2022 Kia Niro EV Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Kia Niro EV was introduced in 2019 to complete the Niro family of fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers, none of which are powered by...

The Kia Niro EV was introduced in 2019 to complete the Niro family of fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers, none of which are powered by gasoline alone. For 2022, Niros are largely carry-over models, and as such, they receive minimal year-over-year changes. The most notable updates are new badging and more standard technology and safety features.

Following Kia’s new brand marketing direction, the 2022 Niro EV now sports the South Korean automaker’s new stylized logo on its front grille, tailgate, wheel center caps, and steering wheel hub. The Niro EV continues to be offered in EX and EX Premium trims, which are the higher-equipped models for the lineup.

Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth-and-leatherette upholstery, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a smart key with push-button start.

Newly standard for 2022 is a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, which includes navigation, UVO link, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. Previously, EX models were equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless device charging is also now standard on the Niro EV. The EX Premium adds LED taillights, a power sunroof, adjustable cabin mood lighting, LED interior overhead lamps, leatherette trim, ventilated front seats, and a cargo cover.

Powered by a 64-kilowatt-hour battery, the all-electric Niro offers 201 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. The range is EPA-estimated at 239 miles on a full charge, but driving performance and mileage can be adjusted utilizing the available drive modes (Eco, Eco+, Normal, and Sport). The Niro EV is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration only; all-wheel drive is not an option.

When connected to a Level 2 charger, which is the standard system installed at residential properties and also commonly found at free public stations, the Niro EV will take 9.5 hours to reach an 80% battery charge. Utilizing a 50-kW DC fast charger, however, will decrease that time significantly, to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Using the 100-kW variety will shave charging time down by another 15 minutes.

The 2022 Niro EV also offers a long list of standard driver-assistance technologies, which Kia bundles under the DriveWise moniker. The package includes forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a pedestrian warning system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, lane following assist, high beam assist, and rear occupant alert. Previously reserved for EX Premium models, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, which adjusts for curves as well as stop-and-go traffic, is now standard. Reverse parking distance warning, however, is still an EX Premium exclusive.

The 2022 Niro EX starts at $39,990—an increase of $900. But the EX Premium starting MSRP remains unchanged at $44,650. The only available factory-installed package for either trim is a Cold Weather Package priced at $1,100. This adds a battery heater, heat pump, and heated steering wheel.