2020 Kia Niro EV
2020 Kia Niro EVMSRP Range: $39,090 - $44,590
- Lots of standard safety features
- Suitable amount of range for an affordable EV
- Fun to drive thanks to zippy acceleration and secure handling
- Clever interior storage options
- All-wheel drive isn't available despite crossover SUV-like styling
- Redesigned headlights
- EX trim level gets standard 8-inch touchscreen
- EX Premium trim now includes 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Part of the first Niro generation introduced for 2017
2020 Kia Niro EV Review
The 2020 Kia Niro EV is a fully electric version of, yes, Kia's Niro. Kia also sells the Niro as a regular hybrid as well as a plug-in hybrid, but the EV only uses electricity. For power, it uses a 64-kWh battery with a 201-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels. The result is both quick acceleration and an EPA-estimated range of 239 miles. That's not quite as much as rivals such as the Chevrolet Bolt or Tesla Model 3 are capable of, but it's still plenty for most EV drivers.
Our verdict | |
The Kia Niro EV is a feature-packed hatchback with 239 miles of range and an eager-to-please personality. Quick acceleration and stable handling also make the Niro EV more fun to drive than its eco-friendly nature might suggest. Other highlights include a spacious and well-thought-out interior and plenty of standard features. | |
How does it drive? | |
Kia markets the Niro EV as a crossover SUV, but it moves and handles more like a small performance car. Power is plentiful, immediate and delivered smoothly. In Edmunds testing, our Niro EV test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. That's noticeably quicker than rival EVs such as the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, though the Tesla Model 3 is quicker still. Braking is smooth and consistent. The Niro offers partial one-pedal driving, but it won't bring you to a complete stop unless you hold the steering paddle. The steering is direct but doesn't translate much feedback from the road. When the Niro is pushed, the suspension keeps the car planted and composed. It's fun to drive this car quickly, though the eco-oriented tires provide only modest amounts of grip. | |
How comfortable is it? | |
We like the Niro's ride quality. It smooths out bumps in the road without being overly soft or bouncy. The front seats are well shaped and firm, but they don't offer many adjustments. The dual-zone climate control works quickly and evenly, and the rear air vents are a welcome feature for passengers. The Niro EV is very quiet with little wind, tire or road noise coming into the cabin. At low speeds, the car emits a futuristic whirring sound that's required to help alert pedestrians. It fades away above 20 mph. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Kia nailed the Niro's interior. The rear offers plenty of legroom and headroom — something we've knocked some competitors for not having — and there's quite a bit of open space up front. It's also easy to get in and out of. The rear window is a bit small, which can hamper your view when backing up or trying to see what's behind you in traffic. Otherwise the Niro EV is pretty easy to see out of. All of the controls are easy to find and use too. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The Niro's infotainment system is functional and easy to use. There are EV-specific screens that show range, driving data and more, which is a welcome feature for eco-conscious drivers. Syncing a smartphone is easy, and the Niro quickly reconnects once you get back inside. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. There are one data and two charging USB ports as well as a wireless charging pad. Like the related Hyundai Kona Electric, the Niro comes standard with a full suite of advanced driver aids. We like the smooth and easy operation of the adaptive cruise control, especially in traffic. But we found the lane keeping assist to be too aggressive; it's constantly fighting your hands to keep things straight. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Rear cargo space is lacking. As EVs go, the Niro ranks near the bottom of the class with the Chevy Bolt when it comes to total storage capacity. But it makes the most of it with an easy-to-load nature and rear seats that fold flat. Up front, you'll find a lot of places to store your small items inside the cabin. All four doors feature pockets and water bottle holders. The main cupholders are adjustable and can be folded away to provide another bin or room for larger water bottles. Finally, we've found that it's pretty easy to install child safety seats in the Niro EV thanks to the roomy rear seat and easily accessible seat anchors. | |
How economical is it? | |
The EPA estimates the Niro EV will use 30 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles driven. That's about average for an EV in this price range. Total EPA-estimated range is 239 miles, which is also average. But in real-world driving we've found that this figure to be pretty conservative. Depending on your route and driving style, you'll probably be able to clear 250 miles without much trouble. | |
Is it a good value? | |
You get a lot for your money relative to other EVs. Besides standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Niro comes standard with dual-zone climate control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. The available ventilated front seats are nice too. The Niro is solidly put together, but we noticed a few small finishing issues including a small bubble on the plastic shifter. Still, there was nary a squeak or rattle from the car, especially important given just how quiet the Niro EV is on the road. | |
Wildcard | |
This car is way more fun than you expect it to be and shines both in traffic and on a twisty road. It's small and nimble, which makes it easy to place into a corner or slide into a small gap in traffic. The steering may not have much feedback, but it's quick and weighted well. With a better set of tires, the Niro could be a lot of fun on an autocross course. As it stands, it's a quick little hatchback. The styling is more conservative-looking than some rivals, but we dig the design and blue accents inside and out. The plastic cladding gives it a bit of an SUV vibe, but it's really just a small hatchback playing a game of dress-up. | |
Which Niro EV does Edmunds recommend?
Kia Niro EV models
The Kia Niro EV is a five-passenger electric vehicle with a 64-kWh battery and a 201-hp electric motor. That combo is good for an EPA-estimated 239 miles of range on a full charge. The Niro EV comes in two trim levels: the base EX and the EX Premium. Highlight features include:
- $8,500 Limited Term Bonus Cash - Expires 07/07/2020
- $7,500 Limited Term Bonus Cash - Expires 07/07/2020
Sponsored cars related to the Niro EV
Features & Specs
| EX Premium 4dr SUV electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,590 |
| MPG | 123 city / 102 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | 201 hp @ 3800 rpm |
| EX 4dr SUV electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $39,090 |
| MPG | 123 city / 102 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | 201 hp @ 3800 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Niro EV safety features:
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Alerts you with visual and audio warnings when a vehicle in the adjacent lane is in your blind spot.
- Smart Cruise Control
- Maintains a set speed and distance behind the car ahead and will bring the car to a stop briefly before relinquishing control.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Identifies lane markings and alerts you if you begin to drift out of your lane.
Kia Niro EV vs. the competition
Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric
Kia and Hyundai are corporately connected, and as a result the Niro EV and the Kona Electric have a lot of similarities. They have the same battery and electric motor, for instance, and offer many of the same features. The Kona is a bit smaller and provides a bit more range, but the Niro has a roomier back seat.
Kia Niro EV vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV
Like the Kona, the Bolt is a bit smaller than the Niro and that comes with some benefits and some drawbacks. The Bolt has an impressive range of 259 miles, and it's fun to drive, just like the Niro. But its interior isn't nearly as nice, and you can't get as many upscale features as you can with the Niro EV.
Kia Niro EV vs. Tesla Model 3
While it's more expensive than the Niro EV, the Tesla Model 3 does provide more of just about everything. It's quicker, and it offers a longer range and access to Tesla's Supercharger network. There's also the Model 3's minimalist interior. It looks great, though we do prefer the Kia's more traditional setup with easier-to-use buttons and controls.
FAQ
Is the Kia Niro EV a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Kia Niro EV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Kia Niro EV:
- Redesigned headlights
- EX trim level gets standard 8-inch touchscreen
- EX Premium trim now includes 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Part of the first Niro generation introduced for 2017
Is the Kia Niro EV reliable?
Is the 2020 Kia Niro EV a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Kia Niro EV?
The least-expensive 2020 Kia Niro EV is the 2020 Kia Niro EV EX 4dr SUV (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $39,090.
Other versions include:
- EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD) which starts at $44,590
- EX 4dr SUV (electric DD) which starts at $39,090
What are the different models of Kia Niro EV?
More about the 2020 Kia Niro EV
2020 Kia Niro EV Overview
The 2020 Kia Niro EV is offered in the following submodels: Niro EV SUV. Available styles include EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD), and EX 4dr SUV (electric DD).
What do people think of the 2020 Kia Niro EV?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Kia Niro EV and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Niro EV.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Kia Niro EV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Niro EV featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Kia Niro EV?
2020 Kia Niro EV EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD)
The 2020 Kia Niro EV EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $46,945. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro EV EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD) is trending $1,201 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,201 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $45,744.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro EV EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD) is 2.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 10 2020 Kia Niro EV EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Kia Niro EV EX 4dr SUV (electric DD)
The 2020 Kia Niro EV EX 4dr SUV (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $41,445. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro EV EX 4dr SUV (electric DD) is trending $1,168 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,168 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $40,277.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro EV EX 4dr SUV (electric DD) is 2.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 12 2020 Kia Niro EV EX 4dr SUV (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Kia Niro EVS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Kia Niro EV for sale near. There are currently 30 new 2020 Niro EVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $41,445 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Kia Niro EV. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,500 on a used or CPO 2020 Niro EV available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Kia Niro EVs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia Niro EV for sale - 6 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $11,263.
Find a new Kia for sale - 10 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $15,508.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Kia Niro EV?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials