BMW i3 vs Kia Niro EV
Overview | |
Years produced2014-2021 | Years produced2019-Present |
MSRP$42,400 | MSRP$39,550 |
Listings28 | Listings62 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryThe small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. | |
Reviews SummaryThe 2023 Kia Niro enters its second generation with fresh styling and numerous mechanical and tech updates, but it still offers a choice of three powertrains, with the Niro Hybrid, Niro EV, and Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid all returning for 2023. That means a change in focus for the all-electric Niro EV, which is the subject of this review. The first-generation Niro EV was Kia’s first mass-market electric car not based on an existing gasoline model (the Soul EV paved the way for it). But the redesigned 2023 Kia Niro EV now shares the lineup with the Kia EV6. That model takes aim at more premium EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Nissan Ariya, leaving the Niro EV to compete with entry-level models, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan’s Leaf. Available in all 50 states, the 2023 Niro EV launches in whimsically named Wind and Wave trim levels. We spent some time in the higher-level Wave version for this review. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine168 hp Electric | Engine201 hp Electric |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
EV Battery Capacity27 kWh | EV Battery Capacity65 kWh |
MPG City137 | MPG City126 |
MPG Highway111 | MPG Highway101 |
Battery Charge Time (120V) | Battery Charge Time (120V)59 hours |
Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours | Battery Charge Time (240V) |
Engine | |
Engine Name168 hp Electric | Engine Name201 hp Electric |
Battery Charge Time (120V) | Battery Charge Time (120V)59 hours |
Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours | Battery Charge Time (240V) |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity27 kWh | EV Battery Capacity65 kWh |
MPG City137 | MPG City126 |
MPG Highway111 | MPG Highway101 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space11.8 cu ft | Cargo Space22.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight2634 lbs | Curb Weight3721 lbs |
Height62.1 in | Height61.8 in |
Length157.8 in | Length174.0 in |
Width70.0 in | Width71.8 in |
Wheelbase101.2 in | Wheelbase107.0 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1063 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2014-2021 | 2019-Present |
MSRP | $42,400 | $39,550 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | The small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. | The 2023 Kia Niro enters its second generation with fresh styling and numerous mechanical and tech updates, but it still offers a choice of three powertrains, with the Niro Hybrid, Niro EV, and Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid all returning for 2023. That means a change in focus for the all-electric Niro EV, which is the subject of this review. The first-generation Niro EV was Kia’s first mass-market electric car not based on an existing gasoline model (the Soul EV paved the way for it). But the redesigned 2023 Kia Niro EV now shares the lineup with the Kia EV6. That model takes aim at more premium EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Nissan Ariya, leaving the Niro EV to compete with entry-level models, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan’s Leaf. Available in all 50 states, the 2023 Niro EV launches in whimsically named Wind and Wave trim levels. We spent some time in the higher-level Wave version for this review. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 168 hp Electric | 201 hp Electric |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | 65 kWh |
MPG City | 137 | 126 |
MPG Highway | 111 | 101 |
Battery Charge Time (120V) | 59 hours | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 168 hp Electric | 201 hp Electric |
Battery Charge Time (120V) | 59 hours | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | 65 kWh |
MPG City | 137 | 126 |
MPG Highway | 111 | 101 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 11.8 cu ft | 22.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2634 lbs | 3721 lbs |
Height | 62.1 in | 61.8 in |
Length | 157.8 in | 174.0 in |
Width | 70.0 in | 71.8 in |
Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 107.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 1063 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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