Kia e-Niro: Details, Range, and Price of the Electric SUV

Discover the Kia e-Niro, a compact electric family SUV designed for family use. Here is its history, range, and prices.

Launched in 2016, the Kia Niro quickly added a 100% electric version alongside its hybrid variant. Technically identical to the powertrain of its cousin, the Hyundai Kona Electric, the e-Niro remains a preferred choice when looking for a spacious and comfortable electric SUV.

Dimensions of the Kia e-Niro

The Kia e-Niro measures 4.37 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and 1.57 meters in height. It positions itself as a compact crossover with a family-oriented purpose. It is midway between urban SUVs (such as the Hyundai Kona Electric) and larger models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Volkswagen ID.4.

With a trunk volume of 451 liters, the Kia e-Niro has enough space for travel without issues. Its trunk and interior space bring it closer to conventional SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai. The only downside is that it features an aging design, including inside where the dashboard reveals its age, though it boasts plentiful equipment and modern technology (especially if you choose the high-end versions).

Two engines and two battery sizes

The Kia e-Niro offers a choice between two versions: the entry-level model has a 136-horsepower motor mounted on the front axle, driving only the front wheels. This motor is paired with a 39.2 kWh battery. The flagship version increases the power to 204 horsepower and the battery capacity to 64 kWh.

The Kia e-Niro with its smaller batteries accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, while the high-end version does it in 7.8 seconds, figures that oddly put it above the Hyundai Kona Electric with the same motors. In the 64 kWh version, it offers very impressive performance.

Range and charging of the Kia e-Niro

With the 39.2 kWh small battery, Kia claims a maximum range of 289 km based on the WLTP certification cycle, which is a bit limited for long journeys. But if you opt for the large battery, it offers a very interesting range of 455 km (the Kona Electric slightly exceeds this with the same motor). The official consumption is around 15.3 and 15.9 kWh/100 km according to technical data.

Regarding charging, the 39.2 kWh e-Niro accepts up to 7.4 kW at home (AC), but the 64 kWh version can go up to 11 kW. Another advantage of the model is the ability (regardless of version) to fast charge at 100 kW in direct current. Other competitors like the Renault Mégane E-Tech charge fast for a fee in entry-level versions.

It takes about 18 hours to go from 0% to 100% battery using a standard domestic socket with the base e-Niro, or 29 hours with the large battery. Regardless of the version, 42 minutes are needed to go from 20% to 80% charge with rapid charging at 100 kW.

What is the price of the Kia e-Niro?

The Kona Electric is available starting from €37,100 with the 39.2 kWh battery and from €41,100 with the 64 kWh battery. A well-positioned price even though new competitors like the Renault Mégane E-Tech are more affordable (€35,200 at the base). But at similar equipment levels and performance, the Korean is competitive.

Note that this e-Niro is eligible for the maximum ecological bonus of €6,000, valid until June 30, 2022 (€5,000 afterwards). Unless you opt for the ultra-high-end Lounge trim offered at €47,100 with the large batteries. This version only benefits from the €2,000 bonus allocated to vehicles priced between €45,000 and €60,000 (then €1,000 from July 1).

In long-term rental (LLD), the e-Niro starts at €167 per month for a 36-month / 30,000 km contract, with an upfront payment of €8,500, excluding the bonus.

A brand new Kia e-Niro is arriving

The Kia e-Niro remains highly popular and is still listed in Kia’s current catalog. The Korean model was even the top electric vehicle in Europe in January 2022, ahead of the ZOE, 500e, and Kona!

However, it will be replaced in a few weeks by a completely new model, officially unveiled at the end of 2021. With a much more aggressive design, the new version will retain the same 100% electric motorization. But it might only be offered with the 64 kWh version, skipping the entry-level 39.2 kWh variant.

The e-Niro is currently manufactured in Wusong, South Korea. Its batteries are supplied by LG Chem.

Photo gallery of the electric Niro

Technical specifications of the Kia e-Niro 2022

Also read: Peugeot e-208: info and price of the electric city car