Kia announced pricing for the 2023 Niro EV following the market launch of the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants. Surprisingly, the new electric crossover starts from $39,450, making it just $360 more expensive compared to its predecessor.
Kia is offering two trim levels for the 2023 Niro EV – the entry-level Wind starting from $39,450, and the Wave starting from $44,450. Prices don’t include the $1,295 destination fee.
The high-spec Wave is distinguished by the satin chrome accents around the bodywork. Both trims of the Kia Niro EV come standard with 17-inch wheels, a digital cockpit with dual 10.25-inch displays, navigation, a rear-view camera, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, vegan leather upholstery, heated front seats with 10-way power adjustments for the driver, as well as an audio system by Harman Kardon (optionally with 8 speakers).
The standard ADAS suite includes several collision avoidance and driver assist features like the Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, although only the high-spec model gets the fancy Remote Smart Park Assist plus the optional and more sophisticated Highway Driving Assist II with machine learning. Buyers in cold-weather states will find the optional Preserve Package useful, as it adds heated rear seats and -more importantly- a heat pump.
The Kia Niro EV is equipped with a 64.8 kWh battery, which is good for an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles (407 km), or 285 miles (460 km) in the WLTP cycle. This represents a slight increase over the 239-mile (385 km) range of its predecessor while being compatible with quicker charging rates up to 85 kW. This allows the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 45 minutes when plugged into a Level 3 fast charger (DC). The single electric motor produces 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque, powering the front wheels.
The 2023 Kia Niro EV will reach US dealerships later this month. Unlike its predecessor which had limited availability in the US, the new generation will be available in all 50 states this fall.