If you’re considering an electric SUV, the 2022 Hyundai Kona and 2022 Kia Niro are both high-quality vehicles with exciting features. While they are similar, they have several key differences to note. Learning about their differences can help you determine which SUV is best for you. Here’s everything you need to know about how the Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona stack up.
Trim Levels
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The Kia Niro EV is Kia’s all-electric midsize SUV. With a full command center, ample cargo space, and a suite of high-tech features, this is a great option for many drivers. This vehicle comes in two trim levels: the EX and the EX Premium. The MSRP for the EX is $39,990, and the MSRP for the EX Premium is $44,650.
The Kona EV is Hyundai’s all-electric midsize SUV, a modified version of the Kona SUV that uses gasoline. This EV also comes in two trims, the SEL and the Limited. The SEL has an MSRP of $34,000, while the Limited has an MSRP of $42,500. Both the Niro and Kona may come with some tax benefits, depending on the exact location where you purchase the vehicle, register it, and pay sales tax.
Performance
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The Niro EV comes with a fully electric drivetrain that offers 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a sport mode you can use for customized driving. The lithium-ion polymer 64 kWh battery packs provide enough power for you to take the Niro an estimated 239 miles. This vehicle also comes with an integrated charging port lock to ensure the cable is secure while your vehicle charges. This helps you ensure the Niro has a full battery even when you’re not present for the charging process. The Kia Niro EV’s performance is worth scheduling a test drive.
The Kona has a very similar performance profile, with a standard permanent-magnet synchronous motor that produces 201 horsepower. The Kona’s system also uses lithium-ion polymer batteries and offers 291 lb-ft of horsepower. The battery system capacity is 64 kWh and has a voltage of 356 volts. The Kona takes roughly nine hours to charge on a standard 7.2-kW onboard charger and only 47 minutes on a Level III 100kW charger. The Kona is front-wheel drive and has a single-speed transmission with an EV range of about 258 miles.
Exterior
The 2022 Kia Niro has a sleek and intuitive design that comes in colors including Snow White Pearl, Gravity Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Runway Red, Graphite Gray, and Steel Gray. This SUV features an aerodynamic front grille with a charging port, heated outside mirrors, roof rails, solar control glass, and a sound-absorbing front windshield. The power-folding outside mirrors can help you fit into tight spots and create a smaller profile for the vehicle. The Niro also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and LED rear combination lights. This vehicle has a 106.3-inch wheelbase.
A stylish and sophisticated body and aerodynamic front bumper give the Kona electric vehicle a feeling of luxury while maintaining zero emissions during travel. The Kona has a 102.4-inch wheelbase and comes in colors including Ultra Black, Galactic Gray, Lunar White, Cactus Fern, Blue Wave, and Pulse Red. The Limited trim comes with LED headlights, high beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. Both trims, however, come with heated exterior mirrors, solar front glass, and rear privacy glass.
Interior
A suite of interior technology and luxury features makes the Kia Niro a joy to drive. This SUV comes with a 10.25-inch touch-screen display with Kia Connect and voice-command navigation. The entertainment system also features eight speakers and an integrated subwoofer. The wireless phone charger allows you to go completely cord-free, and all four window buttons are single-touch for optimal convenience. For temperature control, the Niro offers features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and vents for heating and air conditioning in the second row.
In the cargo area of both trim levels, you can find a dual-level floor to help you store your essentials. The entertainment system also features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a display that provides information about EV technology. You can connect both Apple and Android devices to this entertainment system and use them to play music or other media. In the Kona, only the driver’s seat comes with the ability for single-touch. Both trims come with steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls for convenience, while the Limited trim also comes standard with eight-way ventilated power seats.
When comparing cargo volume for the two SUVs, you’ll find that the Kia offers slightly more space. The Niro has 18.5 cubic feet for cargo behind the rear seats, and 53 cubic feet of total cargo space when you fold the seats down. Meanwhile. the Kona has 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Safety
The Niro uses many safety features to keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe on the road. This SUV includes electronic brake-force distribution, a brake assist system, and hill start assist control. The Niro also comes with rear child-safety locks plus tethers and anchors for installing car seats. Other driver-assist safety features include forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies work together to keep drivers engaged and everyone secure during travel.
The Kona’s safety features include child safety locks, a regenerative braking system, electronic stability control, and traction control. The parking distance warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and lane-keeping assist systems can help you stay safe on the road. This SUV’s drive attention warning system also functions to alert drivers when their attention strays from the road, which can help you notice potential hazards on the road.
We hope this guide has been helpful as you decide between the 2022 Niro and the Kona EVs. Guides can be great, but there’s nothing more telling than a test drive for discovering which vehicle is best for you. Swing by the dealership today to get behind the wheel of a Niro and experience the luxury for yourself. For more information or to learn about our inventory, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts.