2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV – Specs, Performance, Comparisons & Price

2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV – Specs, Performance, Comparisons & Price

Kia Niro Electric SUV is one of the best and most electrifying compact crossovers that is made available from the manufacturing company. The first Niro was introduced way back in 2017. Interestingly, the model was introduced as a hybrid, PHEV, or fully-electric model to the customers.

The most interesting part is that ever since the introduction of Kiro it has been gaining attraction. In fact, it is Kia’s one of the most practical EVs ever manufactured in their EV lineup. Now, for the 2022 model year, the Niro will not face any major changes. It will feature the same unique interior cabin along with interesting features.

The 2022 version of Kia Niro Electric SUV will be made available in five different trim levels and they are LX, LXS, LXS Special Edition, Touring Special Edition, and EX Premium. Some sources do not consider the special edition as a part of trim level but, we do it here.

2022 Kia Niro EV SUV

The 2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV will face stiff competition from other segments like the 2022 Mazda MX-30 Premium Plus, 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2022 Volkswagen ID. 4 Pro, and many more.

Engine and Performance of 2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV

The 2022 Kia Niro will be powered with the same permanent magnet AC synchronous motor. The electric engine of the model is capable of delivering out 201 horsepower along with 291 lb-ft of torque.

That huge power outcome is sent equally through the front wheels of the Niro only. The single-speed automatic transmission works very smoothly and has a quick throttle response. Other than that, the powerful electric engine of the Niro helps the car reach from 0-60 MPH in just 6.2 seconds. We are quite sure that it will cover its quarter-mile run in under 15 seconds and with the top speed of 104 miles per hour.

2022 Niro EV
2022 Niro EV

The steering of the model is light and gives a good turning radius. The body control of the Niro feels good and it is one of those SUVs that do not feel planted at high speeds. Additionally, there are very few SUVs in the market that covers 0-60 MPH mark in 6.2 seconds. Now, let us check out the performance of Kia Niro’s other rivals in the market.

Models 2022 Kia Niro EV SUV 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric 2022 Mazda MX-30 Premium Plus
Price Tag $39,800 $35,300 $37,700
Engine Electric Electric Electric
Transmission Single-Speed auto Single-Speed Auto Single-Speed auto
Drivetrain FWD FWD FWD
Power 201 hp 201 hp 143 hp
Torque 291 lb-ft 291 lb-ft 200 lb-ft
0-60 MPH (sec) 6.2 6.4 9.7
Quarter-Mile (sec) NA NA NA
Top Speed (MPH) 104 104 86

The Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona seem to be going together quite well. The power and torque outcomes for both cars are the same but not when it comes to acceleration. Overall, the winner in the segment is the Kia Niro with a good amount of power and torque outcome, and acceleration speed. The second position is taken by its twin rival and that is the Hyundai Kona. Unfortunately, Mazda with that kind of price tag did not do as per the expectations.

Interior of 2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV

Critics have rated the interior of Kia Niro 8 out of 10. The manufacturing company did a great job with the interior of Niro. The interior built quality is good along with the best materials and touches. You might find some cheap spots inside but they are taken care of beautifully.

2022 Kia Niro EV Interior

Moving inside the front cabin of the Niro one would be welcomed with its long list of technical features. The interior layout of the model has been kept simple yet unique. The upper trim level of the Kia Niro has been fitted with a premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The cabin room inside the Niro is quite decent in the segment. It comes with an ample amount of passenger head, shoulder, and legroom. The front cabin features a long list of comforts and benefits such as an optimal seating position, seat massage, seat warmers, and many more.

Moving to the back cabin of Kia Niro, it features the same unique materials and touches. The individuals get enough head and shoulder room but, not enough legroom. Cloth seating upholstery is standard in the lower two trims but, the upper trim features leather upholstery.

Models 2022 Kia Niro EV SUV 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric 2022 Mazda MX-30 Premium Plus
Seating Capacity 5 5 5
Front Row (head/shoulder/legroom (in.) 40.1/56.0/41.8 39.6/55.5/41.5 38.5/55.6/41.6
Second Row (head/shoulder/legroom) (in.) 37.7/55.2/36.0 37.7/54.5/33.5 37.0/52.7/30.1

It seems like the 2022 Kia Niro EV is more spacious than any other rivals in the segment. The front cabin headroom of the Mazda MX-30 seems to be the lowest in the segment. Additionally, the Mazda MX-30 does not provide good passenger space for the rear cabin as well. The Kia Niro offers an ample amount of rear passenger space we are quite sure that the passengers won’t feel suffocated back there.

2022 Kia Niro EV Exterior

Infotainment and other Features of 2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV

For the 2022 model year, even the base trim level has been fitted with a huge infotainment screen. The base trim level of the Kia Niro has been equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment display. The overall infotainment system of the Niro looks premium and comes with updated software.

Other features present inside the Kia Niro are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Navigation System, AM/FM HD Radio, Satellite Radio, Voice Recognition, SiriusXM, AUX-USB Inputs, and many more. Interestingly, the upper trim levels of the Kia Niro boast an upgraded wireless phone charger along with a premium sound system.

2022 Kia Niro EV Features

Other than the infotainment system there are amazing features present inside the Kia Niro. Some of the features are as follows:-

  • Keyless Entry
  • Drive Mode Select System
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • tilt-and-telescoping steering
  • Hill-start Assist
  • Push-Start Button
  • Panoramic Sun/Moon Roof
  • Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control

Price of 2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV

The Kia Niro is offered in various versions such as Hybrid SUV, Plug-in Hybrid, SUV, and EV Electric SUV. The starting price of the 2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV is $39,990. The highest trim level of the Kia Niro Electric SUV could be priced at $44,700. So, opting for the Kia Niro would not be a bad choice for the EV car lovers out there. Other than that, the upcoming version is going to be much sleeker than any of its predecessors.

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