Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a more popular option at the moment. More and more manufacturers are starting to compete in the EV race, especially as governments increase environmental regulations. Because of this, the 2022 model year is home to a variety of EVs from nearly every manufacturer under the sun, even companies who previously had no stake in the EV market, which brings us to the Kia Niro EV.

Based on recent announcements, the 2022 Kia Niro EV is looking to be a pretty solid entry in the Niro lineup. It’s basically the same as the 2021 Niro, but it does come with an aesthetic change as the company seeks to incorporate its new branding. Read on to learn more about the 2022 Niro, the new logo design, and some other changes the model adds.

Overview of the 2022 Kia Niro EV

The 2022 Kia Niro EV overall doesn’t add much from its previous model year, but it’s a pretty good EV nonetheless. According to Kia Media, the standard EX model will start at $39,990, while the EX Premium will start at $44,650. Currently, these are the only two versions of the model that will release. It comes with a 201-hp electric motor and a 64 kWh battery.

The 2022 Kia Niro EV also has an estimated range of 239 miles. While it’s not the best– some EVs on the market can reach ranges of well above 300 miles– it’s certainly not the worst. However, it does shine in terms of fuel economy, which is 105 MPGe.

New Kia logo design and badging

One of the 2022 Kia Niro EV’s main differences is the updated Kia logo design and badging. A new Kia logo is part of a rebranding effort that won’t be fully completed until 2025. Rather than having the Kia name in a relatively standard font, the logo looks more like a ‘K’ and a backward ‘N.’ It seems the company was trying to go for a more sleek and modern look than the old logo.

The logo so far has some mixed reception. Referring to the new logo, CNET stated, “Honestly, anything is a major improvement from the outgoing logo.” Others are a bit confused by it. According to Creative Bloq, a Reddit user commented about the new KM car brand going around until another poster commented that it was actually the new Kia logo. Another referred to it as a “fake car brand.” It seems that even if some drivers enjoy the design, others will need to get used to it.

No matter the reception, the new Niro EV is designed to reflect this Kia rebrand. You can find the new Kia logo prominently on the vehicle’s front, especially setting the 2022 Niro EV and its 2021 predecessor apart.

Additional changes the 2022 Kia Niro EV adds

Other than the branding change, the 2022 Niro EV did add a few quality of life improvements. Perhaps they aren’t so substantial that the 2021 Niro EV owners will rush out to buy it, but new buyers may prefer some of the changes. The model now has a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the 2021 Niro EV’s 8-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen also comes bundled with a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Harman Kardon speakers are well-known for excellent sound quality and are considered among the best sound systems in vehicles.

One they may not prefer is a slight price increase. The EX model is now $900 more expensive than the 2021 EX model. The EX Premium, however, remains at the same price. For new buyers of the EX, it depends on whether they’re willing to shell out $900 extra for a few minor features.