Hybrid and EV technology continues to innovate the automotive industry in a big way. Kia is one of many manufacturers offering vehicles with battery power. The Kia Niro is one such EV contender that routinely receives critical praise. Even Good Housekeeping has nice things to say about this small SUV. In fact, the popular consumer magazine didn’t have a critical word about this electric crossover.

Which cars do GH’s engineers consider the best?

Good Housekeeping compiled a ranking of the best electric cars for 2021. Based on what engineers had to say, along with sentiments from their friends at Car and Driver, these assessments can help you decide which electric vehicles should make your must-see list.

There are seven winners in this Good Housekeeping best-of list. The best EV sedan is Tesla Model 3, while Polestar 2 earns the top spot in the luxury sedan category. Other models considered the best in their respective segments include Chevy Bolt EV, Audi E-Tron, Mustang Mach-E, and Volvo XC40 Recharge. But some of the most impressive comments came for the Kia Niro EV as the best electric subcompact SUV.

Why the 2021 Kia Niro is so special

According to Kia, the Niro EV earns a robust 239-mile range on a full charge and offers all the roomy spaciousness and comfort you’d expect from Kia. This crossover is just as versatile as its gas-powered counterparts and harnesses 291 ft-lb of torque, making it super fun to drive.

Good Housekeeping’s review says there’s plenty to love about the Kia Niro, including its super-affordable pricing of $39,090. Other standout features include heated front seats, DC fast charging capability, and a hefty menu of standard driving aids. The Kia Niro also earned points for having a battery heater and heat pump as part of the available Cold Weather Package. This means consumers who live in colder climates have added efficiencies for preserving and using the Niro’s batteries.

GH had nothing bad to say about this electric crossover

In weighing the potential pros and cons of the Kia Niro, you certainly won’t find any harsh criticism from Good Housekeeping. While the reviews of the other electric vehicles on this best-of list feature pluses and minuses for each, the Kia Niro only seems to earn praise. The only real setback for this EV crossover might be one shared by Consumer Guide, indicating the Niro doesn’t come with an all-wheel drive variation.

Not having a bad thing to say about the Kia Niro is a big deal. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, in-house experts drive thousands of miles while testing the vehicles they review. The evaluators perform assessments on comfort, ride quality, fuel economy, noise, and handling while sampling country roads, highway driving, and city traffic.

The team then ranks vehicles on the feel and thrill associated with driving experience using those data-driven scores. They look at the position of cup holders and climb into second and third-row seating. It’s a more holistic approach to evaluating new vehicles. This allows Kia Niro’s review to carry a little more weight.

When it comes to selecting your next EV crossover, you should consider test driving the Kia Niro. It continues to rank well among the critics, including the teams at Good Housekeeping. And you might find yourself residing in the same camp and without a bad thing to say about the Kia Niro at all.