2020 Kia Niro EV
2020 Kia Niro EV Review
- 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
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.
There's more to the Niro EV than just some impressive numbers. You'll also like its roomy seating and impressive amount of technology and safety features. This is one of our top-ranked electric vehicles, and it's definitely worth checking out.
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 the Niro EV 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 tester 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. The 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 the Niro EV? | |
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's available ventilated front seats for cooling are a rare and appreciated feature for an electric vehicle at this price. 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 EV's interior, which is surprisingly very different from the standard Niro's. The EV's front console has plenty of extra storage space and adds an inutive dial shifter to complement the rest of the easy-to-use cabin controls. The available 10.25-inch screen has a premium look to it. As far as space goes, there's a generous amount up front. The rear offers plenty of legroom and headroom for its size — something we've knocked some competitors for not having. It's also easy to get in and out of thanks to the square door openings. 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. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The Niro's infotainment system is functional and easy to use, and the EX Premium trim's 10.25-inch screen further improves the experience. 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. Our test Niro EV had three USB ports (one data and two charging ports) as well as a wireless charging pad. The Niro (like its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Kona Electric) 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, constantly fighting your hands to make minor corrections. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Rear cargo space is good for its size because of the Niro's hatchback body. As EVs go, the Niro is only slightly behind the Kona and Leaf when it comes to total storage capacity. But it makes the most of it by being easy to load and having rear seats that easily 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 thanks to the Niro EV's roomy rear seat and easily accessible seat anchors. | |
How economical is the Niro EV? | |
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 this figure pretty conservative. In Edmunds testing, the Niro traveled 285 miles on a single charge and was more efficient, using 25.3 kWh for every 100 miles. This is the second-longest tested range behind the Hyundai Kona at 315 miles. Depending on your route, the weather and your driving style, you'll probably be able to outperform the EPA's estimates as well. | |
Is the Niro EV a good value? | |
You get a lot for your money relative to other EVs, plus the Niro still qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. The Niro comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, 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 next to the Model 3, the Niro just looks and feels like less of a bargain. Still, there was nary a squeak or rattle from the car, especially important given how quiet the Niro EV is on the road. The Niro comes with a 7.2-kW onboard charger. Charging times vary, but in general Kia estimates a full charge off a proper 240-volt wall unit at 7.2 kW (what most owners will have installed at home) takes nine hours and 35 minutes. It's estimated to take 59 hours to reach a full charge off a standard 120-volt outlet with the included cable (not recommended). Keep in mind that these times are going from an empty battery to full; most of the time you'll just be topping off. The Niro also has DC fast-charging capability. | |
Wildcard | |
This car is much 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 doesn't offer much feedback to the driver, but it's quick and weighted well. With a set of summer tires, the Niro would be a mean little hot hatchback. The styling is more conservative-looking than some rivals, but it's also less polarizing. We dig the design and blue accents inside and out, and the plastic cladding gives it a bit of an SUV vibe. | |
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:
2020 Kia Niro EV pricing
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Kia Niro EV.
Trending topics in reviews
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- value
Most helpful consumer reviews
Decently priced (for an EV), decent range, decent comfort. It's basically just a really, really decent car, but it costs around £8 to 'fill the tank' and if you source your charges from renewables it's a really good eco-choice. It's enjoyable to drive (my wife shoves it in 'eco' and it feels like a slowish car - I shift it into 'sport' and it moves nicely). Practicality is decent, entertainment system is decent. I've done lengthy 700 miles trips and it handles it decently. Looks decent. I guess you get the picture - a decent car; but it's the first EV I've experienced that fills that niche. Teslas are cool and can sort of drive themselves, but also are built by people with serious sleep deprivation and you'd better not care too much about paint finish or panel gap. Jag/Audi EV's are great but you better be wealthy to buy one. Peugeot/Citroen et. al. might have EV's but I've never owned a car from them that didn't start shedding trim and mysteriously break 6 months out of warranty. The Niro a decent car, that will please the whole family, it's affordable enough for the class, so far it seems incredibly reliable, the build quality is good, the technology feels solid, it's nice looking and it's one of the few cars my wife hasn't complained about and that's a rarity.
After incentives and hard negotiating (following several hours of research, incl calling dealers in 3 states), I leased a 2020 EX for $700 down and $148.30/month. This is after the $5,000 EV incentive from NJ (Plus NJ has no sales tax on EVs, which is normally part of the down payment) and lease-end incentives from Kia. Unlike Tesla, the $7,500 federal tax incentive is still baked into the lease for Kia. You have to be nuts not to go EV in NJ with all the incentives, and this and the Kona (not quite as practical as the Niro) are the only real choices for value, performance and style.
This is the car to strongly consider if you are looking to get away from burning fossil fuels. It rides comfortably and quiet without too much body roll or road noise. Mileage anxiety should be put to bay as this car will easily achieve up to 270 miles on a full charge.
This car was everything I expected - The only thing I have a negative about is the quick depletion of the 26 mile battery usage. I suppose that is my fault as I drive it more than I expected :)
2020 Kia Niro EV video
Read Description
NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Kia Niro EV, but since the 2020 Kia Niro EV is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Edmunds Editor-in-Chief Alistair Weaver takes a close look at the production-ready 2019 Kia Niro EV at the Paris auto show. Aside from its grille-turned-charge-port and some blue detailing, the fully electric Niro looks like any other Niro, which Alistair endorses. Check out the video for more details on the new Niro EV.
[MUSIC PLAYING] ALISTAIR WEAVER: We first saw the Kia Niro EV, as it'll be known in the US, back at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. Now, nine months later, it's making its debut in production form here in Paris, and we're told it'll be in US dealerships next year. Apart from a new grill and a bit of blue detail, it looks pretty much like any other Niro, which I think is a good thing. It doesn't feel the need to shout about its eco-pretensions. It should be effective, though. Kia's claiming a range around 240 miles, which will be highly competitive up against rivals like the Chevy Volt and Nissan LEAF. Inside, you get a bit more blue detailing, an extra storage box where the gear stick once was, and this 7-inch touch screen has been reconfigured with more information. There's even a function that allows you to calculate how much carbon dioxide you save by choosing EV compared with a gasoline alternative, so you can feel extra smug and self-righteous.
Features & Specs
| 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 |
| 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 |
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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 4dr SUV (electric DD) which starts at $39,090
- EX Premium 4dr SUV (electric DD) which starts at $44,590
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 4dr SUV (electric DD), and EX Premium 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. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Niro EV 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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?
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 16 new 2020 Niro EVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $41,500 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.
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Find a new Kia for sale - 6 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $24,152.
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