2025 Kia Niro EV

The Niro EV has the same modern look, sophisticated high-tech features, and spacious cabin as its siblings, the Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid, but with one distinct difference: no gas tank. Just plug it in overnight or at a public DC fast charger, and the Niro EV can travel up to 253 miles under smooth, quiet, responsive electric power. In typical Kia fashion, the Niro EV also comes loaded with standard equipment, including Kia’s latest safety and driver-assist technology.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs, including the Kia Niro EV.

Kia revamped the Niro EV for the 2023 model year, leaving it alone for 2024. There are no notable updates for 2025 either.

The Niro EV’s starting price is higher than the Hyundai Kona EV, about the same as the Telsa Model 3, and less than the Kia EV6. Before buying a Kia Niro EV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. As for resale value, the Niro holds its value slightly better than the EV average, on par with the Hyundai Kona EV but not as strong as the Tesla Model 3. Remember, recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The 201-horsepower Niro EV is peppy for a compact SUV, which can hit 60 mph from a standstill in about seven seconds. Most drivers will rarely tap into all that acceleration. Thanks to the immediate rush of torque, 0-30 mph might well be the most entertaining phase of any acceleration exercise. Your Tesla-driving buddy might not be overwhelmed, but the Niro EV feels quite quick against many similarly sized gas-fueled vehicles.

We also like the Niro EV’s clever regenerative braking system controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It offers several levels of regeneration/deceleration, including one-pedal control over acceleration and braking. In this mode, the Niro EV accelerates when you press the accelerator and effectively brakes as you ease pressure off the accelerator. It will even bring the Niro EV to a complete stop. Once you get the hang of it, you can run weekend errands without ever touching the brake pedal.

While driving on both highways and around town, we found the Niro EV’s ride comfortable over most surfaces. The cabin is quiet, with some tire noise evident, but nothing too intrusive. Visibility is good in most directions, but the Niro’s wide rear panels create a bit of blind spot, which is made less problematic by the standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic detection.

Some luxury car companies could do much worse than taking inspiration from Kia’s most recent interior designs. Moreover, Kia also uses recycled materials to enhance the Niro’s sustainability and employs paint free of toxic compounds. Vegan leather may not sound particularly appetizing, but it makes for eco-friendly upholstery. High-end features like the Wave trim’s 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio, heated steering wheel, and ventilated seats make the interior feel even more upscale.

Kia proudly boasts about the Niro EV’s passenger and cargo space, which ranks high among compact EVs. Cargo volume is generous, at 22.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.7 cubic feet with the seat folded down. Rear seat legroom is equally generous, at 39.8 inches. That’s surprisingly close to the larger Kia EV6, which offers about three inches more rear-seat legroom but not as much cargo space with the rear seat folded down. A Tesla Model 3 offers a convenient front trunk (frunk), which isn’t available on the Niro EV. However, the Niro’s hatchback design versus the Model 3’s traditional trunk gives it the edge for hauling large items like sports equipment or big dogs.

The Niro’s tall roof and high beltline reinforce its compact SUV credentials, even though it does lack the additional ground clearance and available all-wheel drive commonly associated with such vehicles. The Niro’s design is visually appealing, especially when outfitted with the contrasting “Aeroblade” rear quarter panels.

Drive Wise safety technologies
Every Niro EV includes a bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies that help keep your family safe. We think Kia’s adaptation of the technology works exceptionally well on features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and more.

Highway Driving Assist
This is one feature we’re glad comes standard. Highway Driving Assist is a driver-assistance technology that can accelerate, brake, and steer the Niro EV under certain conditions with driver supervision. We think Kia’s version is one of the best systems out there. Upgrading to the Wave trim brings a more advanced Highway Drive Assist II, which includes automatic lane change capability.

Dual-screen display
We love the look and functionality of the Niro EV’s curved display, which houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. It is a serious upgrade, and it could easily appear in the cockpit of a German sedan costing thousands more.

Harman Kardon audio system
This premium audio system with Clari-Fi sound-enhancement technology and a subwoofer is standard in Wave.

Digital Key 2.0
We found this smartphone-linked feature capable of much more than unlocking and starting the Niro EV. Switching to a new driver can be done via text message, meaning you can share your car with a friend or family member even if you’re hours or days away from where it’s parked.

Proximity Keyless Entry
Another standard feature we applaud is the proximity key fob, which allows you to unlock your Niro EV simply by touching the door handle. The system also includes a push-button start.

The Kia Niro EV moves via a single electric motor energized by a 64.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery. That output goes solely to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. The Niro EV can travel 253 miles before needing to recharge. Using a DC fast charging station, it can charge from 10% to 80% in about 43 minutes. That’s longer than it takes to charge the EV6, which can absorb the same charge in less than half that time. A Level 2 home charger with a 240-volt supply can recharge the Niro’s battery in as little as six hours.

Exceptional Warranty Coverage

The Kia Niro EV is covered by the automaker’s generous and reassuring 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, which includes the battery pack and hybrid components. The 5-year/60,000-mile warranty includes 24/7 roadside assistance. This combination of warranty protection is among the best in the industry.

Modern Safety Tech

The Kia Niro EV has an impressive list of standard safety tech features, such as enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors.