Tesla Model Y vs Kia Niro EV

How does the Telsa Model Y compare to the Kia Niro EV now that I have driven my Niro for over 2 years? In this video I show you a side-by-side comparison as well as my impressions on acceleration, handling, and road noise, among other things. The Tesla Model Y was on my want list when I ordered my Niro EV in 2018, but it was not available at the time, so this video is a great way for me to explore and share what I missed and did not miss.

A big thank you to Patrick Beauchamp for letting me use his Model Y to make this video, I really appreciate it.

===== EV-olution Links =====

2021-07-04 UPDATE: The Standard Range Model Y may come back! This article gives hope that Tesla will offer the well priced Model Y SR everywhere in the future.
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CREDITS:

00:00 Intro
00:19 Version of the Y
00:52 Side by side
02:02 Overhangs
02:46 Trunk and storage comparison
05:57 Rear passenger room
06:53 The amazing roof
07:32 Charge port
08:09 Frunk and 12V battery
10:01 The driver seat
11:34 How does it drive?
12:51 Road noise impression
14:12 Acceleration
15:32 Handling
16:41 Did you know?
17:51 What I think of the Y
19:03 Things I don’t like
20:46 Bloopers

[rsheppydog]

Just traded my 2018 Niro PHEV in and picked up my 2020 Niro EV yesterday. It was brought from another dealership and they had to put about 120 miles on my car to get it there and after I drove it for a few errands and got it home it was at 65%. After giving it a full charge on a level 2 unit it listed its range at 289. I drove it 26 miles today while using regen 3 in eco mode and it was showing 273 miles left. Thought that was very impressive. I very much appreciate your channel and can say it helped influence me to go full EV as range anxiety was keeping me from doing this. Thank you for all your hard work and great reviews as it was very valuable in my decision.

[mikeberger]

Good review! I got my Kia Niro EV for $28, 500 after tax rebate out the door. My friend just got the long range Tesla Y for just under $60k out the door. For the price 13 cu ft of storage 1 foot of room and 90 miles more on a charge to me wasn't worth more than $30k or 2x the price. These 2 cars are in a different class. Please explain that while you are sitting in the extra trunk space next time.

You due do a good job with all the details in your review. Ty You are the first youtuber I am a subscriber to. Keep it up

[camrodger]

When I first got my MY I was having a difficult time with the lack of buttons. For instance, opening the glove box. But I quickly realizes that almost everything can be done by voice control. Press the right button on the steering wheel and say open glove box. No need to stretch across the car, spill your ice coffee, and search with your fingers for the small latch to eventually open the glove box. Or say open hatch, or open frunk, or open charge port, or turn on drivers seat warmer to medium…..you get the point. Almost no need to ever take your eyes off the road. Also, every switch that is deleted removes three points of potential failure….the micro switch within the switch, and a wiring connector on either end of the wire connecting the switch to the ECU. Thanks for another great video.

[dimitripolzin]

Nice video, thanks. Niro was among the first electrical SUV cars. Discret, economic in that category (~1600kg for 64 kWh). Clever design, very efficient. Wouldn't change my mind nowadays, especially when i have to drive and park in town.

[FancyaBevMate]

If only we could get the model Y at Niro prices here in the UK. The Niro is readily available at around £30, 500 with a good discount making the Niro at least £15, 000 cheaper and that simply cannot be ignored. I'd love the Y but as I'm a taxi driver here in the UK (currently running a 2018 leaf for work) my next BEV would have to be the Niro. Cheers

[ingolfurarnar]

One of the things I like THE MOST about my Niro EV are all the physical buttons in the cockpit. I like to be able to do things with a push of a button. Not looking for everything in a menu on a screen. That would drive me NUTS and I'd probably sell the car soon.

Like the a/c and radio and stuff. Seat heater and heating of the steering wheel. Yeah I just like my most common buttons within grasp 👍

[scotmurray]

Thanks Andre! I'm in my Niro for the long haul, but it's good to see this! By the time I retire the Niro, I know my shopping options will really be wide open.

[JoeL-zxtl]

Hands-down I believe the Kia Niro EV beats the Tesla overall. I think my next vehicle will be a Hyundai ionic five EV . The Kia EV6 it’s just not my cup of tea for the price. Great video thanks for the comparison.

[dmysterio]

I got my 2020 Niro EV Plantnum yesterday and I love it. It was very easy at Kia and told me everything I needed to know about the Kia. It's been a few hours and I can't wait to drive it.

[peterbodifee]

HI Andre, I am with you 100%. If the Model Y was an option at the time when the Niro EV hit the Canadian shores (Apr 2019) I may have picked the Model Y (the Model 3 was too small for me). However I am still very happy with the Niro, don't regret the decision not to wait, and probably going to keep it for many more years. BTW I rather have a few buttons more ;-) then a few too little.

[ChrisBuschPrime]

Great video Andre! I love my Niro EV but I'm watching the EV6 very closely...

[crzprgrmmr]

Great comparison, thanks from an e-niro owner!

[EVBrief]

Great detailed comparison Andre! Thanks for bringing this to those of us who can't get the Model Y yet!

[nealm]

Good comparison thanks. The e-Niro is a great car and I love mine but its last generation and not designed from the ground up as an EV. A fairer comparison to the Model Y would be the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 which I think will provide stiffer competition for the Model Y

[pauldodd]

Another great personal perspective video Andre. Wait for the EV6.

[mikehedrick]

Nice comparison of the two vehicles. Availability of vehicle choices is a deciding factor when the need arises for a purchase for me. I still like all of the buttons in my Niro EV and I prefer the dash layout, gauges, and the display of the Niro. I plan on keeping my Niro EV for a few more years as I am very satisfied with it and it has met my expectations. A rolling cover for a large glass roof top would be my preference. I’m sure there will be many more choices in a year or two. André, I really appreciate your videos!!!

[gelu]

Very much looking forward to your videos later this year.

I'm looking hard at the next generation cars such as the ID4, ioniq 5 and ev6, but the price is a bit high for me. A niro in 2022 should in theory be a decent amount cheaper, and I'd love to know if the differences of the next Gen are worth it.

[marcgrondin]

About the charge-port not closing the same way you can open it : is somewhat counter-intuitive. My wife tends to force it down although I tell her not to : it will close itself after X seconds, or you can from the menu on the left in Park mode.

[stephenclay]

Hi. I’m in agreement with you on the modal y. On lack of service centres and the buying process.

[gforce]

Great comparison, Andre! Just got my first EV, a Model 3 SR+ and I love it. Amazing drive!