2023 Kia Niro EV: A First Look

The newly debuted 2023 Kia Niro EV has got people talking. With evolutionary advancements and innovative tech, could this be your next electric vehicle?
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
At the 2022 New York Auto Show, Kia revealed the North American version of the 2023
Kia
Niro EV. With an impressive range, what can drivers expect from this updated and tech-savvy crossover?
Jerry
, the
car ownership super app
, breaks it down.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV: Better mileage, power, and range

The 2023 Kia Niro EV features a broad hood, lower angular headlights, boomerang-like LED taillights and chunky sculpting. 
According to
Consumer Reports
, “Kia looks to have improved upon the Niro’s efficiency deficits with the new model—bringing improved fuel mileage for the hybrid, a longer electric range for the plug-in hybrid, and an increased driving range for the EV version—thanks to reduced weight and a more aerodynamic body.”
The organization also hopes to see an improvement in the choppy ride, the long braking distances, bumpy shifts, and lack of front-seat comfort once the 2023 model is put through their auto test program. 
With 14 more miles of range than its predecessor, the Niro EV offers a range of 253 miles per charge. “The 2023 Niro EV uses a 64.8-kWh battery pack that when connected to a DC fast-charger is said to be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 45 minutes,”
Car and Driver
tells us. 
The Niro EV’s lone powertrain will be a single electric motor feeding the front two wheels. At 201 hp, the 2023 EV exceeds the 139 hp from the hybrid and 180 hp from the plug-in models. 
The hybrid will feature a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It will also include an electric motor and front-wheel drive. Drivers can expect a combined 53 mpg.
The plug-in model will also sport a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, but with an 11.1-kWh battery pack and a more robust electric motor. Buyers will get about 33 miles per charge, and can fully recharge the battery in less than three hours with a Level 2 charger. 
Consumer Reports also notes that “in addition to Sport and Eco drive modes, both Niro hybrids will have a new Green Zone Drive Mode that automatically switches the powertrain into EV drive mode when going through residential areas, and near schools and hospitals.”
MORE: Why Are Electric Cars Getting More Expensive if Batteries Are Getting Cheaper?
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A snazzy interior for the 2023 Kia Niro EV 

The redesigned 2023 Kia Niro EV features two-tone body panels and creative lighting elements. The cabin is spacious, with bold styling and heavy use of eco-friendly materials. The auto is composed of animal-free textiles and elements of eucalyptus leaves were even used to make the seats.
An improvement from its last-generation models, the interior has increased in length, width and height. You’ll also find plenty of angled surfaces on top of the dash and in the door panels. The center console features a rotary shifter for park, drive, reverse, and neutral, as well as a steering wheel with a two-spoke design. 
Kia’s use of space is well thought out, with lots of small-item storage spaces and practical cubbies in the center console. The Niro EV’s infotainment system features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Drivers can opt for a Harman/Kardon stereo and wireless charging for an extra fee. 
Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 allows users to access vehicle functions remotely using their smartphones.

Safety features and price point

Driver-assist features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection will now be standard, while adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving remains optional. 
According to
Car and Driver
, “The system uses information from the Niro's navigation system as well as onboard sensors to provide an additional layer of capability to the adaptive cruise control.” Specific trim levels and pricing have yet to be announced for the 2023 Niro EV.
It’s likely that there’ll be an EX or EX Premium trim level like the previous generation. Since those models started pricing in the low 40s, the Niro EV is predicted to be priced as a value leader and a terrific bargain. Consumer Reports estimates the new vehicle to cost anywhere between $25,000-$45,000.
The 2023 Kia Niro EV is slated to hit the market in the summer of 2022.
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