SUMMARY
With various companies vying for the top of the EV market, Kia throws its hat into the ring with the 2022 Kia Niro EV. This model is both notable for its range and efficiency, both aspects that the Niro has in spades. Although it may not beat some of its market rivals, the Niro is still one that deserves a look over along the other EVs in this market. This review on the 2022 Kia Niro EV will look into the various specs and features available to it.
LATEST
Being the second generation of the Niro Lineup, it arrives alongside a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant. For the EV Variant, it receives various premium tech features that are now standard to the package.
ESTIMATED PRICE
Kia offers 2 different trim levels for the 2022 Kia Niro EV, all with differing price points depending on the model. However, both trim levels make use of the same powertrain so going for the EX Premium is more for the additional interior fittings made available to it. Below are the respective costs of the trim levels of the 2022 Kia Niro EV.
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| 2022 Kia Niro EV EX | $ 39,990* |
| 2022 Kia Niro EV EX Premium | $ 44,650* |
Kia offers lease deals for those looking on a different way of financing the 2022 Kia Niro EV. These offers differ according to which state you live in. Make sure to check out their official site, as well as the site of Kia’s trusted dealers, in order to see what deals you can take part of.
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
Both models of the 2022 Niro EV make use of an electric Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor which outputs a voltage of 356V. This EV is only available in a front-wheel drive setup, without any option for an all-wheel variant. The electric powertrain allows the Niro EV to reach 201 horsepower and a torque output of 291 pounds-feet. When it comes to the transmission, all models come standard with a 1 speed automatic system. The company states that it takes the Niro EV about 7.8 seconds to go from 0 to 62.1 mph. Sporting a Motor Driven Power Steering system, the handling on this EV is lightweight. It also makes use of a set of disc brakes which are integrated with a regenerative braking system. It rides on top of 17-inch Alloy wheels and comes with a set of P215/55R167 tires. If you’re living in a colder climate, Kia has created a package just for you. The Cold Weather Package comes with a battery heater which improves both charging speed and operation on colder days. It also comes with a heated steering wheel, heated front seating, and other features that make the climate much more bearable to drive in.
BATTERY LIFE
The 2022 Niro EV makes use of a set of lithium-ion polymer battery packs which are rated for a capacity of 64 kWh. It sits under the Niro’s floor, allowing for more space to be allocated for the passenger cabin. On a full charge, this gives the Niro EV an all-electric driving range of about 239 miles. The Niro EV also comes compatible with DC Fast Chargers with an SAE CCS connector, taking about an hour to charge with a 100kW outlet. The battery pack can also slightly recharge via the regenerative braking system which allows the vehicle to capture the kinetic energy used when decelerating.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
This iteration of the Niro EV boasts some impressive MPGe scores. This means that it can handle a lot of daily driving before needing another recharge. Below are the respective fuel efficiency scores from the EPA for the Niro EV:
| Trim Mileage Estimates | City/mpg | Highway/mpg | Combined/mpg |
| 2022 Kia Niro EV EX | 123 | 102 | 112 |
| 2022 Kia Niro EV EX Premium | 123 | 102 | 112 |
Both models have similar Fuel Efficiency estimates, with the only difference between them being certain interior features.
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
The interior of the 2022 Kia Niro EV is well equipped for its class, all bundled with a spacious interior and a decently sized cargo hold. Its passenger cabin can comfortably fit 5 passengers, all seated within Bucket seats that sport either Cloth or Leatherette upholstery. Both models come with heated front seats for both the driver and front passenger. The EX Premium also comes with Ventilated seating for both front passengers. The cabin’s design focuses a lot on ergonomics, with controls thoughtfully laid out on the dashboard. It makes use of soft-touch plastics and other materials on the car’s surfaces, which is fine enough for the price point. The cargo capacity on both versions of the Niro EV total up to about 18.5 cubic feet with the seats deployed and 53.0 cubic feet with the seats folded up. Overall passenger volume on the Niro EV is rated at about 96.6 cubic feet.
TECHNOLOGY
The various features available on the Niro EV’s infotainment system should keep passengers occupied for the trip, as well as give the driver valuable information. All models come standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. It even comes with a split-screen feature which helps access music and other features all at the same time. Voice commands and touch controls are available on the car’s Navigation System. The Niro EV’s audio system is made up of a 8-speaker setup sourced from Harman/Kardon. It even comes with an integrated Subwoofer for the audiophiles and music lovers to tinker with.
SAFETY
The Niro EV makes use of the Kia Drive Wise safety suite, allowing for certain sensor-based safety features to be available. Some of these features include a Lane Following Assist, a Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and even a Driver Attention Warning system which even warns the driver if the car ahead of them has begun accelerating from a standstill.
WARRANTY
Kia offers a limited warranty plan that spans for 5 years or for the first 60,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. Their powertrain warranty is one of the best right now, spanning a long 10 years or the first 100,000 miles driven. They also offer an anti-perforation warranty which lasts for 5 years or for the first 100,000 miles driven. Lastly, their roadside assistance plan can be availed of for 5 years or for up to 60,000 miles driven.