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.

The 2022 Kia Niro EV receives new logo design and upgraded infotainment in the US

The 2022 Kia Niro EV in US specification. Image: Kia North America

Kia’s Niro EV receives some small changes for the 2022 model year; likely its last in this guise before the model range heads off into the sunset. As Kia prepares to launch a range of electric vehicles based on the E-GMP modular platform, we can expect to see the EV6 come to market first in 2022, followed by a next generation Niro replacement sometime in 2023.

Kia’s new branding will appear on the front grille, tailgate and steering wheel hub, differentiating it from the most recent Australian Niro EV which we reviewed here.

Over to the interior, and customers will be pleased to find an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen is standard. Navigation3, UVO link and Sirius XM4 satellite radio along with the premium Harmon/Kardon5 sound system are included, as are wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

The 10.25 inch touchscreen on a right hand drive Australian model. Image: EV Brief

Trim Levels/Pricing – MSRP (excludes $1,175 destination)

• EX: $39,990

• EX Premium: $44,650

Powertrain: 

• 64 kWh battery and 201-horsepower electric motor

Range1: 

• EPA-estimated All Electric Range: 239 miles

Fuel Economy. MPGe: (city/highway/combined):

• MPGe: 105 (Combined)

Kia’s new logo sits prominently on the rear tailgate of the Niro EV.

DriveWise Features:

• Forward Collision Warning

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Forward Collision-Avoidance-Assist (FCA-Ped & Cycle) with camera and radar (car, pedestrian and cyclist detection)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Blindspot Collision Warning (BCW) with Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Lane Following Assist (LFA)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC w/S&G)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control - Curve with Stop and Go (NSCC-C)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• High Beam Assist (HBA)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Lead Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)

  • Std: EX, EX Premium

• Parking Distance Warning – Reverse

  • Std: EX Premium

Dimensions: 

• Overall Length: 172.2 in., overall Width: 71.1 in., Overall Height: 61.8 in. (with standard roof rails), Wheelbase: 106.3 in., Cargo Capacity: 18.5 cu.-ft. (rear seats upright, with luggage under tray), 53.0 cu.-ft. (rear seats folded, with luggage under tray), 99.6 cu.-ft. (passenger volume), Curb Weight, min: 3,854 lbs. (no options)

Kia’s 2022 Niro EV in White.