Kia Niro Electric

Name: 2026 Kia Niro Electric
Brand: Kia

CR HWY Range:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The redesigned Niro EV is a standout offering among lower-priced electric vehicles. Its interior size and hatchback functionality rival that of a small SUV, while its zippy acceleration, agile handling, and decent ride comfort make it a joy to drive. An EPA-estimated 253-mile driving range puts several higher-priced EVs to shame. However, we saw 239 miles in our own 70-mph highway range test. But, like with the rest of the crop of EVs that cost less than $45,000, all-wheel drive isn’t available in the Niro. Plus, Kia’s split-use climate/media panel is annoying, and rear three-quarter visibility is hampered by thick back roof pillars.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Niro Electric

vs. Similar Cars

Fiat 500e

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai Kona Elec...

Hyundai Kona Electric

Tesla Model 3

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Electric cars Ratings

2026 Kia Niro Electric

$39,700 - $44,700

CR HWY Range

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2027 Chevrolet Bolt

$27,600 - $31,600

EPA Range 255 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Fiat 500e

$30,500

CR HWY Range

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6

$37,850 - $54,600

CR HWY Range

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

$32,975 - $41,150

CR HWY Range

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2025 Hyundai Nexo

$60,135 - $63,585

EPA Range 354 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Kia EV3

$35,000 - $50,000

EPA Range 350 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Kia EV4

$36,000 - $40,000

EPA Range 330 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2026 Nissan Leaf

$29,990 - $38,990

EPA Range 288 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Tesla Model 3

$36,990 - $54,990

CR HWY Range

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Toyota Mirai

$51,795

EPA Range 402 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

electric (201 hp)

1-speed direct

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/60,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2023-Present

Current Generation

The second-generation Niro offers buyers three efficient modes of transport, with traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models. The electric version is one of the best among affordable EVs with an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles. The 11 kW on-board charger allows home charging on the quicker side but with only a meager 85 kW max acceptance rate for public DC-chargers, charging on the go is slow. Acceleration is immediate and feels effortless. Ride and handling are better than the Niro hybrid. Hatchback versatility is an asset, as is a roomy rear seat and compact footprint for easy urban maneuverability. Unfortunately, some controls are not intuitive, particularly the split audio/climate panel can be distracting to use. Rear and side visibility are compromised due to the thick rear pillar. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard. 2025 is the final year for the Niro EV.

2019-2022

2019 Redesign Year

The Kia Niro EV gets around without gasoline, but it doesn’t compromise on comfort or practicality. Its interior is well appointed, and its elevated seat height and roomy cargo area give the five-passenger, front-drive Niro the versatility of a small SUV. It has a 239-mile range, which means the Niro EV will outrun some electric cars that cost tens of thousands more. The Niro shares its electric drive with the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Soul EV. Like its corporate siblings, it has a 64-kWh battery that takes about 10 hours to charge from nearly empty through a 240-volt connector. Acceleration is smooth, instant, and silent. We think this EV is more rewarding to drive than the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro. Kia has limited its availability initially to certain states.