THE KIA NIRO TAKES ON THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST ELECTRIC CAR TEST - LOVELAND TRIALS EP.2

EV Channels Review

The Kia Niro EV undergoes the rigorous Loveland Trials, a challenging 77-mile uphill drive in Colorado. While the Niro EV demonstrates impressive range management, particularly on the descent where regenerative braking significantly offsets energy usage, its overall performance in this extreme test is mixed. The reviewer highlights the efficient cold weather package with its battery heater and heat pump, and praises the detailed EV data display and multiple regen modes, especially the one-pedal driving capability. However, the vehicle struggles with torque steer due to its front-wheel-drive setup and narrow tires, leading to a less engaging driving experience compared to some competitors. The charging speed is deemed too slow for the Loveland Trials' demanding scale, and the autonomous systems, while functional, are rated as basic Level 1. Ultimately, the reviewer finds the Niro EV's high MSRP (over $47,000) difficult to justify given its interior design and performance limitations, resulting in a low overall score.