First, we celebrate the success of the award-winning 2020 Kia Niro EV. This popular vehicle gives us an edge in the EV market, where it seems like new competitors are appearing every month. Kia is already establishing an excellent track record with customers with the latest technology and many standard Kia Drive Wise* features.
We intend to keep that edge as we move forward with the 2021 Niro EV. Let’s see how it specifically stacks up against the two closest competitors: the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt and the 2021 Nissan LEAF®.
Wins Over the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
The Niro EV’s electric motor has a maximum torque of 291 lb.-ft., while the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt has a maximum torque of 266 lb.-ft.
Convenience Technologies
Customers will find the Niro EV is loaded with standard Kia Drive Wise* features such as Driver Attention Warning* (DAW) including Leading Vehicle Departure Alert* (LVDA) and Highway Driving Assist* (HDA); the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV does not offer comparable features (Chevrolet’s Super Cruise feature is only available on its EUV model). The Niro EV also comes standard with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Cyc* (FCA-Cyc), which is an extra-cost option on the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt.
The 2021 Niro EV has a standard harman/kardon®* Premium Surround Sound Audio System w/ 8 Speakers & Clari-Fi™* Digital Audio Restoration on the EX Premium, while the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt only has a 7-speaker premium audio system as an available option on the Premier trim.
Interior Advantages
Inside, heated* front seats are standard on the Niro EV; these are also only available at the higher trim level of the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt.
And no matter what trim level of the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt the customer is considering, the Niro EV has more space for passengers and luggage. The Niro EV delivers:
More front hip room (53.7-in. vs. 51.6-in.)
More rear shoulder room (55.1-in. vs. 52.8-in.)
More luggage capacity: 18.5 cu.-ft. for the Niro EV vs. 16.9 cu.-ft. for the Bolt
The Big Win: Our Warranty*
The Niro EV offers a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Basic Warranty* standard, compared with just 3-years/36,000-miles for both the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan LEAF®.
The Niro EV’s 10-year/100,000-mile Battery Pack Warranty* is two years longer than the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan LEAF®, which only have 8-year/100,000-mile terms.
Wins Over the 2021 Nissan LEAF®
The 2021 Niro EV has an edge with its EPA-estimated 239-mile All Electric Range* (AER) compared with both battery options (40 or 62 kWh) offered on the Nissan LEAF® (149, 215, and 226 miles of EPA-estimated AER*, depending on battery size and trim level).
The Niro EV also had equivalent or better fuel economy* ratings than any trim of the Nissan LEAF®, with an EPA-estimated MPGe* of 123/102/112 vs. 114/97/108, 118/97/108, and 123/99/111 EPA-estimated MPGe*.
2021 Niro EV comes standard with DC Fast Charging* capability; customers must pay extra for this on the Nissan LEAF®.
Exterior Advantages
The Niro EV comes with front fog lights and power adjustable, heated, and power-folding exterior mirrors with LED turn signals, which are only available at the higher-cost trim levels of the Nissan LEAF®.
Interior Advantages
Customers will enjoy standard heated* front seats and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat including power lumbar support on the Niro EV; these are also only available at the higher trim levels of the Nissan LEAF®. Ventilated front seats are standard on the Niro EV EX Premium trim; they are not available on the Nissan LEAF®.
And the Niro EV has more space for passengers than any trim level of the Nissan LEAF®. The Niro EV delivers:
More passenger volume: 96.6 cu.-ft. for the Niro EV vs. 92.4 cu.-ft. for the Nissan LEAF®
More front shoulder room (56.0-in. vs. 54.3-in.), and front hip room (53.7-in. vs.51.7-in.)
More rear head room (37.7-in. vs. 37.3-in.), rear legroom (36.0-in. vs. 33.5-in.), rear shoulder room (55.1-in. vs. 52.5-in.)
Much more cargo* capacity with the rear seats folded down: 53 cu.-ft. for the Niro EV vs. 30 cu.-ft. for the Nissan LEAF®
Get All the Latest Details
Visit the Kia Product Presentation Center for all the latest details on the 2021 Niro EV: https://kiappc.com/model/2021-niro-ev/ and check out the new Learning Center for a wealth of information on EVs.
*Safety Information and Legal Disclaimers
Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe bodily harm, and death. The driver’s primary responsibility is in the safe and legal operation of a vehicle, and any handheld devices, other equipment, or vehicle systems, including steering wheel-mounted controls, which take the driver’s eyes, attention and focus away from the safe operation of a vehicle or which are not permissible by law should never be used during operation of the vehicle.
All Electric Range (AER): Based on EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
Cargo: All cargo should be evenly distributed and properly secured, and never piled higher than the seatback.
Clari-Fi™: Clari-Fi™ is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
Competitive Comparison: Competitive vehicle data was gathered from manufacturers’ websites and was accurate and correct at the time of publishing.
DC Fast Charging: From zero to 80% for 64-kWh battery: 54 minutes with 100-kW/200-amp/480-volt charger or 75 minutes with 50-kW/100-amp/480-volt charger. Times based on Kia testing with compatible charger. Times based on Kia testing with 2020 Niro with compatible charger.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Cyc (FCA-Cyc): orward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
Fuel Economy: Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition
harman/kardon®: harman/kardon® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
Heated Seats: Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more safety information.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA): Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
Kia Drive Wise: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA): Leading Vehicle Departure Alert is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
MPGe: EPA-estimated MPG equivalent when vehicle is fully charged. Actual MPGe will vary based on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, vehicle condition, and road/traffic conditions. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on MPGe and range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
Warranty: The Kia Basic Limited Warranty program includes various warranties and roadside assistance. Warranties include powertrain and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Basic). All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for details or go to kia.com.