Overview
The 2022 Kia Niro EV struggles to stand out amid a sea of Tesla vehicles and the popular branding of the Mustang Mach-E. While Kia’s subcompact crossover is attractive, it lacks the cachet of the more expensive rivals. The 2022 Kia Niro EV, on the other hand, has the same practical features as its hybrid and plug-in hybrid cousins, which we examine separately. The electric vehicle has a range of 239 miles according to the EPA, and we drove 210 miles on a full charge on the interstate. While this isn’t nearly as far as some of their more rangy competitors, it’s still noteworthy. We wish the cabin of Robert De Niro was less plasticky, and it isn’t available in all 50 states. Nonetheless, it strikes enough high notes to merit consideration with the best non-luxury electric vehicles in this developing market.
Updates For 2022 Kia Niro EV
A few minor tweaks are made to the Kia Niro EV in 2022. It now has a redesigned Kia emblem and additional standard amenities. The latter comes with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, which replaces the old 8.0-inch device, as well as built-in navigation, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
- Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Standard rear-occupant alert
- The remote start function will preheat or pre-cool the cabin
- DriveWise suite adds leading vehicle departure alert, highway driving assist, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control
E-Motor, Transmission, and Performance
Powertrain
Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Power: 201 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 291 lb-ft @ 0 rpm
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 64.0 kWh
Transmission: direct-drive
The 2022 Kia Niro EV is powered by a single electric motor with 201 horsepower and a one-speed direct-drive gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. The Niro EV accelerates to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, faster than both the Chevy Bolt EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric. Regenerative braking, which recharges the car as you brake, allows the 2022 Kia Niro EV to be driven with just one pedal. The steering wheel-mounted paddles may be used to switch between four degrees of regeneration, which we appreciate. It also has a more linear brake pedal than competitors like the VW ID.4.
Range, Charge & Battery
The 2022 Kia Niro EV’s 64.0-kWh battery capacity is in line with the rest of the market, outperforming the Nissan Leaf, matching the Kona EV, and falling slightly short of the Bolt EV. The 2022 Kia Niro EV’s estimated range is 239 miles, which is about average for the competition. The crossover can be charged using either a 120-volt or a 240-volt outlet, although the charge durations are substantially different. The battery is expected to be completely charged in around nine hours using the 240-volt connector. For others who simply can not wait that long, the conventional DC fast-charger with the capability of a 100-kW connection helps improve charging, it can deliver an 80 percent charge in an hour.
Power Economy
On our 75-mph interstate route, the 2022 Kia Niro EV we tested drove 210 miles on a full charge, which is only 29 miles short of the EPA’s 239-mile projection. Visit the EPA’s website for additional information on the Niro EV’s fuel efficiency.
Exterior & Interior Space Design
Even in the cheapest EX version, the 2022 Kia Niro EV is nicely equipped, with standard motorized front seats, heated front seats, and a 7.0-inch digital driver display. Adding amenities like heated front seats, a motorized sunroof, and wireless charging to the EX Premium level adds value. However, both trim levels have an excessive amount of black plastic in the interior, which is unpleasant to look at and touch. The Niro EV also offers an intelligent two-zone automatic temperature control system with the option to save energy by turning off the climate control for the passenger seat when the seat is unoccupied. This increases the efficiency of the EV and allows more of the battery to be utilized for the driving range. Six carry-on luggage may be stowed behind the back seats. Although the back seats do not fold flat, we were able to put 18 carry-ons behind the front seats when they were folded down. Occupants behind the front seats are not ideal since the back floor is lifted to make room for the batteries, making rear-seat passengers feel cramped.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2022 Kia Niro EV EX’s infotainment system is a large 10.3-inch touchscreen. The interface also incorporates SiriusXM satellite radio (membership is required after the three-month trial period) and a voice-activated navigation system, in addition to handy volume and tuning knobs. Both sets are Bluetooth-enabled and allow Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly.
Driving & Safety
The 2022 Kia Niro EV has a smoother ride than its competitors, with less wind and road noise than the Bolt EV, Kona Electric, or Tesla Model Y.
All of Kia’s driver-assistance technology is standard on the 2022 Kia Niro EV. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for additional information on the Niro EV’s crash-test results. The following are important safety features:
-Forward-collision alerts and the automatic emergency braking are standard.
-Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist are standard.
-Adaptive cruise control is a standard feature.
Price
EX>> >>>> $41,165
EX Premium >>>> $45,825
Base/As Tested: $40,265/$47,145
Options: EX Premium, $5500; cold weather package; $1100; carpeted floor mats, $135; cargo mat, $95; cargo net, $50
The electric variant EX trim level, which comes fully equipped and costs substantially less than the EX Premium, is our recommendation. Heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assistance systems like automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist are among the outstanding basic features. Only the Cold Weather package (heated steering wheel, battery warmer, and, most importantly, a heat pump, which is a more effective means of heating the car’s cabin while also extending the driving range in cold weather) would be included. The federal tax credit for the 2022 Niro EV remains at $7500, but Kia only sells the SUV in a few states.
Warranty
Kia, along with its corporate twin Hyundai, provides some of the most comprehensive and comprehensive warranties available to automobile buyers. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee is the key selling feature, but the limited and hybrid/EV component warranties also outperform what Chevrolet and Nissan give on the Bolt and Leaf, respectively.
A five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty is included.
A ten-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is included.
Hybrid components have a ten-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
There is no free planned maintenance.
Electomo’s Take
Have you ever heard the term “appearances aren’t everything?” The same may be stated about one’s personality. Although the Niro isn’t very exciting to drive, the tiny hatchback is practical, with enough rear headroom and legroom for even taller occupants. It also comes with a fantastic set of driver assistance features as standard. In previous evaluations, we noticed that the lane following and lane-keeping assist systems perform an excellent job of keeping the car centered in its lane, even when adaptive cruise control is turned on.
Our employees had varied feelings about the driving experience, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the brakes and steering. On uneven roads, the Niro also makes too much road and tire noise. Others commended the Niro’s handling balance, while our road test editor praised the vehicle’s high-speed steadiness.
The main concern with any electric car is its range. The 2022 Kia Niro EV can drive 239 miles on a single charge, which should plenty to alleviate range worries. However, other competitors, like the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, can go farther distances. When you consider this, as well as the fact that the highest trim of the Niro EV costs more than $45,000 (before incentives), the small Kia becomes less enticing.
