Kia Niro EV vs Ford Mustang Mach-E

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.

Everybody wants more driving range from an EV, and now the Mach-E’s Premium trim level offers up to 290 miles of it. In addition, the California Route 1 comes only with all-wheel drive and 312 miles of range this year, while the GT gets a standard panoramic glass roof. New Carbonized Gray and Vapor Blue paint colors also debut. The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a world-class electric vehicle providing style, performance, technology, and utility in equal measure.

However, the big news is that Ford has introduced an enhanced version of its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology.