The 2023 Kia Niro has undergone a total revamp and will be available in three models: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric. Here we will be talking about the full-electric 2023 Kia Niro EV.
AutoBlog reported that the 2023 Kia Niro EV has two trim levels: Wind and Wave. The Wind trim starts at $40,745, including the $1,295 destination charge. The following are its features as per the report:
“17-inch alloy wheels, a tire mobility kit (no spare), automatic LED headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, privacy glass, a power liftgate, an eight-way power driver seat, an upholstery consisting of cloth and simulated leather (made out of recycled eucalyptus), heated front seats, a simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment screens, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five USB ports, a Harman Kardon six-speaker sound system, and Kia’s full complement of safety technologies.”
On the other hand, the Wave trim has an entry-level price of $45,745. It includes the vehicle-to-load inverter, enabling you to power other vehicles or devices. According to the report, the Wave trim has “upgraded headlights, foglights, power-folding mirrors, a sunroof, an eight-way power passenger seat, driver memory settings, full eucalyptus “leather” upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, the upgraded Highway Driving Assist 2 system (adaptive cruise control is standard, but this adds automated lane changes and AI adaptation to your driving style), the Smart Park automated parking assist, parking sensors and rear automatic braking.”
On the contrary, the 2022 Kia EV6 has a base price of $42,695, which is about $2,000 higher than the Kia Niro EV. It is larger, more upscale, and charges much faster, although the base Light trim only has 232 miles of range. Furthermore, it is RWD, which many people in the country will find undesirable.
Meanwhile, the Niro EV has FWD and a range of 253 miles. It ought to go a little faster as well.
However, the EV6 Wind RWD trim runs faster. It has a range of over 300 miles and is similarly outfitted to the Niro EV Wave. Its starting price is $48,7795.
Note that the Wind e-AWD version costs $52,695 but also has a significant power increase.
According to Forbes WHEELS, the 64.8 kWh battery pack for the 2023 Kia Niro EV is situated below the floor to reduce the vehicle’s center of gravity. As a result, the weight distribution of the EV changes rearward, from 55% to the front to 45% to the rear.
Furthermore, its battery may be quickly topped off with a DC fast charger, recharging to 80% from 10% in just 45 minutes. It will take roughly 7 hours to recharge from empty on a Level 2 system.
| 2023 Kia Niro EV Specifications | |
| Base Price/As Tested | $39,000 (est)/$39,000 (est) |
| Power (SAE net) | 201 hp |
| Torque (SAE net) | 188 lb-ft |
| Accel, 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Quarter-Mile | 15.0 sec @ 95.5 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 132 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.79 g (avg) |
| MT Figure Eight | 27.3 sec @ 0.62 g (avg) |
| EPA Fuel Econ Comb | 113 mpg-e (est) |
| EPA Range, Comb | 253 miles (est) |
| Vehicle Layout | Front-motor, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| Motor/Engine, Transmission | Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight (f/r dist) | 3,717 lb (56/44%) |
| Wheelbase | 107.0 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 174.0 x 71.8 x 61.8 in |
| On Sale | Late 2022 |
| Source: MOTORTREND |
The all-new Kia Niro EV is marketed on its website as “Good clean fun.” As the automaker describes it, the Niro EV is “a sustainable way to have a good time on the road. This capable all-electric crossover offers utility, convenience, and a thrilling experience behind the wheel.”
The pricing seems really fair and worth it, especially considering all the enhancements and new features it offers.
