When it comes to electric cars
, the Kia Niro has always impressed. Even now, it's become a prime contender for the Tesla Model 3
. But, how does it compare to the Hyundai Kona, which is the Niro's cousin? Jerry
takes a look at both models to see which is better. The Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona EV when it comes to performance
Both electric models run on 150 kW motors, and each one generates a total of 201 hp. The Niro's estimated range is 239 miles on a single charge, while the Kona offers a 258-mile journey on a fully charged battery and has approximately 6 highway mpge more (108) than the Niro.
Each EV has a 64 kWh battery, which takes around nine hours and thirty minutes for regular charging. If you use a fast-charging system of 100 kWh, you can get a fully charged battery in the Kona in 47 minutes versus an hour in the Niro.
According to Kia's
website, the Niro offers a heat pump to help with charging times for cold weather climates. It can also help extend the battery range since cold temps tend to decrease how far you can go on a single charge. The Kona has the same with their convenience package on the base model. Otherwise, it's standard on the highest trim. If you're looking for an all-wheel drivetrain, the Niro doesn't have it and neither does the Kona.
Which one offers the best features?
Regardless of size, one of the most valuable features of an SUV is its cargo space. The Niro offers 18.5 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 53 cubic feet with them folded down. Legroom isn't bad either, with 41.7 in the front and 36.0 in the rear.
Hyundai's Kona has 19.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the last row down. When it comes to legroom, you'll find 41.5 in the front and 33.4 in the backseat.
As for safety features, the Niro offers many standard ones. You'll get blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, and highway driving assist, to name just a few.
According to Hyundai's
website, the Kona has many of the same features offered as standard equipment on its models, including regenerative braking. The Kia Niro EV vs Hyundai Kona EV: Which one wins?
The two SUVs are very similar to each other as far as what each one offers, but there are a few differences. One is the starting price. The Niro's base starts at $39,990 and $44,650 for the Premium version.
The Kona starts at $34,000 for the SEL (base) and $42,500 for the Limited model. It's evident that the Kona is cheaper, but the Niro offers a bit more cargo space with the last row of seats folded down; plus, it offers a 10.25-inch screen for both of its trims.
Hyundai's Kona has a 10.25-inch display as well, but it's standard on the highest trim, while the base gets an 8-inch one. Figuring out a winner is tough when you pit the Kia Niro EV vs. the Hyundai Kona EV. It would depend on what you value more in your purchase.
If the price makes or breaks your decision, or if you want the highest range possible on your battery, the Kona is the sure winner here. However, the Niro beats out the Kona with bigger legroom and cargo space (with back seats down).
Other Niro owners had plenty of good things to say about how it drove, its comfortable seating and its cabin space. The downsides they reported were the poor organization of the apps on the screen and the higher price, according to Edmunds
. Kona owners loved their model as well. They loved how well it drove and its driver's assistance features. The downsides reported were about the cargo space and exterior paint chipping easily.
Insuring your Kona or Niro
No matter which one you end up choosing, you'll have to find affordable insurance to protect it, but it will be tough since it costs more to insure an electric vehicle
than a gas one. How much more will vary with each person and the EV they drive. It's not impossible to do, however, if you sign up with Jerry
. We can search through many agents and find the perfect offer that meets your needs. On average, Jerry drivers save $887 a year on their insurance, so sign up and save today. 
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