I DRIVE THE FRESHLY UPDATED KIA NIRO EV FOR THE FIRST TIME! NEW STYLING, GOOD ADAS, BUT NOT E-GMP

EV Channels Review

Max Patton provides a comprehensive first drive of the updated 2023 Kia Niro EV, highlighting its significant styling refresh and improved interior technology. While praising the smooth, quiet ride and advanced driver-assistance systems, particularly the Highway Driving Assist 2, Patton notes the vehicle's limitations. The Niro EV remains front-wheel drive only, a packaging compromise stemming from its shared platform with hybrid variants, which could impact traction. Furthermore, it does not utilize the dedicated E-GMP platform found in more premium Kia EVs like the EV6, suggesting a less advanced architecture. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer found the EV powertrain to be a substantial improvement over the hybrid, offering a more responsive driving experience. The interior's sustainable materials and modern tech, including a dual-screen setup and heads-up display, are significant draws. The key questions for the Niro EV remain its pricing and whether Kia can maintain a compelling value proposition against its own EV6, especially given its slower charging and FWD configuration.