Kia redesigns its Niro small SUV for 2023, offered as EV, 2 hybrids
Kia’s Niro EV (electric vehicle) small fivepassenger SUV is all new for 2023, as it enters its second generation, and now has an expanded battery range of up to 253 miles between charges.
The EV model is one of three versions of the Niro available for 2023.
It comes in two trim levels, starting with the Wind model, with a base price of $39,550 (plus $1,325 freight), followed by the Wave, which begins at $44,550 and was our test vehicle for this report.
Also available are the Niro HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), which is a straight-up hybrid that starts at $26,590 and ranges as high as $31,490; and the Niro PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), which takes the Niro HEV a step further by allowing it to be recharged through an external electric power source.
The Niro PHEV begins at $33,840 and ranges as high as $39,590.
Both of the Niro hybrid models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with an electric motor.
There are two different electric motors used, however. The Niro HEV comes with a 32-kilowatt
motor, while the PHEV version gets a 62-kilowatt motor.
The Niro EV is powered by a 150-kilowatt electric motor, which drives the front wheels. There is no gasoline engine, however, so the EV must be recharged externally when its battery runs down. It’s rated at 201 horsepower and 188 foot-pounds of torque.
Power for the Niro EV comes from a new 64-8 kwh battery pack, which gives it the longer
range for 2023. There is a single-speed automatic transmission.
Although it remains a subcompact, the new Niro has grown from the previous version, and now has an overall length of 174 inches and a wheelbase of 107.1 inches.
Cargo capacity behind the rear seat has increased to 22.8 cubic feet.
Kia says the Niro has eight more cubic feet of passenger room and 50 percent more cargo space than the Tesla Model 3.
There is 6.3 inches of ground clearance.
Niro EV’S battery can be recharged from the 10 percent level up to 80 percent of full charge in about 45 minutes, using a DC fast charger. The 11kw onboard charger can recharge the Niro EV in under seven hours, using a Level 2 charger.
Charging it through a simple 120-volt residential power outlet can take up to 57 hours, however.
An optional heat pump and battery warmer help