Kia Niro EV set for sale in 50 US states from fall 2023, offering a 253 mile (407km) range
Kia’s Niro EV adds more interior space, more tech for 2023. Images: Kia
64.8 kWh battery mated to a 150 kW (201hp) front-mounted motor
85 kW DC fast charging, replenishing the battery in 45 minutes (10-80%)
Targeted range of 407 km or 253 miles (EPA range still to be confirmed)
Heat pump and battery warmer optional in North American markets
On sale in all 50 states from Q3 2022
Fully electric Niro qualifies for USD $7,500 federal tax credit
Kia’s newest Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) — the Niro EV — will go on sale in all US states in the second half of 2022 as a 2023 model. Available as hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (BEV) variants, we are obviously going to focus on the latter.
Exterior design of the 2023 Kia Niro EV
We’re fans of the current Niro EV (read our full review here), but that vehicle came to the EV party late in Australia, and never had the chance to properly compete with established models. Set for a US launch in fall this year — and in Australia shortly after — this new model adopts the Korean brand’s ‘tiger nose’ design philosophy with ‘heartbeat’ daytime running lights, and an interior that is quite similar to the new EV6 and Sportage.
Kia’s “Opposites United” design language is certainly bold, and while not immediately attractive, is purposeful and arresting. Prominent lighting elements, curved, aerodynamic panels mixed with harsh angles, and contrasting colour schemes ensures this Kia stands out. There’s a unique “sideblade”, reminiscent of Audi’s original R8 coupe from 2006.
A modest size increase should make for a roomier cabin, with the Niro EV stretching its wheelbase in extra 2cm (0.8 inch), to 2,720mm (107.1 inches)
2023 Kia Niro EV image gallery
Kia Niro EV interior design
On the inside, there’s a dual 10.25-inch screen setup like the EV6, sans the curved panel. Cabin plastics and general material quality appears to be elevated over the current car, and Kia’s multi-purpose control panel for climate control and multimedia appears to have made it over from the EV6/Sportage. The central drive controller returns as a rotary dial, which Kia’s infotainment system appears unchanged from current-gen models.
Kia spruiks sustainability as a core feature of the interior, and there are animal-free textiles, recycled wallpaper used in the headliner (presumably recycled PET plastics) and bio-polyurethane in the seats.
Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Pedestrian detection capability: Warns if there is risk of a collision with a pedestrian in front of the vehicle while driving and may automatically assist with braking
Kia is making a big deal about its advanced safety systems, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the 2023 Niro EV features the follow as standard:
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps detect lane markings and provides steering inputs to help prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane while driving
Lane Following Assist (LFA): Helps detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and provides steering inputs to help center the vehicle in the lane
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)7: Analyzes the driver attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. It may also provide a leading vehicle departure alert if the leading vehicle departs from a stop and the driver does not react within a certain time period
Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) with Parallel Exit: May help avoid collisions with rear-side vehicles when exiting a parallel parking spot by automatically assisting with braking
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA): Helps detect approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and may apply brakes
Safe Exit Warning (SEW)8: Provides a warning when a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side while someone is exiting the vehicle
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)9: Provides a warning to the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle
Optional features for US market Kia Niro EVs
Buyers can option an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, memory functions for the front seats, a Head-Up Display (HUD) to projects directions, active safety warnings, vehicle speed, and current infotainment, and a wireless phone charger.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ambient mood lighting, active sound design allowing the driver to select from digital motor sounds, LED lighting, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.
Vehicle to load (V2L) functionality is available on the Niro EV for the first time.
Charging the 2023 Kia Niro EV
Speaking of power, the 2023 Kia Niro EV retains a battery that is essentially the same capacity as in the outgoing model, with a 64.8 kWh gross capacity. There’s a somewhat disappointing maximum charging speed of 85 kW via a DC fast charger, topping up the Niro EV from 10-80% in around 43 mins. It would take 7 hours to perform this on an 11kW AC home charger. Prospective buyers hoping for some EV6 technology to trickle down to the Niro EV will be disappointed; as it isn’t based on the E-GMP platform architecture, the Niro EV misses out on 800V charging at 220+kW.
While pricing hasn’t been announced, expect it to remain close — if not slightly more than — the current car’s USD $39,990 price tag.