What Is the Cheapest Electric Kia SUV?
Electric vehicles can cost an arm and a leg. Even some of the most affordable electric vehicles start at over $40,000, which is unaffordable for many American drivers. What is the cheapest electric Kia SUV, and is it any good?
The cheapest electric Kia SUV is the Niro EV
If you’re after the cheapest Kia SUV that the brand has to offer, look no further than the 2024 Niro EV. The Kia Niro EV starts at just $39,600 before taxes and additional fees. Though this is a high price for a subcompact model, it’s affordable for an SUV with an electric powertrain system.
Drivers can choose between two configurations: the Niro EV Wind and the Niro EV Wave. The latter starts at $44,600.
Kia Niro EV specs
| Horsepower, Torque | 201 Horsepower, 188 LB-FT of Torque |
| Driving Range | 253 Miles |
| EPA Estimated MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) | 113 MPGe |
Kia Niro EV standard features
- Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop & go
- Lane-keeping, lane-following assist
- Driver attention warning
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Hill-start assist control
- Heated front seats
- SynTex and cloth seat trim
Is the Kia Niro EV a good electric SUV?
The 2024 Kia Niro EV has a decent power output and great driving range (assuming it can reach its max driving estimate of 253 miles). If drivers have access to home charging or a charging network in their community, the Niro EV has sufficient driving range.
Aside from performance specs, Kia’s electric subcompact SUV also comes with some great creature comforts and standard driver assistance/safety features. Heated front seats and SynTex/cloth seat trim make the subcompact SUV more comfortable. Additionally, its driver assistance features make it easier and safer to drive. So, ultimately, the Niro EV is a good electric SUV based on its performance specs and standard features. Its driving dynamics aren’t likely to wow any consumers, but that isn’t what you get a Niro for in the first place, right?
The Kia Niro EV is an electric version of one of the South Korean automaker’s most affordable and efficient nameplates. It’s ideal for shuttling around town and acting as a daily driver for those with relatively short daily commutes. The only thing that would make this electric SUV a sweeter deal would be federal electric vehicle tax credit availability (which is ambiguous at best).
Should you get the cheapest electric Kia?
There are plenty of benefits to getting the Kia Niro EV, but we’d be remiss not to mention a more exciting Kia electric model, and can you really blame us, Kia? The larger and pricier Kia EV6 is making a name for itself in its segment. Its personal brand is the sportier cousin of the practical and popular Hyundai Ioniq 5. If the Ioniq 5 proves that EV ownership is accessible to the average small family, then the EV6 proves that EV ownership doesn’t have to be boring.
The 2023 Kia EV6 Light RWD starts at $42,600. It’s praised for its bold exterior design, engaging driving dynamics, and refined cabin. The EV6 isn’t the cheapest electric Kia, but it’s the electric Kia that’s worth the most consideration.
