This latest generation Kia Niro enters its second year of production after a 2023 makeover. You can choose this compact crossover SUV with a hybrid gasoline-electric (HEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or a battery electric (EV) powertrain. If you’ve selected the electric, you’ve narrowed your choices significantly. But you still have to decide – which 2024 Kia Niro EV is right for you?
The Niro EV arrives for 2024 with few changes from 2023 and a slight uptick in pricing, starting at $39,600 (up from $39,550). A dual-level cargo floor is now standard, and Kia has dropped the Fire Orange Metallic exterior paint color.
The Niro EV comes in two trim levels: Wind (starting at $39,600) and Wave (starting at $44,600). Each EV comes with a 64.8-kWh battery with a single permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels. The Niro EV earns a 113-MPGe combined rating and an estimated 253-mile range on a single charge using a lithium-ion battery. AC and DC fast charge compatibility are standard, and there’s an 11-kW on-board charger. AC charging at 120 volts (household current) takes about 2.5 days, while DC fast charging from 10-80% at 85 kWh should take about 43 minutes.
The Niro EV is 174.0 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 61.8 inches tall. It rides on a 107.1-inch wheelbase and has 5.9 inches of ground clearance and a turning circle of 34.8 feet. The Niro EV weighs 3,721 to 3,803 pounds, depending on configuration.
You can fit up to 22.8 cubic feet of luggage behind the second row of seating. Fold the second row flat, and the Niro EV can swallow up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo. The headroom in the front row is a comfortable 40.5 inches and 38.1 inches in the second row. Legroom is 41.5 inches in the front and 36.9 inches in the rear. The shoulder room is 56.3 inches in the front and 55.4 inches in the back. These are all good dimensions relative to the compact size of the Niro.
Like all Kia models, the 2024 Niro EV comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.
The Niro EV’s competitors include the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.4, and the Niro’s corporate cousin, the Hyundai Kona EV. Chevrolet’s Equinox EV promises to join the fold later in 2024.
Two Trims Available
Kia builds the 2024 Niro EV in two trim levels: Wind and Wave.
2024 Kia Niro EV Wind
The Wind comes with a smart key, push-button start, power windows, auto rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rear window washer/wiper, and heated power-adjustable side-view mirrors with LED turn signals. Inside, you’ll find dual-zone auto climate control, rear climate vents, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a 6-way manual passenger’s seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, a dual-level cargo floor, a heated windshield, SynTex and cloth seat trim, a SynTex-wrapped steering wheel, and adjustable ambient lighting.
Technology abounds in the Niro EV Wind, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a 6-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, remote start, Kia Connect, a wireless device charging pad, two USB-A charging ports in the front row and two in the second row, a USB-C charging port in the front row, and a 12-volt charging port. Bluetooth with multi-device connectivity and voice recognition are standard. A suite of Kia Drive Wise technologies enhances the safety and ease of driving the Niro EV Wind. They include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
Roof rails and 17-inch Aero alloy wheels are standard, as are projector beam headlights with auto headlight control. Kia has integrated the charging port into the front bumper, just above a chrome skid plate.
2024 Kia Niro EV Wave
The Wave trim tweaks and upgrades many of the features on the Wind trim while maintaining the same powertrain and general dimensions.
Look for heated and ventilated front seats in the Wave, along with 10-way power for the passenger’s seat and a driver’s seat integrated memory system. The seats get perforated SynTex trim, and your feet get alloy sport pedals. Interior and exterior lighting gets upgraded to LED. The audio system is a Harman Kardon premium one with seven speakers. There’s also a power tailgate, aluminum door scuff plates, power-folding side-view mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a HomeLink garage opener. You get Kia’s Digital Key, a nifty app-based option for enabling your smartphone to act as your car key. The Niro Wave also boasts some upgrades to the Kia Drive Wise driver-assistance features found on the Wind.
Our Recommendation:
While the top-of-the-line Wave comes with some desirable upgrades in driver-assistance technology and premium audio, the Wind is fully equipped by any definition – and there’s a $5,000 difference in price, which seems like a lot when it comes time to sign on the dotted line. Unless you are devoted to luxuries or seek the specific upgrades of the higher trim, we’d get the Wind and wave a thick stack of Benjamins at the Wave.
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