Living with the KIA Niro
Review by Toni
At the end of last year, we unexpectedly found ourselves behind the wheel of a Kia Niro, first-generation hybrid model. Primarily, though, the focus was on the pride and joy of an elderly couple. The guidance on using, for example, the heater from Spain was comprehensive, to say the least, but the opportunity to drive the car had to be taken as a sort of honor. Even their own child apparently hadn’t had the chance to drive it. The automotive journalist was worth the trust. Honestly, there was more respect for following the instructions than respecting the car itself. After all, it was a middle-aged car that had recently surpassed its seven-year warranty period.
This wasn’t just a short drive around the block; within a short time, hundreds of kilometers were covered. Right from the start, it was evident that age wasn’t weighing on the Niro. Those seven years had reportedly passed without any issues, so it was a relief to return the car intact. Perhaps most surprising was how much modern technology the Niro contained. For example, Waze appeared on the screen more seamlessly than in many new cars.
If the first Niro experience wasn’t colored by expectations, even more could have been created for this 2024 Kia Niro EV test drive article. Fresh in memory was the test drive of its sister model, the Hyundai Kona Electric and the crowning of the Niro as the Car of the Year in Finland in 2023. This year’s award went to the sister model, so something very functional has been created in Korea.
Judges praised both sister models for their wide range of powertrain options. In the past, it was customary to open the hood first and marvel at the engine. In the era of electric cars, there’s rarely anything interesting there except storage space for charging cables or, at best, groceries. However, in the case of the Niro, opening the hood tells a lot; it’s sparse yet full at the same time. In addition to the fully electric version, the lineup includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, inevitably requiring compromises. However, these compromises aren’t very noticeable in the Niro EV, unless one happens to open the hood out of habit. Nevertheless, we eagerly await the arrival of the Kia EV3, which is in the same size class as the Niro but designed solely as an electric car.
The Niro EV is powered by a single 204-horsepower electric motor and a 64.8 kWh battery. There’s no choice to be made because the electric version offers no other options. The acceleration is slightly slower than in the previous-generation model, with the 0-100 km/h time reduced by 0.3 seconds to 7.8 seconds, and the throttle response has been weakened. Kia is going against the grain compared to some other manufacturers who still adhere to the “more is better” mentality of the combustion engine era. In reality, it’s likely more about optimizing technical aspects, although Kia had received feedback on the overly sensitive throttle and sometimes slipping start of the e-Niro.
The Niro isn’t a powerhouse in the world of electric cars with these figures, but such performance wouldn’t really suit the character of the model. Selecting the Sport driving mode provides some agility, but there’s no risk of slipping despite the front-wheel drive. The Comfort and Eco modes suffice quite well. In Finland, the need for the Snow driving mode is never known, but fortunately, it wasn’t needed this time around.
Driving the Niro is easy, straightforward, and prioritizes practicality. The ignition button is still present, and after pressing it, all you need to do is turn the dial on the center console to select the drive mode — either forward or reverse. Adjusting the driving position is easy with the electric controls, and the version we hade for review, Business Luxury, naturally includes a memory function. The steering wheel is quite large, and its design is somewhat quirky — it almost looks like it’s upside down. However, Kia’s logo and buttons indicate that upside down is the right way in this case. It took some time to get used to the steering, but afterwards, it felt natural, and without notes, there probably wouldn’t have been memories for this article.
The ride is comfortable enough that if compared to a Chinese electric car driven the previous week, which felt like it was shaking teeth loose on Helsinki’s cobblestones, the Niro handles bumps and potholes much more smoothly. In city driving, there’s nothing to fault with the Niro, nor on the highway. It’s worth remembering that it’s a crossover model weighing about 1700 kilograms, so smoother, more mass-like movements are offered by slightly different types of cars. Although the WLTP cycle’s ideal range is 460 kilometers, the Niro may not be suitable for active long-distance driving. With a maximum declared power of 72 kW, charging will inevitably take some time. However, on the highway, you can enjoy the technology included in the Niro, such as lane-keeping assist, navigation display, and automatic emergency braking.
There are still a few improvements that could be made to the technology offered by the Niro. Firstly, Apple CarPlay could function in a way other than through USB A; a 360-degree camera would be a nice addition, especially in urban conditions, and the cross-traffic warning system seemed to be noticeably late. At the same time, it’s worth mentioning the Niro’s Auto Hold, which seemed to hold on a bit too well during this test drive. When parking in a tight spot, it’s advisable to switch it off, as otherwise, there may be a need for cosmetic repairs. Of course, the Niro also features the Remote Smart Parking Assist function, allowing it to be parked using the key from outside the car. In this case, the Niro’s sensors ensure that no damage occurs.
Another excellent feature is V2L, or the electric power outlet, which can be found on the rear seat and, with the adapter, also through the charging port. This allows for excellent remote work from the car, and similarly, it allows an active person to use, for example, an electric pump for an inflatable canoe.
During this test drive, we spent a working day by the sea, listening to music and occasionally glancing at the summery sea. Despite the intense heat, the air conditioning kept working conditions comfortable, and the V2L kept the laptop functional. With the Kia Connect app, the interior temperature of the Niro could be adjusted comfortably so that after a terrace lunch, the temperature inside the car didn’t come as a surprise but remained the same as when leaving.
During the day, it was also interesting to observe the reactions of passersby to the Niro. Despite being on the market since 2022, the Niro still seemed to attract attention, and a few pedestrians even seemed to wonder if it was a Kia. Kia’s Opposites United design language seems to appeal regardless of age. Admittedly, our work was momentarily distracted when a Kia EV9 glided past. Two opposites, black and white, small and big, yet both part of the same family.
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