Earlier this week, our friends over at Kia updated their Niro CUV by adding more rooms, new design tweaks, & fully embracing electric power. Kicking off the return of the 2022 NY Auto Show, Kia got a look as well as 3 new models w/ a hybrid Niro HEV, plug-in hybrid Niro PHEV, & the a fully-electric Niro EV.
As far as looks, it takes interior/exterior style from the lovely HabaNiro concept vehicle. You got the new aero blade profile panel, a tiger-nose grille in front, rear boomerang-shaped tail lights, and a new low drag profile of 0.29 to make it more efficient. As far as it getting slightly larger, the wheelbase grows to 107.1inches to make it 174inches in overall length, the cargo space grows to 22.8 cu ft, 6.3inches of ground clearance, 8 more cu ft in the passenger cabin room, and 50% more than the Tesla Model 3.
The Niro EV now goes up to 253 miles over the 239 it used to offer thanks to its larger 64.8 kWh battery. It also utilizes their V2L (vehicle-to-lead capability) to use the car to power small appliances. But not the more recent version of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform so instead of the 350 kW DC fast charging, the Niro maxes out at 85 kW DC fast charging to still get you from 10-80% in about 45 minutes.
The Niro will be able to take advantage of the $7,500 federal tax credit as it will retail for $40,000 before the credit kicks in. All of the 2023 Niro models will be available later this fall at your local Kia retailer.
