2022 Kia Niro EV vs. 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Comparison

Joining its hybrid- and gasoline-powered brothers, the 2022 Kia Niro EV is a sporty little electric SUV with 239 miles of range. Let’s see how it compares against the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4.

2022 Kia Niro EV

2022 Kia Niro EV Starting Price: $39,990 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Great range; quick; cargo space.

Below Average: Expensive; front-drive only; interior not what you’d expect for the money.

Consensus: A great choice for an entry-level EV, the 2022 Kia Niro EV boasts SUV utility and 239 miles of range. It’s rather expensive; however, the high sticker is somewhat offset by the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4

2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Starting Price: $39,995 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: 260-mile range; optional all-wheel drive; 2,700-pound towing capacity; great standard safety features.

Below Average: Heavy; no spare tire; no volume knob for the stereo.

Consensus: A brand-new compact crossover EV, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is comfortable, practical, and boasts a 250-mile range. Weight keeps it from being the sportiest member of the segment, but the interior is quiet and comfortable.

Niro EV vs. ID.4: SUV Practicality with Electricity

Kia Niro EV

Kia’s small SUV is available as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and now as an EV as well. With nearly 240 miles of range, the 2022 Kia Niro EV is an impressive vehicle, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Good low-end torque makes it fairly quick, but due to the extra weight of the batteries, its handling is not quite as spry as its hybrid brother. All Niro EVs are front-wheel drive only.

Inside, the 2022 Niro EV is comfortable and spacious, although considering its $40,000 price tag, we would expect the materials to be a bit nicer and the design a bit less plain. Passenger room is good in the rear, and it offers 53 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded.

Standard equipment includes remote start, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a combination of cloth and SynTex for the upholstery. It also boasts 60/40 split-folding rear seats, wireless charging, and a 10.25-inch screen with navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and standard Harmon Kardon premium audio system.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

The Premium trim adds a sunroof, faux leather throughout, and ventilated front seats. While the 2022 Kia Niro EV is expensive, it qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit as well as local EV incentives.

Volkswagen ID.4

As part of a growing trend, Volkswagen is betting big on EVs, and the 2022 ID.4 is the first of the company’s EVs to come to the U.S. The base model is rear-wheel drive, with a rear-mounted electric motor making 201 horsepower and giving the ID.4 250 miles of range. An all-wheel-drive variant has motors in both axles and makes 295 hp but the range is reduced to 230 miles.

Acceleration is smooth rather than spritely, perhaps owing to the ID.4’s considerable weight, although a Sport mode offers a bit more punch. Mostly the crossover is focused on comfort, with a very quiet cabin that’s well insulated from the outside and features a smooth ride. Properly equipped, the ID.4 can tow up to 2,700 pounds.

Inside, the interior is minimalist but spacious, with ample space for four and a usable 33 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats that expands to 64 with them folded. Unlike many of its EV competitors, however, the ID.4 does not have storage in what would normally be the engine compartment in front.

Standard features include heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and 10-inch touchscreen. Also included are several driver-assist and safety features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert, among others.

Not only does the ID.4 qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit, but ID.4 owners get three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America fast chargers, which can bring the battery to 80 percent in about 40 minutes.

Similarities

Starting price; range; charging time.

2022 Kia Niro EV Advantages

Longer warranty; MPGe; torque.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Advantages

Cargo space; rear legroom; optional all-wheel drive.

Which One is Right for Me?

We’re impressed with the Niro in all its forms, and the 2022 Kia Niro EV is no different. It’s small, practical, and relatively quick. Coming with Kia’s long warranty, the Niro EV is a great choice for an electric SUV.

A little bit more versatile, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a bit more luxurious in its interior materials and quality, and it’s available with all-wheel drive. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an electric with a quiet and refined cabin and the practicality of an SUV.

Ready to buy a Kia Niro EV or Volkswagen ID.4? Shop for one on sale now near you

Keyword: 2022 Kia Niro EV vs. 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Comparison