You can find fun in an SUV if you want something zippy, fun, and compact to drive. While it doesn’t stand much higher off the ground than some hatchbacks, the Kia Niro EV is a subcompact crossover SUV that delivers a fun and active driving experience. This little Kia feels different from its gasoline counterpart by giving you something that only electric vehicles can deliver.

The 2022 Kia Niro EV take home the prize                                                                                             

The Niro EV SUV takes home the J.D. Power for Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study award for mass-market brands for the second year in a row. One more time, and it will become a winning streak. This may sound like a made-up award, but J.D. Power surveyed more than 8,000 electric vehicle owners to create a winner. Owners answered survey questions regarding cost-of-ownership, battery range, service experience, styling, and driver enjoyment. This data determines ownership satisfaction and whether or not a current owner would buy that vehicle again.

What does this electric SUV deliver that gasoline counterparts don’t?

The Kia Niro EV gives you the peppy and energetic feeling you want from a small car. The gasoline version of this SUV is a bit sluggish and better left on city streets where acceleration doesn’t matter as much. The electric model has instant torque to help you quickly take off from a stop, making it a fun and active SUV to drive.

What states sell the 2022 Kia Niro EV?

All states didn’t sell the Niro EV when it first arrived, but that changed. No matter where you live, you can enjoy the electric drive of a small SUV that won top honors with J.D. Power. This can be a good first car for a recent graduate or one that makes commuting a bit easier every day.

What features do you find in this Kia electric SUV?

Kelley Blue Book tells us there are two trims for the Kia Niro EV, EX, and EX Premium. The features included in this electric SUV are:

EX

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Roof rails
• Cloth/SynTex seat trim
• Heated front seats
• Automatic climate controls
• Remote engine starting
• 60/40/split-folding rear seat
• Wireless device charging
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• Harman/Kardon premium audio system
• Forward-collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keep assist
• Highway Driving Assist (semi-autonomous driving system)
• Driver attention warning
• Navigation-based adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring

EX Premium

• Power sunroof
• LED taillights
• Full SynTex faux leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Ambient interior lighting
• Cargo screen
• Rear parking sensors

There’s also a Cold Weather package available which adds a battery heater, a heater pump, and a heated steering wheel to make you and the SUV a bit warmer on cold mornings.

What is the range of a Kia Niro?

All models of the 2022 Kia Niro EV use a permanent magnet electric motor attached to a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup delivers a driving range of 239 miles on a full charge. You’ll enjoy 201 horsepower and 291 lb.-ft. of torque, giving you ample power to make this little SUV move quickly on the road. Recharging the batteries takes nearly nine hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger in your home.

Is the Kia Niro EV reliable?

Kia backs all of its vehicles with one of the best warranties in the industry. This should give owners the confidence to drive for as long as desired. The Niro EV SUV has a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Because this is an electric vehicle, it has fewer moving parts than gasoline models, making maintenance more affordable.

How much does the Niro subcompact crossover SUV cost?

The EX trim of the Niro EV costs $39,990, while the EX Premium requires you to spend $44,650. Both trims are eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit that helps cut this price down. This little SUV is a bit pricier than the Chevy Bolt EUV, which starts at $33,000 but does not qualify for the federal tax credit. The Niro EV costs more than the Hyundai Kona Electric, which costs $34,000 and does qualify for the credit.

Should you drive the 2022 Kia Niro EV?

If you want an electric vehicle with a lot of pep in its step, the Niro EV is an excellent option. This version of the Niro can be fun on any road. If that price shocks you or there isn’t enough room inside, consider one of the other models mentioned or the larger Kia EV6.