2021 Kia Niro EV

Propelling the front-wheel drivetrain of the 2021 Niro EV is a fully electric powertrain that's been modulated to produce up to 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration responses are brisk and instantaneous by virtue of the electric motor and 180 Ah, 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, and nearly completely silent, too. A single-speed automatic transmission aids in running power to the front wheels and does so imperceptibly. Overall, the Niro EV's performance is wonderful and ideal for urban driving. Charging the 180 Ah battery will take around nine and a half hours on a regular level 2 household connection.

The 2021 Kia Niro EV strengthens the case for combustion-engine-free, fuel-free vehicles as a competent EV that is pleasant to drive, brimming with creature comforts and conveniences, and relatively affordable. The 201-hp powertrain bestows the compact SUV with brisk and smooth performance and offers an impressive 239-mile drive range, too. Its front seats could be more comfortable but the cabin is still rather pleasant and spacious enough nonetheless. The infotainment system is exceptional, too, and Kia has ensured that every Niro comes comprehensively outfitted with advanced driver assists as standard.

Not only is the Niro EV SUV one of the safest cars in the US, as the IIHS's review of the 2021 Kia Niro EV dictates, but it's also garnered an exceptional reputation for reliability and is covered by an industry-leading warranty plan.

Kia has been updating the first-generation Niro EV year-on-year since 2017, and while it's not the most proficient EV or the most exciting car to drive in general, it remains a strong and value-rich option for a first-time EV buyer.

The entry-spec 2021 Kia Niro EV crossover carries a price of $39,090, which is really quite reasonable for an electric vehicle. With that price and with what the EX comes standard with, it's certainly the model we'd recommend. Both models are equipped with the same 201-hp electric powertrain, so your choice really just determines what features you get, and the EX gets a good selection. There's an eight-inch infotainment system with full smartphone integration, a leather-clad steering wheel, remote start, a smart key with push-button start, a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. It also comes comprehensively outfitted with advanced driver assistance including blind-spot warning, forward collision avoidance, lane following assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning.