This page provides a review for all Kia EV through performance, driving experience and reliability.
2024 Kia Niro EV
Performance
The 2024 Kia Niro EV comes equipped with a single electric motor that generates 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels. This setup allows the Niro EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which is competitive for its class. The vehicle is powered by a 64.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles, making it suitable for both city commuting and longer journeys.
Driving Experience
Driving the Niro EV is a generally positive experience. The car offers a smooth and quiet ride, with minimal noise intrusion from both the wind and tires. Its low center of gravity, thanks to the heavy battery pack located under the floor, contributes to a stable and planted feel on the road. However, the steering is on the heavier side and lacks feedback, which can make it less intuitive to maneuver, especially at low speeds. The suspension is capable of handling most road imperfections well, although it can become unsettled over rough surfaces.
The regenerative braking system includes a one-pedal driving mode, which is useful for maximizing energy recuperation and can be adjusted to suit different driving preferences. Additionally, the Niro EV features a decent 475 liters of cargo space, which expands to 1,392 liters with the rear seats folded, offering practicality for everyday use.
Reliability
The 2024 Kia Niro EV benefits from Kia’s reputation for reliability and strong warranty coverage. Owners can expect a comprehensive warranty that includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which covers the electric powertrain components. While it is too early to have extensive reliability data for the 2024 model specifically, the Niro EV's predecessor has been well-regarded for its dependability and low maintenance costs.
Good:
Good Range: The Niro EV offers a competitive range of 253 miles, making it suitable for both city and highway driving.
Practical Interior: It features a spacious and practical interior with ample cargo space.
Quiet Ride: The cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds, enhancing overall comfort.
Strong Warranty: Kia’s extensive warranty provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Bad:
Steering Feedback: The steering is heavy and lacks feedback, which can affect maneuverability.
Rear Visibility: Visibility out the back is compromised by a thick C/D-pillar and a slim rear window.
Ride Over Rough Surfaces: The ride can get unsettled over rough road surfaces due to the noticeable weight of the battery.
Overall Rating
Based on the performance, driving experience, and reliability, the 2024 Kia Niro EV scores a solid 8 out of 10. It excels in range and practicality, though there are minor drawbacks in steering and ride comfort over less-than-perfect road conditions. For those seeking a reliable, well-rounded electric vehicle, the Niro EV remains a strong contender.
2024 Kia EV6
Performance
The 2024 Kia EV6 is available in multiple configurations, each providing a distinct performance experience. The base models, such as the Light, Wind, and GT-Line, feature a single electric motor producing 225 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.2 seconds. These models offer an impressive EPA-estimated range of up to 310 miles, making them suitable for longer journeys.
For those seeking more power, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions deliver 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 5.1 seconds. The high-performance EV6 GT ups the ante significantly with 576 horsepower, achieving a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, though this comes at the cost of a reduced range of around 218 miles.
Driving Experience
Driving the Kia EV6 is a refined and enjoyable experience. The vehicle boasts immediate torque, a low center of gravity, and various levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving mode. These features contribute to a smooth and efficient ride. The EV6 handles well, with precise, well-weighted steering, though some may find the feedback muted compared to more sporty rivals. The ride is generally comfortable, though the suspension can feel firm over rougher surfaces.
In terms of practicality, the EV6 offers 480 liters of cargo space with the seats up, expanding to 1,260 liters with the rear seats folded, providing ample room for everyday use and longer trips. Additionally, the absence of a spare tire is mitigated by the inclusion of a tire repair kit and storage for charging cables.
Reliability
Kia’s reputation for reliability is well reflected in the EV6, which comes with a robust warranty package. This includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving owners peace of mind. While long-term reliability data for the 2024 model is not yet available, early reviews and the performance of previous models suggest it is a dependable choice in the electric vehicle market.
Good:
Strong Performance Options: Multiple powertrain options cater to various performance needs, from efficient daily driving to high-performance thrills.
Competitive Range: The EV6 offers a range of up to 310 miles in its single-motor configuration.
Fast Charging: With a maximum charging output of 240 kW, the EV6 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes on a compatible charger.
Practicality: Spacious interior and ample cargo space make it versatile for different uses.
Warranty: Comprehensive warranty coverage provides added assurance for buyers long-term ownership.
Bad:
Firm Ride: The suspension can feel stiff over rough surfaces, impacting overall comfort.
Steering Feedback: While precise, the steering lacks the engaging feedback found in some competitors.
Limited Range for High-Performance Models: The powerful EV6 GT has a significantly reduced range compared to other versions.
Overall Rating
Considering the performance, driving experience, and reliability, the 2024 Kia EV6 earns an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. It stands out with its strong performance, competitive range, and practicality, though there are minor drawbacks related to ride comfort and steering feedback. The EV6 remains a solid and appealing choice in the electric vehicle market.
2024 Kia EV9
Performance
The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a versatile range of powertrains catering to different performance needs. The base Light trim comes with a single motor and a 76.1 kWh battery, delivering 215 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds. Higher trims, like the Wind and GT-Line, feature a larger 99.8 kWh battery. The dual-motor GT-Line model boasts 379 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of around 5.0 seconds, which can be improved to 4.5 seconds with an optional acceleration boost package. The EV9’s towing capacity ranges from 2,000 pounds for the base model to 5,000 pounds for the higher trims, showcasing its utility alongside performance.
Driving Experience
The driving experience of the Kia EV9 is marked by a blend of comfort and functionality. The vehicle’s spacious interior is a standout, especially for a three-row SUV, providing ample room for adults in both the second and third rows. The seats are adjustable, with standard heating and cooling functions, and higher trims even offer a driver’s massage function. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a nearly 30-inch panoramic display for infotainment and climate controls. While the layout is mostly user-friendly, some controls, such as the climate panel, are somewhat obscured by the steering wheel.
On the road, the EV9 handles well for its size, thanks to its low center of gravity and well-tuned suspension. The steering is precise, though not overly communicative, and the ride quality is generally smooth, making it a comfortable choice for long trips. The inclusion of various driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhances the driving experience, though some features may require navigating through menus, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Reliability
Kia’s reputation for reliability extends to the EV9, supported by a comprehensive warranty package. This includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing confidence in the vehicle’s long-term durability. While specific long-term data for the 2024 model is not yet available, early reviews suggest it maintains the brand’s standard for quality and dependability.
Good:
Versatile Powertrain Options: Multiple configurations to suit different performance needs.
Spacious Interior: Ample room in all three rows, with high comfort and adjustability.
Advanced Technology: Comprehensive driver assistance features and a large, user-friendly infotainment display.
Strong Warranty: Excellent warranty coverage, adding to the vehicle’s reliability appeal.
Bad:
Climate Control Placement: Some controls are awkwardly placed, affecting usability.
Material Quality: While sustainable, some interior materials may feel less premium, especially at higher trim levels.
Menu Navigation for Controls: Some features require navigating through menus, which can be inconvenient.
Overall Rating
Considering its performance, driving experience, and reliability, the 2024 Kia EV9 earns an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. It stands out for its versatility, comfort, and technology, although there are minor issues related to interior controls and materials. The EV9 is a strong contender in the three-row electric SUV segment.