2019 Kia NIRO EV EX: Engineered to be Safe, Sturdy, and Stylish

2019 Kia NIRO EV EX

© PHOTO BY SCOTT TILLEY

The crossover SUV is the next generation electric vehicle that doesn't look or act like an EV.

When it comes up in conversation that I'm an auto journalist, I invariably get questions about the viability of the electic vehicle market. People always bring up a first generation EV or the most popular EV; but beyond those, they are hard pressed to name the next generation of up-and-coming EVs. This week, I had what I would consider one of those up-and-coming elctric vehicles as my press loan. In full disclosure, I have not been a fan of the whole EV concept from the start. In my opinion, many of the early EVs that were released looked like cheap windup toys waiting for the spring to pop.

Now my skepticism about the EVs has deep roots based on vehicles from a bygone era. I lived through the era of the first 4-cylinders that had an acceleration of a turtle running through mud. I'm a Midwest guy that loves fast cars with loud headers and sexy body lines; but over time, I became convinced that there is a place for those 4 cylinders. When you look at the 4 cylinder, it has become one of the most reliable motors for some of the top-selling cars in the world. What I learned about the evolution of the 4-cylinder is that it's not always the early bird that gets the worm, it's the second mouse that gets the cheese. When it comes to new technology or technology concepts, the first to production is not necessarily always the best. Think about the first internet web browser, the first employment job board, or the first Edsel. Heck, Edsel isn't even in my spellchecker. Sometimes it's better to take the time to get something right than to be the first. I believe that is what Kia has done with the NIRO EV.

The NIRO name is probably new to many people here in the United States. It was designed in Frankfurt, Germany, by former Audi TT engineer Peter Schreyer. The NIRO debut was as a hybrid concept crossover at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, and then had its North American debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. In 2018, Kia launched the NIRO electric version (EV) at the International Electric Vehicle Expo in Korea.

Elephant in the Room

The one question I am always asked when discussing any EV is, What is the driving range?? That is a good and important question, but what people new to the EV world forget to follow up with is, How long does it take to recharge? The NIRO EV has a state-of-the-art liquid-cooled 65K\kWh lithium ion polymer battery which is to say simply that the battery works with an electric motor to produce 201 horsepower with 291 lb-ft of torque. The range for the NIRO has been certified to go 239 miles (or roughly 123 MPGe for you petro traditionalists).

This battery also has a quick charge capability of 100 miles in 30 minutes or 80% charged in 75 minutes. You could run to the grocery store; and while you are shopping, your NIRO will get a quick 100 mile recharge. You could also spend a couple hours at a sporting event or even the mall and be fully charged to make a run again.

Styling and Comfort

As I said earlier, I was not a big fan of early EVs because of the cheap frail look they projected, but with 17” alloy wheels, full-size doors for easy entrance, a power sunroof with sunshade to give the feel of more cabin space, leather front seats that are heated and ventilated, and roof racks for styling, the 5-door NIRO looks safe, sturdy, and well put together for any type of adventure you would do with the NIRO hybrid version. If you took a walk through any large mall or corporate parking lot trying to spot EVs, you would probably mistake the NIRO EV pretty much every time, and that's a good thing in my book.

For techno geeks, the NIRO comes standard with 8” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone integration, Bluetooth wireless technology and wireless phone charging. To enjoy your personal playlists, the sound system has an upgraded Harmon Kardon premium system with a subwoofer. One of the options was a place in the center console area for convenient storage of sizeable items such as a purse which is accessible for the passenger as well the driver.

Cargo Storage

For owners making day trips to favorite hiking or biking trails, the EV has plenty of space to seat four adults as well as plenty of hiking or biking gear because of the EV battery location. But if you are someone who needs more space for a two-person weekend trip, the rear seats have 60/40 folding potential as well.

If you are someone who is looking to be more responsible with your carbon foot print or just looking for an economical way to commute to work or enjoy your weekend adventures, but don't want to give up premium comfort and styling, consider heading to a KIA dealer and ask to drive Niro EV EX Premium. The starting MSRP for a baseline NIRO EV is $38,500; and the NIRO I had for the week was EX Premium with a MSRP $47,155. Now depending on what state you live in, you could be eligible for state tax rebates in addition to any of the federal rebates that are available only to EV buyers. So be sure to ask your KIA NIRO expert about them as well.