As electric vehicles, or what we like to call EVs in the biz, are taking over the roadways, there’s a lot of speculation about which EV is the best. When it comes to electric power, Kia offers up a swift, engaging, and modern vehicle with its Niro EV, and if you’re looking for a Kia EV, this is the brand’s pride and joy. Not only is this spirited traveler ready for anything, but its impressive 239-mile range, fast-charging options, and pristine styling make it a force to be reckoned with in the industry. When you need a lively EV that’ll take you to anywhere your heart desires, the Niro EV is a true companion. But, how does this EV compare to some of the other popular EVs on the market, and is it finally time to switch to electric? Here’s how the Kia Niro EV stacks up against some of its top competitors.
Kia Niro EV vs Hyundai Kona Electric
At first glance, you’ll be able to see a difference between the Niro EV and the Kona Electric when it comes to their overall look. Although both vehicles emanate a sort of futuristic, modern vibe, the Niro EV is more sculpted, whereas the Kona Electric takes the whole futuristic thing to a level it shouldn’t. The Niro EV blends traditional design with contemporary elements to make a car that’s, in our opinion, a step above the Kona Electric and well on its way to looking and feeling more luxurious. Its attractiveness extends into its interior, as it offers elegant features, especially in its higher-level trims, as well as convenience options like dual automatic climate control. These features make the Niro EV more alluring and better-equipped to add comfort to your journey.
Both the Niro EV and the Kona Electric have impeccable capabilities, including ranges of 239 miles for the Niro EV and 258 miles for the Kona Electric. Practicality is also a big factor to consider when comparing these two efficient travelers, and if you’re looking for more cargo space, the Niro EV is the winner. With the ability to fold down the seats in the second row, this Kia EV is able to accommodate up to 53 cubic feet of cargo, against 45.8 cubic feet for the Kona Electric. If you’re paying special attention to safety, as we all should, the Niro EV outshines the Kona Electric with a better lineup of advanced safety features designed to make your time behind the wheel more secure. The Kia Niro EV comes out victorious overall due to its exquisitely designed appearance, plus loads of innovative ways to maximize your ride.
Kia Niro EV vs Chevy Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV has been around for a while, and as more and more EVs are making their way into the market, it seems as though the little Bolt EV is losing its way. Although it has improved on its performance and capabilities throughout the years and offers a nice range of 259 miles, its design needs a serious facelift. Its cramped interior and lackluster style cause many drivers to overlook the Bolt EV, opting for more lavish features, like those found in the Niro EV. And with an overall smoother ride in the Niro EV, compared to the Bolt EV, shoppers are gravitating toward this Kia EV more and more since its arrival onto the scene just a couple of years ago.
Another deal-breaker for the Bolt EV is that fast charging is only an available feature for it, while fast charging comes standard for the Niro EV. Smaller than Kia’s electric offering and a lack of performance make for a disappointing ride in the Bolt EV. The Niro EV is better suited if you’re looking for a roomy experience, combined with a fabulous infotainment system and loads of technology features designed to simplify your travels. When you’re shopping for an EV, there are many others that well surpass the Bolt EV’s capabilities, and as these vehicles continue to advance and become more revolutionary, it seems as though the Bolt EV may finally be obsolete. But we’re looking forward to being proven wrong if Chevy can come up with better ways to make this bland vehicle more appealing.
Kia Niro EV vs Nissan Leaf
For those searching for a more affordable electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf may just be perfect for you, but that bargain price tag also comes with some less than amazing features. Performing well below its competitors when it comes to range, the Leaf struggles to travel past 226 miles on a single charge, with the base model being limited to just 149 miles. If you’re ready to keep up with maintaining its charge, then it may be the right vehicle for you, but who has time for that, right? Nowadays, we want to be able to get up and go, and if you constantly have to charge your vehicle for even a simple trip to the grocery store, you may want to look elsewhere.
Although the Leaf does sport some nice styling, it’s still not an SUV, which causes many car shoppers to overlook it, focusing their attention on better choices, like the Niro EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Leaf does offer advanced cruise control and lane-keeping systems, which is a plus. But then again, so does the Niro EV, which means that with all the other options available on the market, the thrifty Leaf just doesn’t make the cut with us. If you want more room, more range, and better performance, you won’t find it in the Leaf.
Kia Niro EV vs Tesla Model 3
Your first thought may be that there’s no way Kia can even compete with the legendary luxury automaker, Tesla, but hear us out. First and foremost, the Model 3 isn’t an SUV, so if you’re looking for the room and features that only SUVs can provide, you’ll have to look at other options. The Tesla Model 3 does claim to achieve an excellent range of at least 263 miles, but it’s been known to disappoint when it comes to actually achieving that range, especially on the highway. And here’s another one… price. Although both vehicles sport very similar price tags, the Kia Niro EV is a much more affordable option for all that you’re able to get in a vehicle, including space, technology, and range.
Although the Model 3 is indeed just a sedan, it does make good use of its interior, providing a spacious and enjoyable ride with upscale features, but again, you’re paying extra for this opulence. Drivers have also reported that too much of its ride is dependent on its very prominent touchscreen, which can tend to take the joy out of simplifying your travels, but of course, to each their own. In our opinion, you’re able to get much more out of the Niro EV for the price than you can with the Model 3, and even though the Model 3 claims to provide a better range, if you’re unable to achieve it, what’s the fun in that?
The Top Choice
Kia has become one of the most well-known and trusted brands on the road today, and with its impressive electric offering, it just keeps climbing the ranks. The Niro EV not only offers exceptional driving dynamics, but it also showcases an upscale appeal, all the latest technology, and an affordable price tag, especially considering all that you’re able to get in this vehicle. Compared to the competition, whether you’re pinning it against one of the oldest electric offerings on the market or one of the most luxurious, the proof lies in its ability to perform and the features that make up this exquisite Kia EV. If you’re looking for a new EV, we recommend taking an up-close look at this lively and efficient model. If you’re impressed by its style and function, welcome to the club.
