KIA NIRO 2021 REVIEW | EV, PHEV AND HYBRID SUVS TESTED | CHASING CARS

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Kia Niro range, particularly the EV Sport, is reviewed as a practical and efficient eco-SUV, though its arrival in Australia is noted as being somewhat dated, especially with the upcoming EV6. The reviewer highlights the interior as functional but aging, with the EV model featuring a more subdued cabin than its Hyundai Kona Electric counterpart. Practicality is a strong suit, with the electric version offering excellent rear-seat room and a generous boot space (451 liters), though lacking a spare tire. Running costs are favorable for the EV, with home charging estimated between $10-$20 for a full charge, and the plug-in hybrid offering around 45-50km of electric range for about $2. The driving experience is segmented: the standard and plug-in hybrids are described as functional but uninspiring, while the EV Sport is praised for its quick acceleration (150kW/395Nm) and composed handling due to its low center of gravity. However, the EV Sport's major drawback is its high price (over $70,000 on the road), making it difficult to justify against more affordable and sophisticated EVs like the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, despite the Niro EV's accurate real-world range. The reviewer concludes that the hybrid variant makes the most sense for its value and efficiency, while the EV is too expensive, and the plug-in hybrid is niche unless charging is consistently available.