Kia e-Niro 2021 in-depth review – Is one of the original EV SUVs still a good car? / Electrifying

It's been around since 2018 and was one of the first electric small SUVs on sale. In fact, it was one of the first in the new wave of electric cars that gave the Nissan Leaf a hard time, and even in 2021 the e-Niro makes a lot of sense.

It's surprisingly spacious inside, it's well-made, comes with a seven-year warranty and is very efficient. It's been updated since 2019 so is it still a good choice? Tom Ford finds out.

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[ivanbenstead]

I have a Eniro 4+ best car I’ve ever had. Range is brilliant, never been below 280 miles yet in 9 months.

[bettamc]

I bought mine in January 2020...mine was an informed decision. I had been researching for the 'right' EV for quite a number of years. My main concerns were a long enough range, a large enough boot storage in a compact format, and a look that is somewhat conservative and not too outrageous. I am extremely happy on all fronts. I also carry around several 6 foot tall boys to and from training sessions and they all remark how comfortable the back seat is. Brilliant car!!!

[rdaxthedog]

After 3 years I can say it’s the easiest car I’ve ever owned. Ultimately functional well built, solid and comfortable.

[williamtsoukalas]

I have a 2022 KIA E-Niro Ihave had it for about 2 months. I love it. I always use it in the economy mode. I don't have to prove anything when I drive so the economy mode is fine. I have been averaging about 270 miles per charge. I love all of the features in the car and the ride is very comfortable and handles well. very roomy inside. The best thing is that I have solar power at my home so It don't cost me a single penny to charge it. all of my neighbors love my car and a few of them are considering to buy one. I have been retired for three years so this fits me fine. even my car insurance was cheaper on this car because of all of the safety features and they know that around every 250 miles or so that you have to stop take a break while you charge the car.the only bad thing is that you don't get a jack or a spare tire. I checked with the service department at the dealership and their computer don't show one on the computer yet.I love that there is not much service needed on the car. and the car will send me an alert is there is any problem or when service is needed so I won't forget to bring it in for service. GREAT CAR LOVE IT

[KsiNixNie]

Another 'I've got one too and it's a great car' comment from me. But to add to that: my wife is not a fan of riding (she can drive but doesn't like it much) in any car. However, after a long trip this summer we went for a day trip a couple of days after and she said 'this really is a nice car. I don't mind travelling in it at all. It's so relaxing'. And that my friends, is the best compliment any car could expect to get from my better half.

[Jawlf]

I have an E Niro 4+ and love it. Best car I have had and my previous was an Audi Q5 S line! The word "Easy" is a great description of driving the car and I agree it is an easy 250 mile range but can do better if not on motorways. I am excited for the future and as you say, great cars are arriving and next years choice will be very different.

[saillife]

I love that its just a normal car, but electric. It doesn't shout anything from the rooftops, its not a driven i-pad, has lots of useful buttons. Yes it is practical and looks it. So what, I need a good family car not a fashion statement. This works and works well, great on long motorway stretches or in the city, this car simply delivers.

[SciFanSmith]

Had mine for a year now, love it more now than when I got it. Has been better than I expected or needed. I'm getting 260-280 miles per charge (4-4.5 miles/kW) easy depending on how aggressive I drive or if I run heatpump. Better, high quality interior than other EVs I test drove in its price point, e.g. Bolt, Leaf, Kona. Cost me $34k (usd) after tax rebate. Added a frunk to mine.

[kiae-nirodiariesencore]

A fair review of a car I have owned since March 2019. Ours was in the first batch to arrive in France and after 47, 000 km it has been a joy. Just got back from a 4 day trip to the Volcanoes national park in the Auvergne. Started at 100% charge this morning showing a range of 524 km...Mmm, unlikely you would think..but we covered 318 km getting home and showed 207 remaining and 46% SOC. It was autoroute most of the way at 30c, so A/C was working hard. It turned out to be yet another demonstration that in summertime this car has a real world range of 300 miles driven on autoroutes...OK, I don’t thrash it, tending to stick to between 100-115 km/h but then again I’m of a certain age, enough said. Where I would disagree slightly with the review is that ‘one pedal’ driving is possible using the auto regeneration function and adjusting from there. In the mountains this week I did some serious descents without using the brake pedal at all and creeping around in cities use the same technique. Having retired now this is a long termer for us and so far, so good.

[wobby]

I’ve the 4+ bought last December so I did get the £3500 government grant. I just done a fairly long trip with a mix of A roads & Motorway driving at or around 70mph. When I left home with a 100% battery the GOM stated range was 312 miles did 180 mile and the GOM said I’d 130 miles left on the GOM. That’s in my view pretty darn accurate as I was averaging 4.8 miles per kw. For me it’s got to be one of the best EVs on the road, not a head turner but a solid reliable, so far! Car.

[nigelpage]

I put a deposit down on a VW ID3. Then after months of no information on price, equipment and delivery date, I realised that VW had very serious software issues. I cancelled my order, and put down a deposit on a Kis E-Niro. Such a nice car to drive, and so far everything has worked. DC charging speed no higher that 77Kw/hr is an issue, but since 90% of my driving is using my home charger, it is not that important.

[carlstansfield]

Just bought a 2021 4+. Felt quite premium inside. Looking forward to using it more.

[racekar]

I bought a 2019 in 2020 as a leftover, great car. I commute 75 miles a day, 75 mph all the way, average 3.3 miles/Kw. I love the stealth aspect of the car, no one knows it’s electric, and the interior is like a real car, I hate the sterile interior of Tesla’s. In the USA we only get the 64 kw battery, and two trims, I have the basic, which is enough for me, since I use CarPlay all the time anyway. $7500 federal rebate, $2000 New York State rebate, it’s a great deal.

[BRID]

I’m just swapping my first edition for a new 4+ I like it so much.Absolute cracking Ev

[pbziegler]

As a photographer I shoot with a Fuji because I like dials and buttons, not menus. Test drove a Tesla and same conclusion. Went out and bought a Kia Niro EV. I love this car. The best car i have ever owned.

[georgehanson]

One of the very best middleweights around . In my almost forty years of motoring, never have I had the pleasure to witness such a VFM vehicle in the UK . This vehicle comes highly recommended, and when you consider the competition, at this price point, you will not be disappointed .

[zurab]

I got this bad girl in USA in 2020 and I absolutely love it. I use it for Uber and already have 100, 000 miles on it. With no visible loss of range. And no mechanical or electrical problems ever, but the suspension could have been softer. It has already saved me 12, 000 US dollars in cost of Gas or Patrol as you fancy Europeans call it. I am a big guy (over 300 LB) but I fit in this car better then my Tesla model Y. Most clients don't know that it's an EV and I Like it that way. EVs a politically thorny subject in US. PS we call it here Kia Niro EV

[fido]

Your best electrifying review Tom, seems like you've found your Jerry.

[johnminshall]

I’ve got a feeling this might be a hidden gem, and am seriously considering one of these e-Niro’s for my first EV.

[JohannesHuisman]

Great review, love your style and well timed jokes. You helped me decide what car to get!