2019 Kia Niro EV EX Premium Review - Tesla Range for LESS

[@barryfinger1937]

So I own and drive a Kia Niro EV. It’s a daily driver taking me to and from work on weekdays and just about anywhere I could possibly go on the weekends in the Houston metroplex (which is larger than some states). It’s practical and affordable. My fully loaded Premium was a little over $36,200 after the $7500 tax rebate. I charge at home and it cost a whopping $6.20 to fill it up to it’s driving range of about 280 miles. And that range is with the AC always running in hot and muggy Houston. The vehicle will do 99% of anything I regularly use a commuter vehicle for. If there was an emergency and I needed to go further than it could drive you know what I will do? I’ll call an ambulance or get an Uber! For the 2-5 times a year I might drive further than it will go, I’ll either learn a new skill and use the charging stations that charge to 80% in an hour, or rent a vehicle that does road trips. So I will change my ways for the 1% of the time where the vehicle is not ideal. Bottom line is this car is going to save me money. And with all the tech it comes with and the much better than average acceleration, it is a blast to drive!

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for sharing and for watching, Barry Finger. Enjoy your car!

[@wobby1516]

Barry Finger You’ve convinced me cancelled the Tesla model 3. I’ve ordered the Nero in 🇬🇧 it’s called the 4+ and comes fully loaded, sunroof, app. and heat pump.

[@DB25k]

We get 312miles on a sunny day here in the UK 😮.. Great video I like it...

[@AutoAcademics]

That's great! Enjoy your car and thanks for watching!

[@meatbeansandcheese]

Great review. I like how you cut the BS and deliver the info at an accelerated pace.

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you, Frendo!

[@banglaforceuk]

He's all torque not talk

[@desmondatkinson4642]

Great review. You can set the regen level for each driving mode so your preferences are saved.

[@AutoAcademics]

Did not know that, Desmond Atkinson. Thank you for letting us know and for watching!👍🏾

[@dreil01]

I'm interested! Kia may have a winner on it's hands. The premium interior is what I like the most.

[@AutoAcademics]

With that range, it's a legitimate car now, D'Reil McClain. No more range anxiety. Thanks for watching!

[@bbhoustontx]

good review , thx

[@AutoAcademics]

Happy you enjoyed it, aa jllm. Thanks for watching!

[@kumaSOevl]

I like your reviews. Energetic, informative, and straight to the point.

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you, PaulParadox13!

[@BFisherMKE]

Wish I could find one around here.

[@hectorheath9742]

Wow, a review that goes at the speed of the human brain, how refreshing.

[@AutoAcademics]

Ha! We're happy we're were able to speed it up (or slow it down?) for you, Hector Heath. Thanks for watching!

[@lmc333]

Excellent review !!! Thank you Chris...

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you for watching, LM C!

[@JELB1960]

What a really really really great review. You packed a lot of info into eight minutes. Liked and subbed. My only quibble is I would have liked to have seen what was under the rear's cargo bed. Just a spare tire or some more cargo room? Oh and I like the looks. I do pine for a Tesla Model Y for its exterior styling but I'm not big of its, or the 3's, minimalist interior. Less to malfunction sure, but nowadays a cars switches and whatnots hardly ever stop working.

[@AutoAcademics]

We appreciate your comments and we'll try to keep that in mind, JELB1960. Thank you very much for your support!

[@azlife4me]

Great review. Thanks for doing it.

[@AutoAcademics]

We appreciate you watching, azlife4me!

[@georgesmith822]

There is a USB port in the console between the front seats and the cover is built so it does not crimp a cord so there IS a back seat charger!

[@AutoAcademics]

Good to know, George Smith. Thanks for watching!

[@kumaSOevl]

This is the ev I want but the fact it is only sold in a few states just a deal breaker for me

[@markdiloreto9042]

great review!!! concise and informative

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for watching, Mark Diloreto!

[@danhensrikson2860]

Appears the Launch Edition option package is no longer available (not surprising given the name of the package), so one cannot get LED headlights and front and rear PDW (at least in the United States). Any idea what the story is? Both features are standard on the higher trim level in Canada for the 2020 model year, just as I believe they were in 2019.. Bummer.

[@aperxmim]

I think Ford and Chevrolet, maybe need to start lowering their prices, because many foreign car manufacturers are stepping up their game.

[@Demobot1]

Ford needs to build an EV and Chevy needs to update the Bolt and quickly.

[@noncustody]

@@Demobot1 Ford had a good platform with the Fusion. I guess they think an EV Mustang will do better sales numbers.

[@jax1079]

I really like the way the Niro looks, and I think this car is probably the closest one yet to a true mainstream EV.

[@AutoAcademics]

It truly is, JAX. With almost 300 miles of range for under 40-grand, it's a game changer. Throw in a tax rebate or two and it crushes the EVs from other mainstream companies that were first to market. Thanks for watching!

[@scottizenberg]

Just my opinion but why would anyone buy the Nero over a Tesla Model 3? Maybe a little bit more room but you're giving up the supercharging network, over the air updates, autopilot.... those are pretty big differences for most people

[@jax1079]

scott i It's very hard to spec out a compelling Model 3 for a reasonable price. Using the standard plug found in most other EVs, there is actually a fairly large network of fast charging stations expanding across the country, especially in major cities. And autopilot is super cool but only really relevant if your daily commute involves extended freeway driving. I think the Niro (and the Kona EV, Ioniq, Bolt, and Leaf) fulfill 90% of what normal people want in an EV at a more reasonable price. That said, if I had the money, I'd probably get a Model 3. 😜

[@be236]

@@scottizenberg How about if you prefer a true-looking SUV/hatchback instead of a sedan-looking Tesla?

[@Isaac-un4cn]

@@scottizenberg Niro EV is much cheaper. After taxes, fees, discounts, rebates, and tax credits, the Niro EV is only going to cost me about $31,000. The most equivalent Model 3 would be the SR+. SR+ has a smaller battery and would cost me around $38,000-$39,000 after all taxes, fees, rebates, and tax credits.

[@johnevans6399]

Much better finish than your average tesla.

[@AutoAcademics]

Yeah, this Niro EV was a fine EV, john evans, with the flexibility if a hatchback. Definitely a car worth considering if you're in the market. Thanks for watching!

[@thomasklein4265]

I don’t think this is cheaper than a Tesla Model 3, I went to my local Kia dealer, sticker was 45k, and there was 8k in additional dealer markup

[@Isaac-un4cn]

Nice review! Just an FYI - you can change the default regen level in the car's settings. That can bring the default down from strong regen to low regen for any drive mode. -- Happy Niro EV buyer

[@AutoAcademics]

That was one setting we did not find, Isaac. Thank you for sharing and for watching!

[@CarltonGriffithPhoto]

Nice review! It probably looks better in a dark color.

[@AutoAcademics]

Possibly. But after we drove it for a while, we didn't care as much about its looks. Thanks for watching, Carlton Griffith!

[@Torsee]

Like it! Does it have any passing power? 40 to 80 say.

[@AutoAcademics]

It's totally manageable, Torsee. Honestly drives like a regular car. I'd you check out that one shot of Chris accelerating, it'll give you an idea of how well it gets up to speed.

[@briankirby6714]

Just make sure your head is back against the headrest because your head will rock if you're dumb enough to floor your acceleration pedal. Power is right now straight up.

[@Isaac-un4cn]

It has the strongest acceleration from 10 - 50 mph but still has plenty of passing power at high speeds, from my experience.

[@AaronD12a]

Toree, you're right. Most EVs do have a problem in that speed range. This one, somehow, does not. Especially in Sport mode, it pulls well past 90 MPH.

[@Torsee]

AaronD12a Good to know. Thanks

[@toyota420xp]

I have more peace of mind that if it breaks or needs anything the parts will be available and a dealer will be nearby . My closest tesla dealer is only 5 hours away...

[@AutoAcademics]

That's definitely something to keep in mind, Gregory Perkins. Thanks for watching!

[@AFlyingCookieLOL]

Also has a real reversible heat pump which s far more efficient than what tesla has

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for sharing and for watching, Nerium Oleander!

[@Catman1798]

I have a 2015 Jeep renegade trailhawk. I been looking into EV now. The Chevy bolt seemed to be the one to look at. Almost similar to my renegade but shorter. I love small cars now but the bolt is probably not gonna handle my trip to Sams club and Walmart. This niro looks similar to my renegade in terms of cargo capacity. But the price is too much for my taste. Dam. A model 3 is not practical for my needs. I need a cargo hauler mostly with comfortable back seats for one passenger I occasionally take along. I would love to see this in person but no one has one now in my area

[@Demobot1]

Have a look at a Nissan Leaf. Its cheaper than a e-Niro with slightly less space.

[@briankirby6714]

Go to mikemurphykia.com or call Mike Murphy Sr 19122224317

[@briankirby6714]

I did and I have no regrets at all!!!!

[@doThatGWalk]

The Niro has the best space, I test drove all 3 the other day.

[@FeatureRequest]

I do like the availability of EVs these days but buying a Tesla has so much benefits compared to others. They have their own supercharger network and it's so seamless compared to others. VW has electrify America but that's only because they were forced to by the US govt due to dieselgate.

[@dlae73]

I will take a Kia over any high priced Tesla. Loving that new Hyundai Ioniq hybrid too with that sick gas mileage.

[@AutoAcademics]

It took some time, but there's a lot of good stuff hitting the market now. Thanks for watching!

[@FeatureRequest]

U know it's like the same price as a model 3 right?

[@dlae73]

@@FeatureRequest Correct. But notice how I said any KIA. Meaning any one of their fuel efficient cars will do.

[@pedrofernandez3893]

You mean, push on and off button?

[@mowcowbell]

Too bad these are as rare as a unicorn. Try to find one outside of a few states on the east or west coast.

[@AutoAcademics]

We assume you must be in the Midwest, Mowcowbell. If so, we hear ya. Due to some generous tax rebates that have since begun to fizzle out, Metro Atlanta has been fairly lucky to have a wealth of alternative fuel vehicles available. And even without the same rebates as before, people here have become comfortable enough to give EVs a chance now with so many on the road. Hopefully, the tide will turn in your part of the country soon, too. We appreciate your comments and thanks for watching!

[@be236]

I'm lucky to live in a state (west coast) that has these Kia Niro EVs. But also the same state that does NOT have the corresponding Hyundai Kona Electric.

[@michaelthaller407]

I'm in a State on the West Coast and once I found one for sale, the dealer insisted on adding a $5,000 dealer markup, another $1000 for LoJack (The Kia comes with the equivalent already) and another $1,000 for some sort of stickers with the VIN on it incase the car is stolen and the regular VIN under the windshield has be removed. That comes to an extra $6,000 of worthless addons to bolster profit.

[@Isaac-un4cn]

@@michaelthaller407 Yikes! I live in CA and managed to get a small markdown off MSRP.

[@305dreamhonda]

Real world testing says the Tesla still beats the niro with a 50KWh batt. while the niro had a 65KWh. What does that say? The Tesla is much more efficient on every metric. Its easy to throw a big battery in for more range, but what does that mean? Well is heavier, and more expensive to start. Which likely means this car is not profitable and also means not available in mass. I don't believe the price as well, I'm willing to bet very few got the EV at $38,500. Being able to go further on a smaller battery should speak volumes to the educated buyers. That Niro is a great EV and likely will keep KIA from going bankrupt, like some of the legacies. Probably one of the best on the market for the price. However, NOT a Tesla killer, sorry.

[@Wmeester1971]

Eh... no. in all tests, the E-Niro beats the Tesla M3 Sr+ in range. The Niro is so efficient that it comes even close to the 75Kwh long range model. Just view the youtube videos where the comparison is made.

[@305dreamhonda]

Wally Tax no need, I know that’s bs, but if you’d like to send me a link I’ll pick it apart for you.

[@Wmeester1971]

@@305dreamhonda Sorry, but you clearly have not read the reviews of this topic. Eg. "The Niro has about 9% more range than the closest Model 3 in price." from www.torquenews.com/1083/tesla-model-3-standard-range-plus-vs-2019-kia-niro-bev-surprising-similarities-stark-contrasts "For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is £35,400 after the government grant; that has a range of 258 miles using the WLTP test cycle, compared to 282 for the Kia." www.wired.co.uk/article/kia-e-niro-review This one is particular interesting as it compares the Niro with the M3 long range 4WD. The Niro managed only 15 miles less than the 75Khw battery from tesla. www.greencarreports.com/news/1126906_real-world-highway-range-uk-test-lauds-kia-niro-ev-tesla-model-3 And here the same story. www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/advice/electric-cars-best-real-world-range And I could go on and on. The clear message is that the Niro in reality matches M3 efficiency and because the M3 SR+ has a smaller battery pack (54Kwh), it has a longer range than the M3.

[@luissalinas2250]

Sandals w sox ;-)

[@AutoAcademics]

LOL Thanks for watching, Luis Salinas!

[@averagecitizen863]

9 hours for a full charge ? This is why hydrogen is the future

[@RichardJoashTan]

But I do not care. I will buy a fully loaded e-niro ev launch edition anyway because electricity is and always will be the future. And hydrogen is just nothing a political crockpot.

[@averagecitizen863]

@@RichardJoashTan yeah but 9 hours is a lot , hydrogen fills up just like gas , just a few minutes

[@babyblue3003]

@@averagecitizen863 made from petroleum ... and toi go home every evening and can charge during the day ... on level 2 and 3 ! Its Perfect !

[@Wmeester1971]

@@averagecitizen863 Sure, but you can't fill up your car at home at a prices that is only a 10th of hydrogen.

[@averagecitizen863]

@@Wmeester1971 no need , hydrogen isn't that expensive ( right now yes but when it becomes more common the prices will drop )