offering a smoother and more refined power delivery compared to its hybrid and PHEV counterparts. The EV's handling was more planted, though it lacked the nimble feel of some competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV. While the Niro EV provided a pleasant driving experience, it did not set new standards for EV handling or ride quality.

The 2023 Kia Niro offered a spacious interior with best-in-class room for passengers and cargo among subcompact CUVs. Cargo space behind the second row measured 645 litres, expanding to 1,803 litres with the rear seats folded down. The overall interior capacity was 2,976 litres, providing ample space for occupants and their belongings. The Niro's interior was ergonomically friendly, with accessible storage spaces and redesigned cupholders. Kia's commitment to sustainability was evident in the use of vegan leather and eco-friendly materials throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Chevy Bolt EV/EUV and Nissan Leaf, with slightly more legroom than the VW ID.4. Cargo space was competitive, with 645 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,803 litres with them down. While the Niro EV included a small storage compartment under the hood, it lacked a true frunk. In-cabin storage was limited, but the EV featured large cupholders and a convenient phone tray. The shift lever was replaced with a dial-like shifter, enhancing accessibility.

The 2023 Kia Niro featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard on the base LX model, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch system with navigation, a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were limited to the 8-inch system, with higher trims requiring wired connectivity. The Niro introduced Green Zone Drive Mode, automatically switching to electric-only power in designated areas. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, USB ports, and heated front seats, with additional amenities available on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV came standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The EV shared the touch control panel with the Kia Sportage, requiring toggling between functions for adjustments. Digital Key 2.0 functionality allowed device-based access, though compatibility was limited to certain smartphones. The infotainment system was responsive, though the lack of wireless smartphone connectivity was a drawback.

The 2023 Kia Niro prioritized safety with standard advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and more. Optional features included smart cruise control and highway driving assist. Safety ratings for the 2023 model were not yet available, but the previous generation received favourable ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The Limited model added parking sensors and advanced highway driving assist with lane-change capability. While crash-test ratings were not available for the redesigned model, the Niro EV's safety features were robust and competitive.