The Most Practical Electric Car! - 2024 Kia Niro EV Review
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- Опубліковано 10 чер 2024
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Cars nowadays are getting way too big! That’s why I’m excited to try out a more sensibly sized electric vehicle, the Kia Niro EV. When it comes to electric cars from Kia, everyone seems to be talking about the sleek and voluptuous Kia EV6, but we can’t forget about the new redesigned second generation Niro EV. With 253 miles of range and lots of cargo space, does it hold its own against the new wave of budget-friendly EVs out there? And are small EVs the best EVs? Today let’s find out.
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Table of Contents:
0:00 - What Is It?
1:18 - Exterior Design!
2:35 - Interior Design!
3:37 - Interior Features!
5:07 - Weird Climate Control!
6:01 - Rear Seats / Cargo!
7:07 - Acceleration!
8:09 - Braking / Ride!
8:43 - Range / Efficiency!
10:16 - Price / Competition!
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Music used in this episode:
- Selected tracks from the UA-cam music library
- Selected tracks by Kia Orion ( • Video ) - Авто та транспорт
Are new cars getting too big?
Yes, can't the world just take off of the Netherlands? All you need for city use are compact hatchbacks. For families you can have Estates/MPVs. Want to travel the country or go to other countries? Take trains. America will never understand this, though! We have to have giant, unsafe, useless cars that are just worse in every way.
Ethan, Is that a rhetorical question or are you expecting an answer? 🤔
Yes. This country needs a re-set and people need to start going smaller. Living in the Los Angeles area, our streets are too full already, and these huge pigs like the Hummers and Navigators only make that worse. I love my 2023 Bolt EV and couldn't be happier with the range (+/- 300 at 95%) and my running average for 12,000 miles is 4.7 miles per KWH. Any my car has an MSRP of $28,315. It's small, yet roomy and comfortable and I wouldn't trade it for this Kia Niro for nearly double the price of my car. And if I need to take a much longer drive, I can always jump in my 1986 Seville or 1988 Cimarron!
Yes, it's getting out of hand with more and more vehicles (ICE or EV) that no longer reasonably fit in parking lots and roads in suburban, let alone urban, areas. I'll never understand the mindset of so many North Americans and people that insist on driving behemoths as daily drivers. Consumers demand/automakers insist on upsizing all their models: the Honda Civic is similar in size to a 1990s Accord, the RAV4 is similar in size to the first gen Toyota Highlander, and trucks like the Escalade/Suburban/Expedition/F150 all seem to get ever more massive. Just the unecessary stress of piloting a larger vehicle around tight roads and parking lots, as well as the added costs (purchase price, fuel/energy, etc.) will keep me always going for the most reasonably sized vehicle that meets my needs. I'd much rather save the money or upgrade features on a smaller vehicle rather than going larger. There are a lot of externalities that come with larger vehicles that we ALL pay for whether we personally choose to drive large vehicles or not. They impact how much road space we need, how large parking lots need to be, as well as added pavement maintenance costs due to the increased size/weight of more and more vehicles.
I have a Niro EV 2023 and EVERYTHING you say is totally the way i think about what a car should do..
Love it BUT I really like YOUR APPROACH TO EVALUATING an EV.. Especially the final statement about 'Carbon footprint'
THANK YOU!
As a UX designer, I absolutely hate the shift to touch screens in cars. I bet it looks "clean" when you remove the buttons, but not being able to have your muscle memory navigate around the controls of a car is detrimental to traffic safety... There are so many stupid things going on in the car industry currently, like the yokes, the touch controls, and massive amounts of unnecessary mechanical tech. (like motorized hatchbacks. Heck, even the door handles on Teslas have tiny motors these days, terrible for winter climate) I wish more cars would just adapt a more utilitarian and simple design approach. But all-in-all, I am happy to see Asian cars. At least they are not stupidly large like American counterparts.
Absolutely agree with you! But one of the greatest features is the way the driver's seat goes fully back when you open the door... making getting and out so much easier for us seniors! then when you get in it remembers your position and moves the seat to that position!
Also I have a FULL SIZE spare in the trunk... after removing the sub woofer speaker...sorely missed HAHA!
P.S. the 'touch screen' for radio and air/heat can be set to always be on the A/C screen except when you want the radio settings..and returns automatically to A/C etc after a few seconds.
I'd program them for ventilation, as you can control the radio volume and presets with the steering wheel controls.
I just bought a used 2019 Niro EV a few months ago and love it. The smaller size was a big selling point for me - I don't want to drive a big SUV and smaller cars are becoming an endangered species. I was more than happy with the price I paid for a used one, but the new price is hard to justify next to cars with much faster charging in that same price range.
About 0-60 Bah! The Niro has limited the torque for the first few kph so that you don't easily roast or spin the tires. After that the acceleration is so good you wont need more.
Also love that the sun roof also lifts up on the back side giving great air flow,
RE: Buttons instead of finding things on a Play Station screen... YES!!!
Heads up display is a wondorous benefit!
These reviews are so good. Focusing on the only things I even remotely cate about.
Ethan, The interior space efficiency of many vehicles today compared to their exterior dimensions is pitiful. I don't follow the EV market too closely but I can tell you the last genuine Toyota Yaris hatch sold here had more headroom than today's RAV4. Today's Crown sedan is heavier yet smaller inside than the last Ford Crown Victoria. 🤨 For the record, that disdainfully raised eyebrow is coming from a Toyota fan. 😉
EVs based on a dedicated platform tend to be better in interior space compared to hybrid/gas cars. This Niro shares its body with the hybrid and gas cars so interior compromises need to be made. So interior is not as good as a EV only car, but its pretty darn good space and much better space imo compared to a Hyundai Kona EV which also shares its body with hybrid and gas versions.
I appreciate that you’re one of the few reviewers who thinks the market is too obsessed with cars have to be big and fast. If a car can reach 60 in 9 seconds that’s plenty fast. Unless you have a large family or have a legitimate need for all that space you’re wasting your life trying to pay for it all. I’ve had a Kia Niro HEV for the past 5 1/2 years and it is absolutely the best car I have ever owned in the last 20 years!
It looks decent, definitely the size I’d look for. We just got a newer used Leaf that’s really fitting our needs well. Once the wheels fall off the old gas SUV we also have, we could give the Niro models a look. I do hope there are more smaller EVs with AWD at some point - I know it’s not necessary 80% of the time, but it is nice to have a backup for the worst of the winter.
I want one!! Kia just did everything right with the new Niro EV, I can live with a bit of glossy plastic and I can wait 5-10 minutes more when charging a couple of times every year.
I love the classic round instruments and the small and nicely built-in info screen, I really hate those big stick-on iPads that most EV's have now, it just looks terrible.
Hey Ho! You should get a Niro NOW! Have a look at used Niro prices, for just a two year old example. These are fine EVs- this writer owns a 2019 and will move UP to a newer year when 'the books balance'
Love the Niro! Its sensible, yet still interesting to look at.
Despite the "negatives" about the touch screen HVAC/Infotainment one system, I like the look and feel of this Niro. I test drove the PHEV version and loved it. The EV almost drives the same way. I do like the lighter color seats in the EV over the all dark colors in the hybrid versions. Currently driving a 2022 Hyundai Kona ICE, and not a fan of the 2024 redesign. For me, I'd get the KIA over the Hyundai. I don't want to look like I'm driving in a Sherman Tank!
Thank You for pointing out how 0-60 mph is over emphasized by auto journalists and others. I have driven a 2016 Nissan Leaf since August 2019. Getting 5.0-5.2 miles per Kw. Test drove a 2020 Hyundai Kona EV recently - got 5.6 mpk. Nice EV, just concerned about the battery recall situation. Do Kia Niro EVs use a different manufacturer's battery?
kona is LG, same mfg as the recall packs from the Chevy Bolt. Niro is SK Innovation.
Another fantastic review. Thanks. I already commented on the size question, so won't repeat that. I did want to commend you on calling out these magazines and companies for pushing this super fast vehicle stuff and the silly 0-60 times. After all, do we really want some soccer mom running us down in a 9,000 pound Hummer EV that can do 0-60 in about 4 seconds? I sure don't.
Also a comment about the "wireless Carplay". I work at a Volvo and Mazda dealership. As of yet, Volvo has (thankfully) not gone with wireless. Mazda has started for 2023 and it stinks. My 2023 Bolt and my last car (2021 Malibu) both had the WCP and I hate it. A co-worker has a 2021 BMW 3 series and he doesn't like his either. It was so bad that I watched a video on how to completely turn it off. I now use only the wire to connect and love it.
Not gonna lie…the cup holder design was a smart choice
Maybe I’m really stupid but if charging these electric milk floats use as much electricity as a house does in a week where does all this extra electricity come from. I didn’t know solar and wind generates so much electricity. The last I checked in Ontario, Canada, 86% comes from nuclear, hydro, and natural gas. Solar and wind was a mere 12.4%. I didn’t know we had plans on doubling the electricity output in the next decade. Sure would like to know how this is going to be done.
I've seen these around and was curious, so found this video and had sticker shock! I like small cars, and being retired I don't do a lot of driving, so can't justify spending that much on a vehicle. We keep getting promised more choices and lower prices, but I've been waiting a long time already for an affordable option that isn't poorly designed, or dorky-looking.
In Europe we have several litle EV: A- Dacia Spring, Renault Twingo B- Renault Zoe/5, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Fiat 500, Hyundai Kauai...
The batterie is liMC
Thanks for the review. We have a 2008 Honda Fit and a 2012 Kia Soul. We won't buy another car until those crater. Simply cannot afford a new EV even if we wanted one. Probably will have to settle for hybrid. I like the size of this one though.
At this point, hybrids really are great mature tech and well priced if you want affordable, efficient, practical, and long-term reliable transportation. The price increase over gas only is generally less than $2000 MSRP (excluding markups). And if you drive enough, keep the car long enough, and live somewhere where gas is expensive, it’s a no brainer for many peoples needs. They are not perfect, but they drive better and are far less compromised from a performance perspective than they used to be. In many ways, they are better than the equivalent non-hybrid engines of the same vehicles.
I had a 2009 Honda fit standard and LOVED IT. The Niro EV is loved even more. Don't fall for the hybrid! The EV is superior ...unless you intend to go an a safari in back country for days on end!
Itll get to 60 quicker than a Ferrari 308 GTB
Sorry but have to push back on your calling the 110v charging useless. Lots of people have thier car sitting in their driveway for hours on end and could easily top off their car just fine using that charging speed. People think they need super fast charging to go EV when they absolutely do not. If your commute is less than 40 miles round trip to work, and you plug you car into a 110v charger for many cars you'll be 100% all the time with nothing special to install in your home.
Many EV owners report using 110v charging exclusively, or almost exclusively.
The average daily mileage even in the US is less than 30 miles. So about half of all EV drivers who charge at home could get by with 110v.
ABSOLUTELY! and there are better (faster)110volt chargers AND you NEED that charger if you are using Solar to charge your car
I have a 2015 Nissan leaf. My commute is under 40 miles most days and 110v is all I’ve ever needed.
No D pillar = no wagon. LOL. Maybe a stretch could call it a hatch, but it's just a CUV.
Certainly seems to be more reasonably sized car than big SUV's, which definetely in my opinion have grown way too large. There's just no space for that large cars.
Sadly small B-segment cars are dying, at least in Europe, because of insanely tight emissions regulations and safety requlations. The regulation mania has gone too far in my opinion, turning itself against the original good cause.
Now it's probably not sensible anymore to produce small, fuel efficient ICE, hybrid or EV cars, because all those regulations are too expensive to execute, so car companies want to sell bigger and more profitable cars instead.
Big cars just don't fit well in small European cities, for starters the parking spaces are too small, not to mention the narrow streets.
Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, Volkswagen Polo, all already gone or going out and probably more will follow.
Expecting "reason" when talking cars is a bit optimistic. Niro EV is extremely reasonable...UNusual!
Get Nissan to send you a Sakura so you can review it! Lol
Oh that would be awesome
The range math does not add up. You mention 270 mile range you achieved, but the efficiency is 3.4 mile/kWh. Multiply 3.4 by the battery size, 64 kWh and you get 218 miles.
AH SPEED ! MY Niro EV '23 is rated at 407 km/charge. Approx 15.5 KW/100 km BUT around town I get 12kwh/100 km Well over 500km per charge 310 mi.
Speed you drive has everything to do with available distance, as does weather... heater on , seats on, steering wheel on = LESS milage
But that is the same with your ICE car!
The Kia Niro EV looks like a modernized Rondo.
The charging point on the front is a dealbreaker for me. I always back into spaces so having a car that forces me to do the objectively worse alternative is not an option. Yes, I'm serious - pulling out of a parking spot in reverse is simply more dangerous and going into them front first is way less convenient...
then back into a space while parking and not charging. charge port locations have less to do with parking then the location layout of the charger pedestal at a charging spot and which pedestals are occupied. When charging, sometimes I have to back in and other times head first. When charging at home you have the option of installing the plug in a more convenient area.
me too, I do have an 8 m long charge cable though and it should just be enough for the Niro (driving an Ioniq now with the port at the back left)
so install your outlet near the front driver side of your car!
I had to stop and comment at the fact that you can’t connect wirelessly with apple CarPlay. For the car market in general and FOR sure the ev segment, if you can’t have wireless CarPlay that would be akin to purchasing a new plane only to find out you needed to plug in your wings every time you wanted to fly
Is it really such a big deal to plug in a USB? You're probably going to want to charge your device anyway
Not a big deal but considering auto manufacturers in general added apple carplay and wireless charging to their vehicles since 2015 roughly it seems odd to me that a brand new ev 8 years later doesn’t offer the same 🤷♂️
@@Yourmission9 yeah it's odd, and kinda lame but not even close to plugging wings into a plane lol. The plane can't even fly without wings. Having to plug the wheels in to drive the car would be the equivalent. You can easily drive a car without car play.. Or plug in a phone to charge, which takes a second. So more like a minor annoyance. But I agree a 2024, car should have it
EV6 is cumbersome. Ha! Try Driving a Ford F250 pickup
Okay, twist their own when it comes to people who want a smaller vehicle, but I have a problem with those trying to push small cars off on everybody. Some of us do like room and utility, and a lot of these compact cars may have decent Headroom and legroom, but they tend to still be on the narrow side, and cargo space is almost miniscule unless you fold down the back seats, meaning you have to choose between having extra people on board, or space in the back, because you can't have both. To me, that's a useless vehicle if I can't take three other people with me, and all of our stuff in the event we want to go on a road trip. And what if you have a family, and are taking a long things like strollers and car seats? Small cars don't accommodate for stuff like that, but bigger ones do. That's just reality, and that's why a lot of us like bigger sized vehicles. Not everyone out there has a lifestyle that only requires a small vehicle with a little bit of cargo space
Sure a lot of people like big vehicles, that's fine. Especially when you have multiple kids. The difference here is that the Niro is an efficient use of space. And there are quite a few larger SUV/crossovers that are not. This has almost the same amount of cargo space as the much larger and heavier EV6.
Consider yourself the lucky one.
Many people will talk down about big cars. Including myself. But the automakers take the exact opposite view. They make them bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger still.
So you should expect to find yourself in Nirvana soon.
We don't all dream of driving trucks!