The Kia Niro Range
As soon as Tesla shook the market of EVs up back in 2008 and then again in 2012 with itsmass production Tesla Model S that is still being sold and updated it has undoubtedly proved that a personal use EV market is huge and needs as many option offered for it at an affordable price as the gas powered market.
With the Korean KIA being such a progressive company they are they were one of the first big established players on the market and follow suit by launching their first all-electric mass production lineup of KIA Soul back in 2014, which was followed in 2018 by this improved and updated range - KIA Niro.
Being a vastly improved technologically an aesthetically from the first experience of the Soul was, the Niro rang being the 5-door SUV it is was meant to be more of a family-sized car. With a spin on features satisfying both for soccer moms and more avid solo drivers looking for a sizeable EV to roam around in, the Niro range has surely put the KIA brand in the EV game.
Having limited this range to one car type unlike Audi with its e-tron, the Niro range has proved to be a very consistent range offering similar variants that both in its power and performance and the price can be directly compared to the Tesla Model S or Model X. Its FWD with 1 to 2 motors depending on the specific variant of the range showcases some great attributes across the board.
Surely being in the gameo of competing with the market leader Tesla, it is crucial to compare the Niro range to that brand both in terms of specs and looks. So comparing how technically and technologically, not even mentioning comfort wise did this range get to Tesla it might be a very close call. A very quick gander at the specs in the range shows how an idea of a futuristic and high-performing EV became a reality for the KIA brand fans as well.
Talking about the looks as well - we can say that unlike Tesla KIA gone the safer route and made its SUVs look like a more of a generic family car with streamlined features. Its updated range has both a somewhat minimalistic futuristic body form as a sedan and a very minimalistic yet stylish interior finsh with some premium options.
As the looks and design are very important for any car range for sure, the specs and performance are truly everything. Based on just judging the Niro range on the merit of it specs and metrics, let's take a look at the fact that depending on the variant its EPA certified electric range and starts o to 60 at around 7.3 seconds which is not much at all - but where it is kind of average to lackluster in terms of max speed or acceleration or other show-off features, it gains in range to a good measure. More power and performance metrics that make it truly stand out from the rest, including the ever so important for EVs range. This tranlsates to when the journey has already begun, it will deliver you as far as the official EPA rated range of up to 240 mi without a single recharge which is a gerat starting point for most avid and interstate travelers to even start considering it just as it goes the same for most city dwellers.
Another nice thing about the KIA Nir rang besides a competitive range it offers is its very competitive affordable price which might make buyers or people new to the EV world ignore a lack of some things other top-of-the-line ranges like Tesla Model X or other offer at a higher cost.
Be sure to check out its multiple top features such as:
which combined make for a very satifsfying feeling when inside it on the road.