2026 Kia Niro EV Expert Review
Reviewed by Zach Gale
As Kia's EV lineup continues to grow, will there be room for the Niro EV? The current Niro EV is still offered alongside hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niro variants that share the same versatile body.
Should the 2026 Kia Niro EV return to the U.S., it’s prime competitors will include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model 3.
What’s New
Few changes are expected for the 2026 Kia Niro, but the 2027 model may have updated styling and upgraded interior tech.
The big question is whether the Niro EV will remain in Kia’s lineup or if the Kia EV3 (small electric SUV) or EV4 (small electric sedan) will take its place as an affordable electric car.
What We Think
The Kia Niro EV makes a sensible entry point for those new to electric vehicles, offering solid build quality, a well-organized cabin, and a hatchback design that adds everyday practicality. Its powertrain offers more grunt and polish than either of the other Niro powertrains (though it’s not especially torquey like many EVs).
The biggest problem with the 2026 Niro EV is that since this model originally debuted, the Chevrolet Equinox EV arrived with more range at a far more affordable price.
As for the Kia, it's packed with standard features and sized well for city driving. Limiting appea is its occasionally firm ride, modest performance, and slow charging speed.
Though its range is adequate for daily use, the Niro EV struggles to stand out against more affordable and more capable electric options, leaving it without a competitive advantage.
A price cut could strengthen the Niro EV’s draw, but we’re just as curious for the electric model’s viability given the incoming arrival of the EV4.
As the older model on older architecture, the Niro EV may not be long for this world.
MotorTrend Tested
The Niro EV’s single-motor FWD electric powertrain produces 201 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. It’s enough to accelerate the Niro EV to 60 mph in a MotorTrend-tested 6.5 seconds. That makes it quicker than the Niro PHEV or standard Niro hybrid models.
EV Range and Charging
Every pre-2026 Niro EV comes equipped with a 64.8-kWh battery, which delivers an estimated driving range of 253 miles. Its maximum charging speed of 85 kW lags behind the faster 150 kW and 350 kW DC fast chargers commonly found at public stations, making recharge times longer than many competitors. Expect these figures to carry over to 2026.
To put this another way, the less expensive Chevrolet Equinox EV has a 307-319 mile range depending on trim, and a maximum charge rate of 150 kW.
Kia’s Newer Electric Cars
Should the Niro EV retire, consumers looking for another all-electric Kia will have a good selection to choose from. The brand might be a little more advanced in its EV adoption plans than some other carmakers, already offering the larger EV6 crossover and EV9 three-row SUV and revealing even more are in the pipeline.
The next wave of Kia’s electric push should include the EV5, a two-row SUV that’s like the Sportage of electric crossovers.
The EV3 could be the likeliest replacement for the Niro EV, as it’s a small two-row ute. However, at this point, it’s unclear if the EV3 will arrive in the U.S.
The EV4 is a compact entry the U.S. will see in sedan form and, as part of the larger picture, illustrates Kia’s drive to legitimize the company’s EV prowess.
Safety Ratings and Features
Although the Niro EV hasn’t been safety rated, the 2025 Niro hybrid has been tested by NHTSA. In that government agency’s testing, the 2025 Niro only got four stars overall out of a possible five.
Driver assists should include two levels of blind-spot monitoring, the available more advanced version delivered with steering intervention.
Standard features:
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping
- A driver focus monitor
- Automatic high beams
- Traffic sign monitor
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear parking sensors
Self-parking should come with the higher trim level.
Technology
Look for the Niro EV’s dual 10.3-inch screens to return, one for the driver display and the other as an infotainment interface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be standard, as will remote start, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, rear AC vents, and rain-sensing wipers.
Six speakers are standard on the base model and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system comes with the upgrade. Phone-as-key, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are also available.
