Used Kia e-Niro 2019-2022 review

The Kia e-Niro might not look like a revolution, but it was one of the first pure electric cars that was both offered at a reasonable price and came with a terrific range. It emerged from the first-generation 2018-2022 Kia Niro, an otherwise humdrum-looking SUV that sparkled by offering three choices of power: a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and this purely electric car.

Now replaced by the updated Kia Niro EV, this fully electric version shares all the good features of the regular Niro, in that it's a reasonable size outside yet impressively roomy inside, yet it comes with a range that will embarrass many more expensive electric cars.

Performance & Range: In our Real Range test, the 64kWh version – there's also a 39kWh one – achieved 253 miles in real-world use – a great figure for a family-sized electric car and one rivalled only by its slightly smaller cousin, the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Opt for '3' or '4+' trim and you'll get that 64kWh battery and a 201bhp electric motor – we clocked the e-Niro going from 0-60mph in 6.5sec. Okay, that’s still not Tesla Model 3 quick, but it's still pretty rapid, nonetheless.

Ride & Handling: On the road, the e-Niro doesn't handle in a particularly exciting way, but body lean is well controlled and steering is reasonably crisp and responsive. And while the ride is a little stiff around town – you’ll want to avoid versions with bigger wheels, which exacerbate the problem – it smooths out nicely on the motorway to deliver plenty of long-distance comfort.

If anything, the all-electric e-Niro actually handles more confidently and rides better than its hybrid siblings, due to its weight being concentrated further down.

Interior & Practicality: Inside, you’ll find there’s loads of space in both the front and rear seats. This version has to make do with a shallower boot, because space below the floor is taken up with the battery, but this at least gives it a load lip that’s flush with the boot floor, making it very easy to load heavy boxes.

While the dashboard isn’t exactly the most stylish in the world, it all feels reasonably classy, with slick, easy-to-use controls and one of the most intuitive touchscreen infotainment systems out there.

In 2019 the Niro range received a facelift, with a new front and rear design including daytime LED running lights, tweaked bumpers and updated wheel trims. The interior is updated, too, with a new dashboard design and larger infotainment screens.

Also new on this revised Niro is Kia’s UVO Connect Services. Mimicking many premium manufacturers’ take on ‘live’ connected services, the Niro can now provide real-time information on the traffic and the weather. There’s a downloadable smartphone app, too.

Trims & Equipment: There's a choice of three trim levels on the e-Niro, and all are relatively well equipped. Entry-level '2' has single-zone climate control, privacy glass, part-leather seats, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, 16in alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and keyless entry, but it’s available only with the lower-capacity 39kWh battery.

Meanwhile, '3' trim has the 64kWh battery which is quicker, has a much longer range, is better to drive and gets an upgraded infotainment system and a powered driver's seat, but that's not all. It also adds full leather seat trim, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. '4+' trim is even more lavish, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a sunroof included.

Interested in buying a used Kia e-Niro? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You can buy a used Kia e-Niro for around £13,000 and, for the money, expect a 2019/'20 car – likely a 64kWh example in First Edition trim. Up your budget to around £15,000 to £19,000 if you fancy a 2022 example.

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Charging: You can charge the battery using a Type 2 cable (included as standard from new) from a regular 7kW home wall box. A 0-100% charge takes around 6hrs for the 39kWh and just over 10hrs for the 64kWh. From a 50kW public CCS charger – the kind you find at motorway service stations – a 10-80% charge takes about 1hr for both battery sizes. If you can find a 100kW charger, that time is cut to circa 45mins, but the e-Niro's maximum charging rate isn't as quick as that of some of its newer rivals – or a Model 3's, and Tesla's supercharging network is far superior to anything else out there.

Servicing: Kia’s servicing costs are very reasonable, too, and you can save further with one of Kia’s service plans, which allow you pre-pay for a batch of annual services in one go, but at discounted prices.

Road tax: No e-Niro will have cost more than £40,000 when it was new, so, at present, you won't have to pay any road tax costs. Find out more about road tax costs here.

If you live in London, you’ll also find the e-Niro qualifies for exemption from the Congestion Charge and current Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fee.

Reliability

The Kia e-Niro and Niro EV successor have exceptional reliability, as noted in our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. Owners are particularly satisfied with the trouble-free performance of the electric battery and motor.

While there have been a few mentions of minor electrical issues, notably with the infotainment system, Kia's dealer network has been highly effective in addressing any concerns. Dealers are praised for their prompt, efficient service and excellent communication, significantly reducing inconvenience for owners. Kia's warranty also proved a highlight.

Discover more about used Kia e-Niro reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

We recommend '3' trim. Why? Well, we've already mentioned that the 64kWh battery has a much longer range, is better to drive and gets an upgraded infotainment system and a powered driver's seat, but that's not all. It also adds full leather seat trim, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. '4+' trim is even more lavish, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a sunroof included, but it's as pricey as the Tesla Model 3.

Our favourite Kia e-Niro: e-Niro 64kWh 3

The Hyundai Kona EV is another great electric car. While the rival Kia e-Niro is the better choice for families due to being more practical and providing greater ride comfort, the Kona is still a hugely impressive EV in its own right. What's more, it is less expensive to buy than the e-Niro and the Kona goes farther on a full charge, too.

The Nissan Leaf is a well-equipped car that’s also good to drive and easy to live with. You'll get good performance, it's easy to live with, there's loads of standard kit and it's cheaper to buy than the expensive e-Niro.

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Interested in buying a used Kia e-Niro? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.