Kia Niro EV space for tall people + back seat comfort

Main host is Korea Electric Vehicle User Association (www.kevua.org)
Sponsors:
www.klinelex.com/
www.chaevi.co.kr/
www.charzin.com/web/company.php
You can get free supercharging when buying a Tesla Model S or X by using my referral link:
ts.la/bjrn3169
Most of my music is from Artlist.io. If you sign up for one year and use my referral link, you will get two months free:
artlist.io/artlist-70446/?a_a...
Donation links:
streamlabs.com/bjrnnyland
/ teslabjorn
My live channel:
/ teslabjornlive24
Teslabjørn Discord server:
/ discord
Reduce food waste and get great deals on food:
toogoodtogo.no/

[@BatteryLife]

You look very well rested for not sleeping at all. Thanks for your dedication!

[@timryan4518]

Loving all these videos. Wish it never ended

[@haroldsogard9813]

Thank you Bjørn for this very informative and very insightful review. I love how you focus on important details of how a car feels in real life instead of giving the same listing of basic specs that anyone could get just by reading the manufacturer's web site. I'm 190 cm tall, so I shop cars first on the basis of how well I can fit in them and only then can consider things like design, efficiency, power, etc. I have the Kia Soul EV now, but my lease ends this summer so I have started to think about alternatives. I will still take a look at the new Niro EV, but -- thanks to you -- I will be especially careful to assess how well I can see and how much head space I have while driving it.

[@Lascarnn]

Can you share what you actually bought after testing? Do you find soul ev better for tall people? I'm 194 and have the same problem now.

[@tcchan]

Bjørn, Big thanks for all the info and you are really crushing it! I now only have to wait to order it when it is available in the Netherlands.

[@possi2131]

you can already order it, if you wait longer it'll probably be a 12-18 month wait...

[@tcchan]

@@possi2131 I can and have already put myself on the waiting/order list, but the order I will only start when the price is known, which is not the case at this moment. I checked this at the local dealer ast Friday. They don't have any formal date yet when the list price will be released. Once that is available, ordering can actually happen (blindly). And they hope to receive a demo EV by December.

[@marcfjacobs]

@@tcchan It's available for test driving and ordering now! :-) Just drove one this week, really liked it! And I agree with the height positioning in the EV. I am only 1.88m but I thought the screen for navigation etc is located a little low to quickly glance at it while driving. Good thing there's also navigation instructions in the main instrument segment between the speedometer and range.

[@frankbjrnsten7189]

It will arrive in Europe mid Dec. will order mine with highest spec. (Advance) Without sunroof. wifey has givin thumps Up. For Niro and thumps Down for Kona. Thanks Bjørn, U are The Man...

[@TheRealChristoffer]

The first 1000 in norway will be first edition. Only top spec :)

[@zynastor1]

welcome to my country @@@

[@ijcorner]

Definitely like this car, its between this and the model 3! Knowing me it will be whatever is available first in the UK

[@justjc51]

There is no doubt the Niro EV will be available in the UK before the Tesla Model 3. The Kia Niro EV will be introduced to Europe at the Paris Motorshow next month and is expected to start deliveries early 2019. The right hand Tesla Model 3 was with the original plans estimated to arrive around six months after the international version was launched. In a tweet from Elon Musk on May 26 2018 the then expected delivery dates was early 2019 for the international left hand drive version and probably mid 2019 for the right hand version. The versions in the first wave will probably be the long range and performance versions in Europe and the UK, as it was the case in the US, so the Model 3 priced as a direct competitor to the Kia Niro EV probably won't be a thing in the UK before 2020.

[@David-qs5ii]

Niro ev already delivered to UK owners!

[@DblOSmith]

I totally get that. That's one reason I love the model X. I'm 6'4'' and I can't see some stop lights because there's not enough high visibility. I wish the X had a bit more leg room up front, but what are you gonna do.

[@tonybkent]

Bjørn - you had a couple of issues with the Niro Electric; USB accessible from the rear and lack of drinks holders. In my PHEV version there's an extra (hidden) USB charging port in the box just behind the gear select if you lift the lid. It's not quite in the back of the car, but it's better than running a long USB cable to the front USB point (that I use for my Android Auto). There are also two cup holders in the pull-down arm rest in between the two rear passengers which goes some way to helping with the lack of space for your second bottle of water. :-) I'm hoping both of these will also be in the Niro electric you are testing. P.S. I wish the Niro electric had come out sooner in the UK. I do love my PHEV, but I had to replace my car before September 2018. My next car (or my wife's next car) will definitely be an EV. Keep up the good work. This is my go-to channel for choosing an EV.

[@bjornnyland]

+tonybkent This car was not fully specced. Check the Niro vs Kona video.

[@marcfjacobs]

Test drove one this week, there is an extra USB connection in the arm rest

[@toneastridskahjem2608]

Er det same høgdeinnstilling på begge framsetene?

[@tymanot]

Question: do the rear Windows go down fully?

[@44RobC]

Thanks for that Bjørn. I was looking forward to the Niro, but now I'm not so sure. I am even taller than JJ at 193cm and I find I need to raise the seat to avoid the Tesla rear seat effect and to get a comfortable driving position.

[@justjc51]

I would think you should try it, when it becomes available. As Thorbjørn Hellehaven says in a comment to this video he did not feel like he had the problem when he tried the PHEV version of the car, despite being 194 cm. The HUD will probably also help make driving the car a good experience for taller persons. There is of cause also the possibility of fixing the problem with aftermarket seats. It seems like there is room under the seats to go lower with seats that still would be comfortable to sit in.

[@TheRealChristoffer]

The model with out sunroof has better head room

[@44RobC]

Head room does not appear to be a problem, but restricted view for the driver will be.

[@DaRupinger]

Interesting. I’m 1.90m and have no issues whatsoever with the driving/sitting in the back fir hours. I actually have the drivers seat all the way up. Is it such a big difference from the HEV to the EV?

[@J05BNL]

What do you guys think of the support for your legs when sitting in the front? Did a testdrive today and really was missing this a bit. Dont know if it would be comfortable to drive longer distances. I'm 188cm. Also the seats dont seem to offer much support for the sides. Currently im driving a german car and seats are better. So far this has been the only disadvantage i could find on this car. The salesguy told me that he heard this comment more often from people that are driving german cars at the moment. Let me know your thoughts!

[@PonderDuke]

Which EV is best for taller people? 190 cm and more?

[@zekevarg7985]

Björn, Please put JJ in the back seat. Would be interesting to see how he fits there.

[@nicolapetrone957]

Sarebbero molto gradite con sottotitoli anche in italiano

[@Lascarnn]

Is Kia Soul EV a better choice for tall drivers?

[@colla555]

So it seems in the pockets of the back door only the small 0,5l bottles fit and not the 1,5l water bottles?!

[@DSRekulaar]

7:50 Bjorn just flexing for his female subs

[@dennislyon5412]

Bjorn, any complaint about elbow comfort on rear armrest? Maybe you slept too much to form an opinion. . . For those interested in the Niro at this spec level (no rear vents or USB PowerPoints) do note that you can buy aftermarket cables which will plug into a (front seat) PowerPoint which contain a cord which provides 2 USB plugs for rear seat passengers. From the rear seat camera viewpoint, it looks like the windshield view for JJ is not a deal breaker for those who are about 6 feet tall (183 cm), but that’s about the limit without reclining the front seat. As pointed out by JJ, the windshield header did seem to be a bit low - for aerodynamics? Rear seat legroom seems to be fantastic. For those who will compare Kona and Niro, if they carry adult passengers, the small price difference for Niro over Kona seems to be way worth it. Better start working on ramp up plans, Kia!

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

Can you try to locate a Niro HEV/PHEV to compare the lowest seat height with EV. I am 194cm and are happy with the height when i tested the PHEV i Norway.

[@Zimpaz]

Thorbjørn Hellehaven I am 198cm so very interested to find this out too! Hopefully the EV has the same adjustment as the phev

[@Lascarnn]

same here, i'm 194 too and wondering if PHEV will be a good fit :) If you have any news, please let us know!

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

@@Lascarnn from what I remember the PHEV was ok for my size, bu the hybrid was never an option for me only pure EV. After Kia decided not to have an option for trailer hitch, e-Niro was not an option either. After Tesla anouced trailer hitch for Model 3, I ordered SR+, and got it 1 year ago this week.

[@sonasewgolam559]

DIFFERENCE IN PRICE BETWEEN KONA & NIRO?

[@mikefarrington7141]

Why didn't you get J.J. into the driver's seat? I wanted to know if his height was an impediment to safe driving.

[@cupidupi9282]

check GAC Trumpchi GE3 EV, it is the same size as Kia Niro EV. I know, chinese car... But they are getting better. New generation GAC, SAIC, BYD EVs look good. The built quality is not as good but they are unbelieveably cheap. So you can make EV wich is not expensive, but only in China :(

[@alandimery3379]

Hello Bjørn. I am debating between the Kona EV and the Niro EV. The majority of time I will be driving on my own and occasionally me + 1, so I really don't mind the smaller car. In fact it may be an advantage (easier to park etc.) You have said you prefer the Niro because of the size, can you please tell me, if the size wasn't an issue which car would you prefer?

[@alandimery3379]

@@karenrobertsdottir4101 Thank you for a full reply. I need range. The Model 3 is a non starter as it is not available in the UK for a while yet and to equip it to Niro/Kona levels it would be double the price. It has to be the Niro or Kona 64kWh or possibly the Nissan Leaf 60kWh when it comes out. I was just after an opinion of someone who had driven both as to which is the best if the car size was not a factor. From someone who loves spreadsheets I think you have donea great job there.

[@justjc51]

For range the Kona EV is the better choice, right now with the LEAF e-Plus being a potential competitor. According to the videos Bjørn expects the Kona EV to go 5-10 % longer on a full charge than a Niro EV. Based on the current LEAFs the new version will only be a competitor in range if the speed is kept at or below 90 km/h as the current engines cannot compete with the efficiency of the electric motors from Hyundai at higher speeds.

[@alandimery3379]

@@justjc51 thank you. I do like the Kona interior better.

[@alandimery3379]

@@karenrobertsdottir4101 I have been through these cars with a fine tooth comb. I will let you know if I see anything. One thing I have been trying to find out is the size of the info screen. The Kona is 7" for low spec and 8" for top of the range. Not sure about the Niro?

[@expressoslivemusicvideovin268]

great work Karen. cool stuff with the spreadsheet!

[@DaljeetSingh-sk4ec]

When Niro ev coming to Canada ?

[@alexsartor63]

Supposed to be Q1 2019

[@wedrive-derblogfurelektrom2899]

But i just can say - i am 1.80m tall. Sitting in the Front in KONA, i can still sit in the back. Yes it is less space then but not uncomfortable.

[@Chris73619]

This car is clearly meant for small people! Shieeeeeeeeeeet!

[@sheetlorde3415]

6'3 here, try test drive once, immediately got out without driving and walked away

[@TheGerm24]

Interesting. I test drove a hybrid Niro once and the driving position didn't bother me. I'm your same height. Maybe the seat can't go as low in the EV version.

[@Zimpaz]

Was it the electric version you tried?

[@sheetlorde3415]

plugin version

[@ltkwok]

East Asians have longer torso. Europeans may fit differently

[@peterromers]

Thanks for the video. But its NOT true that the E Niro is not for tall people because I would know. I am 210 cm and the E Niro was one of few new cars I can fit and drive and feel I can move my legs. Its always a problem with legroom for the right leg because of the console but the construction is far, far better than Tesla Model 3. In model 3 my right leg was stuck between the steering wheel and the console. Sooooo...if you are tall or very tall then go try the E Niro out. Im getting mine in a week. You csn move both legs and compared to other cars the visibility is very, very good. I think its a shame that this video says otherwise. Is the driverseat perfect for me ?. No its not because no car will probably fit a guy with my length. But its one of the best. The best I had with room was my 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe V8. The E Niro is the future. ;)

[@peterromers]

And by the way. When I talk about seating and room the drivers seat is lowered down and placed back. Then the steering wheel is adjusted to fit that. The E Niro steering wheel can be customized to a great extent, in/out up/down.

[@colinnhl1414]

Too bad for the front seat passenger because if it is designed for your height than it won't be comfortable for majority of the target buyers.

[@iu2]

What is the target buyer? Aren't the majority of the buyers going to be under 184cm?

[@henrikthfner3679]

Please get some sleep Bjørn!

[@Zimpaz]

Oh dear. At 198cm I think I might have issues!

[@timelapse7454]

Third 😀

[@brunofonseca9739]

JJ is not a small asian!

[@writer62951]

Okay, we get it. JJ doesn't much care for the view.

[@markcornwall8132]

So Asian Giants struggle in the Niro, unless they open the sunroof. :)

[@benjaminangehrn7010]

Second😑

[@Nicelemons77]

184 cm tall, must be the tallest man in south korea

[@vuvuga5206]

Haha maybe inner 15% right.

[@iu2]

@@littlsuprstr Taller Koreans is not only because of improved nutrition. It has to do with the consumption of foods loaded with growth hormones: American beef and milk.

[@iu2]

@@littlsuprstr That's completely wrong. Next, you'll say rBGH is safe.

[@pauldavison7105]

184 isnt tall

[@mate5116]

can't w8 for German car maker to make decent EV... This asian carmakers don't make vehicles for tall people...

[@bjornnyland]

+Mate Meštrović Mercedes EQC and Audi e-tron.

[@heidernheinreich4827]

I'd rather have Asian car makers make vehicles for tall people instead. German reliability is pretty crappy. And I'm German lol

[@jakadirnbek7141]

First

[@pumpuppthevolume]

so the lesson is don't be a tall Asian