Electric vehicles are starting to take an important place in the automobile market, and the statistics prove it. A recent survey carried out by AutoHebdo explains that 46% of Quebecers would consider making the leap to electric. Manufacturers have understood this new popular niche and have launched a considerable number of models on the market. Come on is definitely one of the manufacturers who have the wind in their sails when it comes to electrification, and one of its flagship products is the Niro. Offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric variants, the small subcompact SUV has several relevant arguments. I was also able to put the purely electric version to the test and, after a week, I realized that the Niro EV was very competent, but could be even more competent if the price was lower!
Roll your bump
First launched in Canada in 2017, the Kia Niro was the first vehicle to offer an exclusively hybrid or electric range for Kia. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric variants were therefore offered, which allowed the Niro to experience rather interesting success on the market. This multiplication of variants, however, allowed the Niro to compete with several of its competitors, such as the Toyota Prius V in the hybrid and against the Chevrolet Bolt in the electric.
Faced with refreshed competition like the Hyundai Kona EV and the Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV, Kia unveiled an improved version of the Niro in 2023. Built on the same foundation as its predecessor, this new model has been updated to offer more technology and performance. Since that time, however, the category has changed. The Hyundai Kona Electric has been completely revamped and other players have arrived, like the very popular Chevrolet Equinox EV. The pressure is therefore very strong on the Niro EV.
New style
This 2e generation showed up with a much more assertive style, and it was successful. I always found that the first generation lacked punch, that the Niro went unnoticed. We can say that this is a thing of the past with the model that I tested.
Even in gray, I found that the Niro EV 2024 had a different appearance. Its plunging hood and headlights integrated into the front bumper give it a more luxurious style. At the rear, the long lights that flow down the side of the vehicle once again increase the prestigious identity of the model, and it is successful.
In an era where automobile designs are sometimes too extravagant for my taste, I find that the Niro EV arrives with a frankly balanced recipe. My test variant was the Wave, the most opulent of the lot. However, it shares several similarities with the mid-range Wind+ edition. Both get roof rails and a power tailgate, but the Wave variant changes the matte black plastics to gloss black, adds LED fog lights and a rather attractive black/chrome grille.
In any case, whether you choose the entry-level Wind or the other two, you will be entitled to the same 17-inch rims. The assembly quality is good, and I found that the Niro EV had an identity style.
Standard interior
The 2024 Kia Niro EV is well put together inside too. The materials chosen are in good taste, although plastic dominates. There is also a large quantity of glossy black plastic in the center of the console and I will not hide from you that I like the style that it adds, but not the fragility of the material. There were several scratches in the test vehicle I had for testing. It doesn’t matter who owns it, after a while the result will be the same.
As standard, the vehicle arrives with digital instrumentation with a 10.25-inch display and an infotainment screen of the same size. The definition is good, but I find that the appearance of the menus is more or less successful, and that the navigation is not intuitive. In my opinion, Hyundai managed to do better in this regard with the Kona Electric, the cosmic twin of the Niro EV.
Onboard space is reasonable, but once again, the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric does better than the Niro. Indeed, the Niro promises 646 liters of space in the trunk, compared to the 723 liters of the Kona electric. In both cases, space is limited for rear occupants, but the Niro EV offers slightly more headroom for front occupants (+13 millimeters), but less for those in the rear. rear (-5 millimeters).
I found the cabin easy to use, however. Nothing is complicated, and I liked the climate controls that can turn into an audio control with the click of a button. Speaking of the stereo, my tester was equipped with an 8-speaker Harman Kardon system which didn’t impress.
A single powertrain
All Kia Niro EVs use a 64.8 kWh battery. The latter promises 407 kilometers of autonomy according to official figures from Natural Resources Canada.
Speaking of numbers, the vehicle promises 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque thanks to a 150 kW electric motor placed at the front. It is not possible to opt for a full version of the Niro, because it is exclusively offered with a traction drivetrain. I understand that some people like all-wheel drive, and Kia could have offered this option for the Niro EV, but I don’t think it’s essential for all drivers.
The main weakness of the Niro EV, in my opinion, is its fast charging capacity limited to 85 kW. Unlike models like the Equinox EV which reach 150 kW, the Niro EV requires a longer charging time at fast stations, which can be a disadvantage for long journeys.
Honest driving
Behind the wheel, the 2024 Kia Niro EV is pleasant. The handling is good, and the accelerations are convincing. It’s not a powerful vehicle, but it’s an efficient vehicle that remains relevant in daily driving.
The different driving modes also transform the experience. ECO mode makes acceleration smoother to increase range, while SPORT mode increases power but decreases fuel efficiency. It’s easy to use and once again, very convincing. I mainly used normal mode which I think is the right balance between performance and economy.
When cornering, the Niro EV remains well cramped and the vehicle remains agile in town. I found, however, that the independent suspension with McPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear quickly runs out of breath when it comes time to absorb a bump in the road. It goes without saying that the vehicle’s 1724 kg does not help the cause.
However, at the end of my test, I recorded an average of 16.6 kWh over 100 kilometers in urban and highway driving situations. I think it’s good, considering that I reached 392 kilometers on a full tank. I drove the vehicle on the open road and I confirm that with an asbestos temperature of around 20 degrees, the Kia Niro EV should easily reach the 407 kilometers announced, even better.
What are the prices for the 2024 Kia Niro EV in Canada?
I must admit that I rather enjoyed my time aboard the 2024 Kia Niro EV. It’s a competent little electric SUV that offers a good ratio between efficiency and performance. On the other hand, the Niro EV is no longer alone in its segment, and I believe that Kia will have to review the marketing of its vehicle.
The Kia Niro EV Wind comes standard at $48,676, including freight and PDI. Considering that this variant does not have a heat pump to cope with Quebec winters, I would not recommend it. It is therefore better to say that the cheapest and most interesting variant is the Wind + which starts at $51,676. My variant, the Wave, including a few options like the Steel Gray color, carries a price tag of $56,926. With this price range, I no longer believe the Niro EV is competitive.
For what? Because serious players like the Chevrolet Equinox EV now exist. The Equinox EV 2LT also comes in front-wheel drive, is packed with technology, offers 513 kilometers of range (106 kilometers more than the Niro) and is offered at a starting price of $51,532.
Even the electric Kona is better equipped for the same price, the latter offering a range of 420 kilometers. The Niro EV was for a long time almost alone in the category, this is no longer the case today.
If the reliability of the Niro EV no longer needs to be demonstrated, its price remains a point of improvement. By offering a Wind+ version starting at $38,000, Kia could make its electric vehicle more accessible and much more attractive in my humble opinion!
Given that the model continues its career, and that the reliability record is quite good, we continue to recommend the model without reservation.
