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Are you interested in purchasing a 2022 Kia Niro? It’s a hybrid crossover that’s affordable, safe, and feels more expensive than it costs. Which is the most popular 2022 Kia Niro trim level? Is the most popular Niro model actually the best one available? We’ll look at which Kia Niro people are buying and what the experts recommend.

The 2022 Kia Niro EV is an EV crossover that is recommended by Consumer Reports
202 Kia Niro EV | Kia

According to KBB, the most popular 2022 Kia Niro is the EX Premium model. Furthermore, it comes with an impressively long list of standard equipment. Standard features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and a wireless phone charger make it a desirable option. Additionally, many safety features propel the EX Premium trim level to popularity.

Every 2022 Kia Niro EX Premium has a forward collision warning, lane-following assist, smart cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, etc. With safety features like these, it’s no wonder everyone wants the $33,245 model. It’s still very affordable, although it is roughly $8,000 more than the base model. Is it worth upgrading to the EX Premium trim level?

2022 Kia Niro crossover SUV driving down road, front 3/4
2022 Kia Niro | Kia

Firstly, Car and Driver recommends going with a cheaper, plug-in hybrid variant of the Niro. With the LXS PHEV trim level, owners get more estimated miles of electric range. Additionally, it comes standard with automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, leather-wrapped interior goodies, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. That’s a lot of value for a model that barely crosses $30,000 after destination fees.

Contrastly, the experts at Edmunds recommend the LXS Special Edition trim level. It comes with more convenient equipment than cheaper models without breaking the bank. For $28,845 after destination fees, the Niro LXS SE has a power driver’s seat, sunroof, partial leather upholstery, and more. Edmunds noted that the Touring SE trim would be its choice if not for the inferior fuel economy.

Why is everyone buying the 2022 Kia Niro EX Premium?

Advancing from the Touring SE trim level to the EX Premium adds a few things. Firstly, 16-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, and heated/ventilated front seats highlight the upper trim. Next, rear parking sensors and a cargo cover are included with each EX Premium model. That’s all there is, so why don’t customers go with something more affordable?

In short, heated and ventilated seats, plus a heated steering wheel, are some of the most popular features in vehicles. It doesn’t matter the model; customers are willing to pay for heated seats. Since the Niro EX Premium is the most affordable option to include those features, it’s likely a big selling point. Next, the price difference isn’t very much. Customers interested in the Touring SE model, for example, only need to spend another $2,000 to add all those extras.

White 2022 Kia Niro EV SUV parked
White 2022 Kia Niro EV | Kia

In conclusion, experts don’t recommend buying the most popular Kia crossover trim. While it’s a value-filled option with plenty to like, others are better. Customers are likely enticed by the slight price difference and added features, which is understandable. It’s hard to pass up excellent items like ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel for a few thousand extra dollars. However, more affordable options, and PHEV options, even increase efficiency. Experts like Car and Driver and Edmunds don’t recommend the most popular 2022 Kia Niro trim.

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Section Editor - SUVs

Tim Harding

Having spent half a decade managing the reconditioning and marketing processes for upwards of 400 vehicles monthly, Tim is no stranger to the automotive industry. He has a deep understanding of the many different types of vehicles on the road today and brings to the table valuable insight into the industry itself.

Tim earned an Associate’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing specialization from Ashford University. Tim joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021, and his work can also be seen at Gamepur, Overtime Heroics, and Pro Game Guides.

Tim is most inspired by the constantly changing automotive industry. He looks forward to a future when cars, particularly electric vehicles, look and operate completely differently than they do today. Tim’s content draws on this inspiration while also providing MotorBiscuit readers with useful consumer advice.