2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line Electric SUV Review

Australians are buying electric vehicles in record numbers, with a 65 percent growth in sales in the last year. Kia has been riding the EV wave, having a cracker of a year with the critical success of its EV6 electric SUV. Last year Kia brought the first-generation Niro to Australia, an odd move considering the small SUV had been on sale since 2016 elsewhere. While the old Niro had a lot of positives, it was hard to escape that it was a five year old car which looked aged compared to the EV6. Luckily, Kia has released an all new version of the Niro, in both hybrid and electric guises. Is the 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line an improvement on the previous generation car? Let’s find out.

Is the new Niro a befitting smaller sibling to the EV6? We recently spent a week with range topping 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line, so read on to see if it’s a small electric SUV that’s worthy of your money. 

Price & Equipment: 6.5/10

There are two grades of the Kia Niro EV available in Australia: the base S and top-spec GT-Line. The base S model starts the lineup at $65,300 plus on-road costs (around $71,000 drive away, depending on location). The top-spec 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line with two tone paint that we tested is priced at $72,620 ($78,466.75 drive away in New South Wales). The only option available is a choice of colour – ‘Clear White’ is the only non cost colour, with ‘Mineral Blue’ (two tone), ‘Cityscape Green’ (two tone), ’Steel Grey’, ‘Aurora Black’, ‘Interstellar Grey’, ‘Runway Red’ and our test car’s ‘Snow White Pearl’ all attract a $520 premium. 

The equipment list is fairly comprehensive with 17 inch alloy wheels, auto all-LED lighting with auto wipers, keyless entry and start with remote start, summon and reverse through the key fob, eight-way power adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, artificial leather trim, auto-folding and heated side mirrors, a sunroof, a hands-free electric tailgate, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, four USB charging ports, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB radio and satellite navigation, a eight speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, Kia Connect remote functionality, an interior 240V household socket, and a vehicle to load (V2L) adaptor. 

Kia achieved a five-star ANCAP rating by equipping the Niro EV GT-Line with a substantial safety package including eight airbags (dual front, front centre, driver’s knee, front side and front/rear curtain), AEB (auto emergency braking) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, front and rear cross traffic alert and collision avoidance, multi-collision braking, reverse auto braking, lane keep and following assist, blind-spot collision warning and avoidance, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, safe exit assist, driver attention monitoring and alert, auto high beam, powered rear child-proof door locks, an ‘eCall’ system with an SOS button, a burglar alarm and rear occupant alert. 

In terms of what’s missing – we think at this price point a 360-degree parking camera, driver’s seat memory, rear heated seats and panoramic sunroof should be part of the package. 

Competing against the 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line is sister company Hyundai with the Kona Electric Highlander Extended Range, which is priced at $64,000 plus on-road costs (around $67,000 drive away, depending on location) and the Tesla Model Y RWD, which costs $72,300 RRP (around $75,000 drive away, depending on location). The Niro has considerably more equipment than the Kona, with a 240v household plug, vehicle to load adaptor, front fog lights, dual zone climate control, an extra USB port for rear passengers, an electric tailgate, summon and reverse through the remote, two additional airbags, multi collision braking, vehicle mobile connection for connected services and SOS e-call, reverse parking collision avoidance and front cross traffic alert and collision avoidance. The Kona on the other hand does feature heated rear (outbound) seats and an extra two ways of electric adjustment for the driver. 

The equipment match between the Model Y and the Niro is a bit closer – the Model Y boosts larger 19 alloys, a larger panoramic roof, extra two ways of power adjustment, an extra wireless phone charger, a larger infotainment screen, heated rear outbound seats, driver’s seat memory, a power adjustable steering column, remote car functions through the Tesla app, infotainment provided over mobile data through a SIM card, a 15 speaker sound system, sentry alarm mode, a comprehensive suit of apps in the infotainment system and an electronic data recorder. 

In return, over the Model Y, the Niro has an included 240v trickle charger, a vehicle to load adaptor, an interior 240v socket, a tyre repair kit, rear cross traffic alert and collision avoidance system, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, two additional airbags (front centre and knee), remote park assist (the Model Y needs a package for this), ambient mood lighting, AM radio, an instrument cluster, a head up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats and front fog lights. 

At over $11,500 more expensive than the Kona, the Niro EV GT-Line is pricey. Yes it has significantly more equipment, but we’re not convinced on its value for money. Things aren’t that much better when compared with the Model Y. While the price gap isn’t as great ($3,377.75 more) we feel it’s too much of a jump, given the Model Y is a much bigger car in every dimension. Even Kia’s own larger EV6, albeit in base Air trim, is priced barely $200 over the Niro EV GT-Line, again making the Niro a hard sell. 

Performance & Range: 8/10

Both models of the Niro EV feature a single motor electric drivetrain producing 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque, supported by a 64.8 kWh Li-ion Polymer battery that’s mounted under the floor. Kia quotes a 0-100km time of 7.8 seconds, and this feels about right. 

The Niro isn’t the fastest EV out there, but it’s more than capable and feels fast off the mark thanks to the instantaneous torque of the electric motor. Power is sent to the two front wheels by a single speed reduction gear setup. Highway performance is also good, with more than enough power to get up to speed and overtake when necessary. Drivers can also choose between the fairly self explanatory ‘eco’, ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ modes – eco dulling accelerator response to conserve battery power and sport enhancing it to give a more responsive feel. 

Kia quotes a range of 460km on a single charge by the WTLP testing standard. Due the logistics of charging the Niro in our week with it, we weren’t able to test the range in a single charge, however based on the battery consumption figures we achieved through a range of city and highway driving, 460km of a single charge should be entirely achievable.

The Niro EV supports charging at a range of speeds. AC charging is supported up to 11kW. With the included household outlet trickle charger, 0-100 percent takes 27 hours and 30 minutes, with a 7kW EVSE charger, 9 hours and 25 minutes and at the maximum supported 11kW EVSE charger – 6 hours and 20 minutes. Fast DC charging is supported up to 350kW through the CCS Combo2 port and with a 350kW charger, a 0-80 percent charge takes 43 minutes. 

Ride & Handling: 8/10

The 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line is a completely new car, sitting on the Hyundai-Kia K3 platform, which is also found doing duty in the current Hyundai i30 sedan. While not a dedicated EV platform, the K3 platform was designed with EVs in mind. The floor mounted battery helps with keeping a low centre of gravity which is of benefit to the Niro EVs handling, as does the suspension and steering tuning provided by Kia Australia for local conditions and preferences. 

As a result, the Niro feels safe and planted on the road and holds its own around corners, which is what we think most buyers would want – this isn’t a performance car after all. The weight of the batteries can definitely be felt, so the Niro doesn’t exactly feel nimble all time time. We felt the steering to be weighted quite well which fairly accurate experience, albeit a bit lacking in feedback. While we felt that some drivers might find the steering slightly on the heavier side, but in tighter urban settings we found the steering to lighten up enough to make manoeuvring in and out of parking spots an easy task. 

The ride quality of the Niro EV is generally quite good. While definitely on the firmer side, the Australian tuned suspension is good at absorbing most irregularities that the road throws at it, keeping things comfortable for the driver and passengers. Road noise is suppressed well, an impressive feat for any electric car given the absence of a petrol engine to mask sound intrusion. At higher speeds tyre roar does become noticeable, but it’s more than acceptable. 

Kia allows drivers of the Niro EV to select between differing levels of braking regeneration. The highest level is coined ‘i-Pedal’, and essentially allows for one pedalled driving as the regenerative braking level is so high – it’s also the most energy efficient mode. The lowest level feels quite natural, with only minimal braking which would suit drivers of ICE cars. The range of options available means that most drivers will be able to find a setting they are comfortable with it.

Interior & Practicality: 9/10

Step inside the 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line and you’ll find an interior reminiscent of its big brother, the EV6. While not quite as futuristic, it’s still interesting, modern and well thought out space filled with technology. We particularly like the sleek single panel design linking the infotainment screen with the driver’s display, the modern sculptured shape of the front seats and headrests and also the angled dash design with blue patterned lines on the passenger side. 

Material quality throughout the Niro was generally acceptable with soft touch materials on most common touch points. However while the design was interesting throughout, we did feel that the range of scratchy hard plastics and other sub-par materials didn’t befit the near-$80,000 price tag. The fake leather upholstery while interesting to look at and comfortable to sit on could have definitely been of higher quality. That being said like most of its recent cars, Kia has done well with the switchgear throughout the Niro – it is of high quality, giving great tactile feedback when used. 

Storage throughout the cabin is average for the category, with a reasonable centre console storage box and glovebox, drink holders in the centre console and bottle holders in the door pockets. The wireless charging space under the dashboard in the centre console provides a handy place to stow a phone. Rear passengers have map pockets and door pockets as well. 

Up front, the driver and passenger seats are comfortable and fairly well bolstered with the added bonus of heating and ventilation  making them a pleasant place for longer stints behind the wheel. The eight ways of electric adjustment combined with steering adjustment make finding a comfortable driving position easy.  

Speaking of infotainment, it is handled through a centre mounted 10.25 inch touchscreen display. Offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB/FM/AM radio and satellite navigation amongst other features, the screen itself is in typical Kia fashion, fantastic. The resolution is high and the refresh rate makes everything look great. Kia’s software is also fresh, easy to use and very fluid, making the screen a joy to use. 

Sound is delivered to occupants by an eight speaker Harmon/Kardon system, which is acceptable but not fantastic – clarity is good and the bass was acceptable, however we would expect more in a car of this price range. Camera quality for the reversing camera is very crisp – though we wish it was a 360-degree surround view unit for this price.

Moving into the second row, the space on offer is good for an SUV of this size. Most adults can very comfortably fit on the two outbound seats, with good leg, knee and headroom. Seat comfort for the outbound seats is also quite good. Putting a third adult in the middle seat is a bit of a stretch, as while headroom is good the seat base quite narrow which limits hip room and leg room – it’s also not very supportive. As a result we would say the rear seat is good for occasional use by three adults, but more realistically two adults or three children. Rear seat occupants have two USB-C ports to share in addition to air vents. 

With all seats in place, the 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line has a 475-litre boot, which is good for this sized SUV. When the rear seats of the Niro are folded, this space expands to 1,392L. The space itself is fairly spartan, but there is extra room below the floor. There is also addition storage space in the front ‘frunk’ under the bonnet. Under the boot floor is a tyre repair kit – unfortunately like most EVs sold in Australia, the Niro EV lacks a spare tyre of any type.

Service & Warranty: 9.5/10

The 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line must be serviced every 12 months or 15,000kms (which ever comes first). Capped price servicing for the first seven years costs $1754 in total, which averages out to a little over $250 each year. Hyundai has the same 12 months/15,000km service intervals, but servicing over the first seven years costs a little more at $1815, or a bit over $259 each year. Tesla doesn’t specify servicing for the Model Y, instead various consumable parts such as brakes are replaced as need be.

Kia gives the Niro EV GT-Line a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, except for the EV battery, which is covered for seven years/150,000km. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y receives a lesser four-year/80,000km of warranty coverage, though battery and drive unit coverage beats the Kia by a year with eight years/192,000km of coverage. The Hyundai Kona Electric Highlander gets a five year/unlimited km warranty, which extends to eight years/160,000 kilometres for the battery.

Kia includes twelve months of roadside assistance, which is extended by a year for each time a service is undertaken at a Kia dealership, for the first seven services. Hyundai matches this exactly with the Kona Electric Highlander, but the free roadside assistance can be extended an extra two years over Kia, to ten years. Tesla includes four years of free roadside assist with the Tesla Model Y. 

The 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line DiscoverAuto Rating: 8.2/10

Kia has undoubtedly created a great small electric SUV with the 2022 Kia Niro EV GT-Line, that’s far more modern than its predecessor. The interior is well thought out, modern and even a bit futuristic, but not in a way that would scare off drivers coming from traditional ICE-based vehicles. The new Niro is pleasant to drive with more acceptable performance, it has enough real world battery range to alleviate range anxiety concerns for many city based drivers and it feels just like a normal SUV to drive. 

Despite all the positives, it’s the price which gets in the way of the Niro being a great all-rounder EV. The Niro just doesn’t have the equipment or a level of luxury to be priced above larger EV alternatives such as the Tesla Model Y and even Kia’s own larger EV6. But even though we think it costs too much, if buyers can look past the wallet shock, the Niro EV GT-Line is still well worth a look as it’s otherwise a great all-rounder.