2023 Kia Niro EV

With EVs becoming more popular in the USA and competition heating up, some of the more established names in the segment are taking the opportunity to redesign themselves with the latest of this fast-changing technology. In the case of the 2023 Kia Niro EV, this includes not just snazzier styling but also a bit more power and better standard features. The single-motor powertrain now develops 201 horsepower, and the interior of the crossover is comprised primarily of recycled materials, further reinforcing the philosophy of eco-conscious transportation. However, even with these updates, the Niro EV struggles to stand out from competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5. The upscale interior and good standard specifications are great, but many buyers expect an electric car to be more lively and even a bit fun.

The price of the new Kia Niro EV crossover is appealing for what you get in return, especially with more now being offered as standard. The Wind is the starting trim, and it will cost you just under $40k at $39,550. The only other trim is the Wave, which goes for $44,550 before options. These are the MSRP prices for the Kia Niro EV and do not include any admin fees or the $1,325 destination charge.

The 2023 Niro EV was built with efficiency and comfort in mind, and that shows in its driving character. Calling it downright lazy is a little overly critical, but this isn't a car that likes being hustled about. The instant torque is nice for driving around town, where you'd be stopping and going a lot, but the power tapers off quickly when you hold the pedal down. That's fine, though, as neither the chassis nor suspension are tuned to provide good handling at speed. Road imperfections are handled with ease, but there is not a lot of grip when taking corners too quickly, and there is a fair amount of lean. The brake feel is good, but you can comfortably do most of your driving with a single pedal thanks to the regenerative brakes.

To review the Kia Niro EV fairly, you need to look at it in a very specific light. It's not a fast or fun car, and it feels a little unsure of itself at higher speeds. For better or worse, it takes a fair amount of time to hit those speeds, but the initial thrust of the electric powertrain at take-off gives the illusion of spriteliness. There is definitely a bias toward comfort all around, which pairs nicely with the upscale and cozy interior. Eco-friendly consumers will enjoy the recycled materials around the cabin. But don't fear; they look and feel good. There is also an excellent list of standard features, but it's the safety suite that will impress most savvy shoppers. The low asking price, despite all of this value, will ensure that the 2023 Kia Niro EV draws the right kind of attention. However, for those looking for a slightly more engaging product, the Niro has very little to offer. This is a safe and relatively comfortable car that will get you where you're going without a fuss or a large bill.

Considering how much value you get even at the base level, and the fact that there is no more power to be found higher up, the Wind seems to be the smart buy. It misses out on only one or two driver assists, but still comes with forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The fact that you get the full infotainment suite, minus the Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless charger, just seems overly generous at this price point. The lack of LED headlights and fog lights is a bit disappointing, though.