- What is the best electric car on Consumer Reports?
- What kind of range does the 2022 Kia Niro Electric get?
- Is the 2022 Kia Niro Electric base model worth it?
- Does the Kia Niro Electric have any problems?
For a world so obsessed with electric cars, we sure don’t spend much time talking about anything other than Tesla or maybe Rivian. The truth is, there are plenty of electric cars buzzing around the world, and according to Consumer Reports, neither Tesla nor Rivian makes the best one. Kia is digging in deep to rebrand the Korean marque as a modern and sleek mostly-electric car company. Even still, it feels a little surprising to find that Consumer Reports ranked the 2022 Kia Niro Electric as the best electric car they’ve tested so far.
2022 Kia Niro EV | Kia America
What is the best electric car on Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports named the 2022 Kia Niro Electric the best electric car. The Niro EV scored an 88/100. For comparison, the Mustang Mach E came in second place with a score of 82/100. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 landed in fourth place with a 79/100.
In all the major categories like predicted reliability and customer satisfaction, the Kia Niro Electric crushed. 4/5s and 5/5s populate the rating sheet. The all-electric hatchback seems to have struck a perfect balance of comfort and style while still being modest and affordable within the segment. Solid range figures, practicality, and a strong list of creature comforts make the Kia Niro EV tough to deny.
What kind of range does the 2022 Kia Niro Electric get?
The Niro electric can travel an EPA-estimated 239 miles on a single charge. Considering the starting price of $39,090, this is pretty impressive. Consumer Reports draws the natural comparison to the closest rated Tesla, the Model 3, saying, “it has a more forgiving ride, a roomier interior, and easier-to-use controls.” They go on to say, “It also feels more refined and substantial than the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf.”
If the range and smooth ride weren’t enough to put some fizz in your drink, the Niro is also still an EV meaning snappy acceleration and soundless power, offer a thrilling ride. The Niro also has its massive battery positioned to keep the center of gravity low. The Kia Niro Electric can rip corners surprisingly well, thanks to this bit of engineering.
Is the 2022 Kia Niro Electric base model worth it?
Consumer Reports says that even the base Niro comes standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and advanced safety systems such as forward-collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure warning (LDW), blind-spot warning (BSW), and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW).
The higher trim models stack cash quickly but come with desirable features like leather seats, a sunroof, and heated and cooled front seats. Buyers in chilly climates can also add a heat pump that will help keep the cabin warm without quickly draining the battery and a battery heating system to speed up cold-weather charging.
Does the Kia Niro Electric have any problems?
Although Consumer Reports loved the electric Niro, they found a few sticking points. As of now, the Kia Niro offers only front-wheel drive. This FWD-only configuration could be seen as a flaw as AWD grows more popular. The rear seats are also said to be set too low.
Aside from those smaller annoyances, the only real downside to the 2022 Kia Niro Electric is that it takes nearly 10 hours to charge with a 204-volt charger.
Despite the long charging time, the 2022 Kia Niro seems to be a strong option for any drivers interested in crossing over into the EV space but for less investment than the trendy Rivians or Teslas.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Says the Best Electric Vehicle is a Kia