Last week, Kia released US prices for the redesigned 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, and now Autoblog learned how much the all-electric Niro costs.
Available in two trim levels, Wind and Wave, the 2023 Kia Niro Electric starts at $40,745 and $45,745, respectively (both prices include destination charges of $1,295).
The base Wind trim is well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, heated mirrors, automatic windshield wipers, privacy glass, and a power liftgate on the outside.
Inside, the all-electric crossover comes standard with an eight-way power driver’s seat, combination fabric and leatherette upholstery (made from recycled eucalyptus), heated front seats, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control dual-zone, 10.25-inch 2.5-inch instrument and infotainment displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five USB ports, wireless phone charging, and a six-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
KIAThe safety technology package, including adaptive cruise control, is also standard.
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Upgrade to 2023 Kia Niro EV Wave adds upgraded headlights, fog lights, power folding mirrors, sunroof, eight-way power passenger seat, driver memory settings, full leatherette upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, steering wheel heating and more.
Additionally, the Wave trim level gets the improved Highway Driving Assist 2 system, which combines adaptive cruise control with automated lane changes and AI adaptation to driving style, Smart Park automated parking assist , parking sensors and rear automatic braking. Additionally, the Niro EV Wave is equipped with the Vehicle-to-Charge Inverter (V2L) which allows the Niro EV to power electronic devices or even other electric vehicles.
As a reminder, the Kia Niro EV 2023 has a 64.8 kWh battery allowing a range estimated by the manufacturer of 253 miles (407 kilometers). The battery powers a front-mounted electric motor rated at 150 kilowatts (201 horsepower), making the Niro EV a front-wheel-drive model. Charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent takes around 45 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger, according to Kia.
The price is comparable to slightly larger competitors such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Toyota bZ4X, but is much higher than the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt VUE, which starts at just $28,195 and peaks at $37,885. And that’s before the federal tax credit the Niro EV is no longer eligible for. Granted, the Bolt EUV is a subcompact crossover, but given the huge price difference and very similar range of 247 miles (397 kilometers), it can’t be ignored.
Another compelling alternative comes from Kia’s own stable, the 2022 EV6 starting at $42,695. For about $2,000 more, would you get the bigger, fancier RWD EV6 or stick with the FWD Niro EV and use the two grand for something else?
