The 2024 Kia Niro EV Excels at Everyday Electric Efficiency

 

We have been incredibly impressed with how well drivers are taking to the EV6 here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as review staff and experts alike have claimed it is one of the best values on the market today. It has been just a little under two years since the latest-generation Niro was introduced in combustion, hybrid, and all-electric variants, with the newer model appearing on the scene with the traits everyone loves from the EV6 laced with a more traditional and compact SUV.

The Carscoops.com review team was excited to try the Niro out for an entire week and concluded that it’s a very well-put-together EV with its own sense of distinct charm and candor. Their test model was the EV GT-Line, which derives power from an electric motor cranking out 201 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels. You’ll zip rapidly up to 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds, and enjoy an interior that is like the EV6’s. One of the telltale and most distinctive features is the two-spoke steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters, on board to control the regenerative braking system. 

Lovers of tech will appreciate the pair of 10.25-inch screens, offering an easy means of operation and a simple platform. There’s a small bar below the screen that hosts the controls for the climate system and multimedia functions, which is a much better layout than the now quite common stuffing of all the controls into the central information display. These particular auto aficionados were very fond of the rotary shifter that crossed over from the EV6 and also felt that the front row had an abundance of useful space. 

USB-C ports are located on the rear of the front seats, along with a 2.6 kW power socket directly under the rear seats that usefully supports all vehicle-to-load duties. Any daily drive or falling leaves-inspired holiday excursion will fare as “good to go” with alloy sport pedals, customizable ambient lighting, an 8-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, and a 10-inch head-up display. The Carscoops team was very satisfied with how efficient the Niro was on their first 36-mile drive, and over the week proved to average 13.5 kWh/100 km on a mix of suburban highways and roads. 

This solidified the range claim that the car can travel 286 miles on the WLTP cycle, which is improved even further with the brake regen situated in the highest setting. This is the type of vehicle that is very easy to get accustomed to, regardless of if you have experience with EVs or not, and consistently acts as light on its feet. Even though the Niro weighs in at 3,807 lbs, every turn and off-the-line acceleration is spry, calculated, and nimble. The brake regeneration performs at just as top rate a quality in the Niro EV as it does in the EV6, and it is tough to discern just when the regen transitions to mechanical braking.

You’ll notice a very pleasant, hushed character when cruising at highway speeds, also blocking out pesky wind and tire noise. The Edmunds.com review team loved the Niro’s penchant for “granting you some of the space you want out of an SUV that comes nicely wrapped up in a smaller footprint.” This is an excellent option for anyone searching for a great-looking vehicle that can still effectively nail down an EPA-estimated 49 mpg, while getting you around with a sense of efficiency. One delighted reviewer hailing from the St Louis metro claimed that her high marks for her recent purchase went to the amazingly comfortable seats, which made her life easier by remembering her favorite and most ergonomically sound settings.

Kia Excels in 2023 World Car Awards, 3 Models Secure Finalist Status

While the beginning of the year is a bit slow in some industries, we couldn’t be busier this February at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis! Three Kia models have already been named as finalists across three categories during this year’s 2023 World Car Awards.

The Kia Niro is the first among the finalists for 2023 World Car of the Year, and its electrified sidekick, the Niro EV, is also a finalist for the 2023 World Electric Vehicle category. With a uniquely aggressive personality and 567 horsepower under its belt, the EV6 GT also made an excellent impression as a finalist in the 2023 World Performance Car category. 

Now celebrating its 19th year, the World Car Awards is an annual event that reports on the findings of 100 international jurors from 32 nations as they test-drive numerous models to find the best of the best. 

The 2023 Kia Niro is a fantastic all-around option for anyone in need of a compact daily driver that displays class-leading efficiency. It is well-known for adequately splitting the difference between SUV and hatchback, and is offered as a traditional hybrid, plug-in, and all-electric model. Each version boasts a brand-new design for 2023, and now sees a larger assortment of tech features, improved interior, and futuristic looks. Also notable is the Sport drive mode, improving accelerator response and adding a heavier element for steering. 

The 2023 Niro EV was undoubtedly a star of the show due to its radical design transformation for 2023. It still drives just like the model it replaced, but now has a very futuristic visual stance. Smartly blurring the lines between an SUV and a wagon, the Niro offers up an elevated steering position while the low stance efficiently minimizes body roll. Inside, the cabin features two 10.3-inch screens that come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The entry-level Wind trim comes still fairly loaded with navigation, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 is capable of more than 300 miles of driving range while still dishing out very brisk acceleration and handling. Scoring high points from the Autoblog crew for being “practical as well as cool”, along with praise for the 60/40 split screen functionality that allows you to see both audio and navigation. Each EV6 model comes standard with a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a maximum charging output of 240 kW, and it has been recognized for its characteristic torque, low center of gravity, one-pedal driving capability, and well-weighted steering. 

Kia Niro Displays Satisfaction-Gleaning Domination in J.D. Power Electric Vehicle Ownership Study for 2nd Year Running

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis as the spring approaches and all our customers are ready for news regarding new models, the oncoming changes regarding innovations in electrification have provided even more exciting things to report on for the season! Our Kia Niro EV has now taken top honors in the J.D. Power 2022 Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study mass-market category for the second year in a row. J.D. Power surveyed more than 8,000 electric vehicle owners on critical factors that include battery range, cost-of-ownership, service experience, styling and driving enjoyment to gauge satisfaction.

We have always prided ourselves on offering a diverse line of vehicles with convenient services that always provided an A+ ownership experience. We have now enjoyed consecutive wins in the EVX Ownership Study that reinforces our leadership as we now prepare to introduce additional electric passenger vehicles, MPVs, and SUVs across several areas by 2027. The highly-publicized “Plan S” strategy promises to deliver 14 new EVs globally across multiple categories by 2027. The Niro EV will now open many various possibilities for drivers who already love our assortment of popular crossovers, but are also seeking the benefits of electric energy.

Now that the Niro has dominated for two years in a row for highest ownership satisfaction, the stage is set to fully exceed EV owner expectations, and we now know that we will consistently and confidently claim to give EV owners the best experience in current existence. Boasting a look that is so much better than more bland EV box shapes, a strong roster of standard equipment, and an all-electric range of around 239 miles, it also added a 10.3-inch touchscreen to replace the previous 8.0-inch base unit.

Also now coming with built-in navigation, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio, the onboard electric motor produces 201 horsepower, which is sent through the front wheels by a one-speed direct-drive transmission. The Niro EV gets to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and can be driven with just one pedal thanks to regenerative braking. There are four different levels of regeneration that can be toggled between using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. 

The 240-volt connection is said to fully charge the battery in about 9 hours, and the standard DC fast-charge capability can provide an 80 percent charge in just one hour with a 100-kW connection. Upgrading to the EX Premium trim adds on features such as ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and wireless charging. The Car and Driver staff were able to fit 18 carry-ons behind the front seats, and enjoyed the massive selling point of the 10-year/100,000 – mile powertrain warranty.

Green Car Reports Deems Kia Niro EV Best Car to Buy 2020 Nominee

In some ways, the switch to full-on electric-vehicle presence has not taken place the way it was predicted to a few years back... with mass-market models nailing down incredibly-long range batteries or being able to boast the sheer affordability needed to be always sustainable. While the focus on quality will get better and better for the everyday consumer, there is already one shining star out there in the form of our Kia Niro, which was one of three vehicles to qualify as a nominee to be Green Car Reports' Best Car to Buy 2020.

The folks on staff at Green Car Reports claimed after a few drives that the Niro EV piles the features on: a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included, as well as a power sunroof, heated and ventilated leather front seats, Harman Kardon Premium audio, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and automatic emergency braking. Underneath the passenger floor is where the 64 – kwh battery pack is positioned, making for added capacity under the rear seat, and the entire battery is sealed and liquid-cooled together alongside the power electronics.

The motor that sends power to the front wheels in the Niro EV is permanent-magneted, cranking out 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. The testing team for Green Car Reports enjoyed the simply-laid out interface for the predictable regenerative braking and the range meter that proved to be extremely reliable. The brake regen comes in three steps and an added coast mode, and holding the left paddle during deceleration allows for an eventual complete stop without any touching of the brake. There's even an “Auto” regen mode that puts radar and camera inputs to the task of conserving and recreating energy.

What everyone understandably is most concerned within the long run is how fast charging is, and what it means is they are relying on the car for their very necessary daily driver. Incorporating 100 kw, fast-charging on CCS DC fast charging hardware can yield 100 miles of charge in 30 minutes or finish at 80 percent in around an hour. On a 50 kw charger it just takes 15 minutes more, and if you're on Level 2 standard 240V charging, you can do an overnight stint of just less than 9.5 hours. This writeup also states that among the three finalists for the year, the 2020 Kia Niro EV is the only one that has the capability to find a place in the mass market, and all of us on staff here to serve you for the holidays at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis would have to wholeheartedly agree!

Forbes Magazine Claims Kia Niro EV “A Win For Electric Mainstream”

Dale Buss of Forbes Magazine is correct in saying that the push towards electrification in the auto realm is more firm now than ever before. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and other dealers nationwide have stepped up and banded together to provide the best warranty coverage and customer service of any brand out there. Now we have managed to produce an all-electric model that the American mainstream can feel very comfortable in, and Forbes featured it this past week as an example of the very exciting future to come.

The platform is a cross between a large sedan and an SUV, dashed with a bit of hatchback flavor. It is loaded up well with features that give it a very high score when it comes to value, and it now really becomes the solid anchor for the line that one just provided a PHEV and hybrid. When a Niro gives you the range you've got left for a drive, we claim to be the most accurate on the market, and we will not keep the driver guessing as to how much remains.

Another much-appreciated element is the placement of the plug for the electric cord in the front fascia, as many EVs and PHEVS do. The difference with just those few feet can ease many frustrations when it comes to charging in a typical suburban garage. The Forbes crew also took note that many Kia models rank heartily at the very top of the yearly J.D. Powers and Associates rankings.

The Niro that Dale took for a drive was the EX Premium, which cranks out 201 horsepower, provides quick-charging capability for its front port of you've got a fast charger, boasts 17-inch allow wheels in the EX Premium trim version, and puts down EPA-rated fuel economy of 122 MPG in the city and 102 MPGe on the highway. He categorized the overall driving of the Niro as pleasantly sharp, and that luxury levels are quite high for a daily driver.

Where the Niro shined above and beyond for this group was the cockpit technology. UVO systems are a consumer's widely-chosen favorite and Apple CarPlay and Android come standard. One thing that we think you're going to love about the Niro most is that you can take the presence of cars like the early Prius and throw them out the window at high speed: it doesn't LOOK like an electric car. This is the type of vehicle that will ease the public's fear of the unknown and help provide a valuable stepping stone into what will be commonplace within 4 years: all-electric and Eco-conscious fleets!

2019 Kia Niro EV Deemed By Oakland Press as “Quick, Powerful, and Enjoyable”

A feature in the Oakland Press last week began with the claim that “electric vehicles will eventually be coming to a mass audience, it's just a matter of how fast they get there”. In this seemingly preliminary stage of the game, the automakers are now making their claim on this ripe territory, and Kia has jumped head-in to the line of competition with the 2019 Kia Niro EV, a fully-electric version of the Niro crossover, still offered as a hybrid. This particular news story set out to see just how the Niro EV holds up in the EV battlefield, and its 239-mile range, high-tech features, and roomy interior are all great attributes in its favor. 

Even in the rear seats, the Niro EV beat out the competition such as the Hyundai Kona EV as far as roominess, and five people can be seated comfortably. You'll enjoy 18.5 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, 53 cubic feet after rear seats are folded down. Due to the nature of the Niro's overall crossover styling, taller passengers will still be able to be comfortable, and the infotainment system is simple and straightforward to use. Ask us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis how upgrading to the Premium trim level adds interior lighting, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, an upgraded sound system and leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, and 8-inch infotainment screen with navigation as well. 

The range of the car is one of the most important factors for anyone looking into electric: knowing how much distance you have before needing to recharge is important for the ability to plan your routine. When fully charged, the maximum mileage of the 2019 Kia Niro EV is 239 miles, which is 13 more than the close rival in the form of the Nissan Leaf. We are fully aware that one of the things that will have to happen for a broader acceptance is the creation of infrastructure that allows for charging stations in place around the country, as this is what makes the road trip more feasible. 

If you're at home and deriving juice from a 220-volt wall socket, the Niro's onboard charger can fill up the battery in about 9.5 hours, a sensible number when it comes to getting the job done while you sleep at night. You can also easily adjust the level of the Niro EV's regenerative braking, which sends some of the braking energy to aid in the recharging of the battery during the drive. The Launch package features auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink buttons, LED headlights, heated steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors, and Niro vehicles sold in colder climate areas come with a heat pump and battery heater to help with weathering the elements! 

Motortrend Doles Out Praise to the Kia Niro EV For “Making It Easier Than Ever to go Electric”

As we have listened to many customers' needs here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we can heartily agree that for a significant portion of Americans, an electric car has just not made that much sense. An in-depth feature from the experts at Motor Trend this week states off the bat that “they don't want to hear your excuses about range, performance, or charging infrastructure”. Their particularly high grade of praise for the 2019 Kia Niro begins with the important sentient that the Niro is shockingly fun to drive, with absolutely no pun intend

Seasoned car writer Christian Seabough claimed that as he often nailed down the throttle, the Niro which is good for 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque really hunkers down on its rear haunches and launches forward instantly. Unlike a hybrid that has the power derivative backed by a CVT, the power in an electric car such as the Niro is readily available at every second. The very latest batch of EVs are capable of going farther on a full battery than ever before, and the Kia just happens to be the best in class boasting a range of 239 miles.

If you are a buyer without a charger at home, this range can allow many daily commuters to go through a week without charging, which has drastically changed the face and future of electric vehicles for good. Google Maps has recently added a feature that lets you search for EV charging stations nearby, and will tell you how many spots are up for grabs. Electrify America is a subsidiary of Volkswagen that is now constructing a level 2 and level 3 fast charger network across the nation, and they are slated to be compatible with ChargePoint.

As driving range has grown exponentially, so has charging speed. On a level 3 charger, a full charge from empty on the Niro EV takes just a bit more than an hour, and use of a Level 2 takes around 9.5 hours. When you visit us for a test drive ask us which trim level we think will best fit your needs: EX and EX Premium offer different features for different lifestyles. Standard content includes passive entry with push-button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, automatic climate control, and driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering assist, and a blind-spot warning.

The Premium trim adds LED head – and taillights, a sunroof, leather front seats that are heated and ventilated, an 8.0-inch center touchscreen, and Harman/Kardon stereo. Doing away with stopping at the pump will make many cheerfully embrace the automotive assets of the future, and realize that the benefits of tomorrow already exist today!

Yahoo Praises Kia Niro EV For Being “A Solid EV for the Crossover Generation”

Very soon, electric fleets will characterize nearly every auto brand in existence. Amazing as it is, we even are seeing advancements such as an electrically-powered eCopo Camaro, boasting horsepower in the 700-range, and dominating the drag strip while running silent. Yahoo featured a great video story this week about our Niro EV, and addressed its history and finer points. It lays out a bit of history, and shows how Tesla's first big seller in the electric domain was the model S, while Chevy focused on their electric Bolt.

Since the sedan market is not doing so great right now, the next generation of electric cars will absolutely have a high focus on crossover SUV's, one area where Kia is proudly poised and ready. Editor Roberto Baldwin laments on camera that the first time he drove the Niro last year, he was impressed with the zero-to-sixty time right off the bat. While he thought the Niro was a “fantastic crossover”, he also deemed the Niro EV “undoubtedly even better”. The EV is quicker off the line than its hybrid sibling, and brandishes an impressive 239-mile range per charge, putting to rest any anxiety a daily commuter would have about running out of juice.

Roberto also highlights how the regenerative braking can be used during the drive to actually send more current back to the battery itself, helping overall range. The video does a great job of showing the legroom you'll enjoy during a test drive here at Jim Butler, and the 53 cubic feet of storage in the back for any goods you need on the trip. The battery pack actually lowers the Niro's center of gravity, allowing for a pleasant tight and grippy feel while taking corners. Urban driving is where the Niro EV thrives, as it's a snap to parallel park, and has plenty of power off the line to lead the pack effortlessly after a stop light.

Even though it is stressed here that the Niro EV may not necessarily be groundbreaking in it's design, we agree that it does a phenomenal job of simply “not looking the electric part”. Many of our customers that come to us interested in a hybrid or EV say that this is what they want to see more of, and where we feel it really stands out ahead of the Chevy Volt. It blends into everyday culture easily, and is not a loud, barking advertisement of your choice to embrace electric. The interior of the Niro is fairly no-nonsense, and everything is where you'd expect it to be while being easy to reach from the driver's seat. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist are standard, and we guarantee that you'll feel great about cutting out trips to the gas station while increasing the lifespan “in the positive” for the planet!

Popular Mechanics Bestows “Car of the Year” Award to Kia Niro EV

Since its debut last year, the Kia Niro EV has gained nothing but praise and high marks for possessing unique style, minus the stiffiness and boxy pretexts that the competition displays. It is a vehicle that has proven to be cost-efficient while also thoroughly environmentally conscious, providing ample cargo space and convenient features for trips in the few-hundred -mile range. This year Popular Mechanics named the Niro EV as their “Car of the Year”, beating out other electric competitors from prominent brands such as Toyota and Tesla.

Editor Ezra Dyer claimed that “We picked the Niro EV for Car of the year because it's an electric car that would be appealing even if it weren't electric”. But all of us here on staff at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis know that it still delivers the usual EV benefits without much in the way of feeling anything is sacrificed. It is highly affordable, smooth, fast, and quiet. She went on to state that the car really does feel like a preview of the very near future, when cars such as this become the daily norm. But for right now, it's the fun-to-drive and feature-rich exception.

One of the features that we are noticing making customers so drawn to the Niro is that it never “crossed over to the other side” and conformed to the very boxy shape of the Toyota Prius or the Nissan Leaf. Even though the future had arrived quite quickly in the form of vehicles with decent range and high daily drivability factor, many who were wanting to purchase a sensible and eco-friendly car were just slightly pickier about its appearance. The Niro EV can still pack a reasonable punch when it comes to the rapid journey off the line, providing up to 201 horsepower by means of the electric motor.

The Niro EV was also commended for having a very quiet cabin, in spite of the various motors and other mechanisms situated under the hood. Featuring available paddle shifters and Sport mode, one could now have a bit of an aggressive driving stance and enjoy true pep in a car that is a front-line contender in the quest to ramp down dependence on oil. The driving assessment for the feature was a 345-mile journey from Washington, D.C. To North Carolina, and afterward editor Dyer simply claimed, “That was so easy”. This article from Car and Driver proclaimed that “big range, practicality, and sophistication” makes the Niro EV an amazing engineering effort, and we're sure you will agree after taking a spin in this world-class and planet-saving ride!