My Hopes Were Dashed - Kia Niro EV

[@MeltedForest]

I'm glad that we reached a point where normal door handles and a glove box are now a thing worth mentioning on cars.

[@wassiswallylokhankin191]

Physical knobs and buttons, too. How many people have to die before the manufacturers realize that touch screens are distracting and dangerous?!!

[@muysantos2859]

+1

[@kelvin1316]

Wait they weren't before?! LOL

[@taltamir]

And an actual stick to shift from drive to reverse instead of playing with a touchscreen

[@mrmuds8624]

Honestly, why do these guys think everything needs to handle like a sports car? Majority of people just want something thats comfortable, spacious and economical. Not something that can go around corners as quick as an F1 car with rock hard suspension.

[@fwiler]

It's really bad, like your rear tire shouldn't be buckling going around a corner, even if it is a winter tire. Your back end shouldn't be bouncing going down a relatively flat street. I don't think they are asking for sports car, but it's obvious Kia really f'd up the suspension on this.

[@alexanderclark6889]

The Prius Prime and Chevy Bolt EUV both have significantly better handling while being equally if not more comfortable. It doesn't have to handle like a sports car, it just shouldn't handle like a pile of wet leaves.

[@emiel255]

@@fwilerExactly

[@anynomous11111]

Except this car is bad in all of them.

[@Nam3Iess]

@@fwiler we have the previous gen NiroEV and it never does this even on winter tires, so I am not sure WTF was going on in this video. But there were many mistakes like the charging speed and he was driving in ECO and complaining about the lack of performance 🤦🏻‍♂

[@Korterra1364]

Why is a cheap car being reviewed in the same way as the more expensive electric cars? Nitpicking at performance, 0-60, turning, steering, when the price and amenities and mpg/range is waht cheaper EVs and HEVs are about.

[@hapcot]

I think holding the cars to the same general standard when reviewing is fine. It's up to the viewer to understand the tendencies of the reviewer and realize what is and isn't important to them.

[@splashmaster2000]

Yeah, this is one of the best cheaper EVs around. It's incredibly efficient, which makes up for the slow charging at least a tad.

[@adrien8613]

And that's why I don't trust their car reviews. It's slow? Yes, it's 200hp for a substantial weight. It has bad suspension? Yes, it's a Kia SUV for the city, not a Porsche GT3. As you said, they judge it compared to higher-end, much more expensive cars.

[@ydmf2]

6.5 second 0 to 60 is not god awful slow😂. Everything in context there guys.

[@person749]

These are going for $47k near me, so pretty comparably priced to a Model Y. Seems pretty appropriate to judge it thst way.

[@pepperthekobold]

At the risk of being "some guy in the KZbin comments", this video makes Alex sound extremely jaded when it comes to vehicle performance. 0-60 in under 10 is more than fast enough for day to day use; it may be slow compared to other EVs but that's more down to other EVs being all wheel drive and unnecessarily 'overpowered'. Equally, a limited slip diff isn't needed unless you're flogging a car around corners.

[@unusualscyra]

especially when you consider how much cheaper this is (and still feels super expensive to me) granted it is new

[@kelvin1316]

This is my problem with many (most) car reviewers, they review the car as if it has been designed for a track and drive it accordingly, then berate it for not being a "good" car.

[@StephenTovey]

This exactly. I am fan of LTT but they got this wrong. I have this car in the UK and is quiet simply perfect.

[@minisammich892]

I'd love to see Alex review a Minivan. The look of disappointment he would get after taking a corner would make my day!

[@Lizlodude]

As Jay has talked about a few times, the Sienna has way more power than it has any right to lol. The couple of times I've driven my parents' van I'm always surprised; obviously it's not fast, but it's faster than you'd expect.

[@minisammich892]

@@Lizlodude Yeah I drive my parents' Odyssey. Thing is, with FWD it can't really get its power to the ground well. Also it's a boat so there's not much enjoyment to be had other than it being more powerful than it has any right being lol.

[@NineTO]

If you want to start reviewing cheap cars, then start reviewing them at the price point that they’re at. Don’t compare and critique them like a much more expensive vehicle

[@Erdie5]

Props for making an EV that doesn't pretend to be a spaceship. I guess I expected poorer 0-60 numbers than 7.1s for one to complain so much about its speed, but that's another story. That piano black though, that's literally a dealbreaker. I don't understand Kia's new obsession with having so many surfaces that are going to show age brutally, greatly exacerbated by kids. Use fabric, or use that soft touch pleather that Nissan has been using all over the dash and doors. Doesn't scratch, looks fine, wipes down. It's a much better choice, guys. No more gloss.

[@ghomerhust]

yeah i'd rather have crappy 90s plastics over anything piano black. i hate that look anyway.

[@D-Rockk]

0-60 in 7.1 is pretty sluggish for an EV.

[@rustler08]

You do realize that EVs are SIGNIFICANTLY faster than ICE vehicles, right? 7.1 seconds in an EV is like having an original Prius 0-60.

[@Erdie5]

@@rustler08 Depends on how you look at it. I see an economy car. And 7.1s is pretty good for an economy car. Nobody is buying this electric econobox for performance.

[@njoshua3265]

@@Erdie5 50k new is economy?

[@Lebon19]

Two steps closer to a Kona EV review: 1. a Kia EV reviewed! 2. a Kona EV mention! I'll take these steps.

[@ColH0m3r]

Agreed! Review the Kona EV!

[@evancycles]

I own this car and these are my thoughts on it. - Seats: Comfort is subjective, but I find the seats very comfortable. - Tires: The car performs better with normal tires, so the review should take that into account. - Sport mode: The car becomes snappier when I switch to sport mode, as others have mentioned. - Handling: The handling is decent, but not amazing. I have had three BMWs and this car does not handle as well as any of them. But it's not terrible either. - Tech: The car has ample tech features for the price, which is amazing. I especially like the HUD (head-up display), and the blind spot tech is helpful. HUD included only some versions. - Range: I can drive about 260-270 miles on a full charge. I charge mostly at home. The car's range is rarely a concern. -201hp ,188 lbs of Torque, 0-60 in just under 8 seconds. Alex is driving on high-friction winter tires in the summer, and I bet in eco mode. Sport mode Alex, sport mode! And normal tires! You will see improvements. -I don't like the piano-black finish... But that can be solved by keeping a microfiber cloth handy and giving a quick wipe-down every other day. Not a dealbreaker for me. -The sound system is good, and the cabin is not noisy. Also, Rear Visibility, I found it a little lacking, but blind-spot tech has you covered, so no real concern there. In conclusion, I think Kia has made a good EV offering for the price. Some U.S. states also offer EV credits. The Niro is not a high-performance EV. The Niro it's not as fast as Tesla, but the Niro will be fast enough for most people. I have a child car seat in mine, so FAST isn't what I am looking for as a primary feature. The Niro driven with proper tires is a peppy little crossover, that should satisfy lots of people. If I were to consider an alternative (that could cost more), I would go with the Tesla Model Y. But, so far, I am pleased with the Kia Niro. It's doing all that I ask of it. It's also got a rather good warranty, better than Tesla. I would bet that repairing a Tesla is going to cost you more than a Kia. Something to consider.

[@Lockerz83]

These are not slow. I moved from a new BMW M135i to a Kia Niro EV due to work and I can say I don’t think the Niro is slow at all, in fact put it in Sports mode and you will embarrass a lot of your local boy racers.

[@mikejszekely]

In the previous round, it seemed like you guys liked the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a bit better than the Kia EV6. (We actually bought the Ioniq 5 ourselves after). Now I'm curious how the Hyundai Kona EV stacks up to the Niro EV. BTW, these EV reviews are quickly becoming my favorite Short Circuit videos. Keep up the good work!

[@EpicLoot]

Driven both, own the Niro EV. Very small differences between the two, they have the same platform and frame. Kia trims their cars better for the money but 1 on 1 the Kona has slightly better quaility of life features. I would recommend for everyone to shop around and just take the cheaper of the two. Also I think the Kona now gets credit from hyundai for a charger install. While Kia doesn't, so if that applies to you that might make a factor in which one is best.

[@Matthew-z9c]

Have 25000 miles on a 21 reg Kona (UK). Only have good things to say about it, especially in terms of the efficiency. Averaging 4.1 m kWh after two winters and a lot of motorway driving. Granted, faster charging and a bit more boot space would be nice, but considering the price I don't think I can complain at all. I plan on driving it into the ground so will work out incredibly good value long-term. Paid £30k new and already saved £3k in fuel cost savings.

[@Reversed82]

@@Matthew-z9c totally agree, i have a 2020 kona and exactly the same impression, great car and will drive it till its done because i like it a lot. i'm in EU though.

[@kuyre2239]

Hyundai KIA cars are 1. catches fire, 2. easy to steal, 3. engine Blow up 4. weakest transmission in the market 5. company lie about gas mileage 6. insurance refuse to cover 7. use child labor to manufacture.

[@Raze_48]

I own a pair of 2023 Kona EV and we love them. Getting about 7.1KM/kWh in the summer and around 5.5-6KM/kWh in the winter depending on heated seats/steering usage and how much pre-heating I do. We drive about 10K a year so it's perfect for a small daily commutes and only requires a single 30 minute charging stop to get to the big city.

[@cman2270]

I liked the speaker impressions part, highly underrated detail most people ignore

[@ViperVenom]

savagegeese also do audio test in their car reviews

[@mr.guillotine3766]

My friend had one of these in a really cool blue color. It was an older model, so I think it was a hybrid, not a full EV. I got to drive it, and the seats weren't all that bad IMO...but as a poor person, I don't really have the luxury to be too picky on any of the details of a vehicle (I buy used and my current car will need to last me for several more years). It feels like they did better with this vehicle before they went full EV with it for some reason, but a few companies seem to have that problem. If you already have a good vehicle, you don't need to make a ton of changes to what is already good just to make it an EV, but they all seem to want to do that.

[@JokingJay]

The previous gen Niro also came in EV. The problem (insofar as there is one) is that the Niro is first an HEV/PHEV which they also then offer as a full EV, so it's a compromise in terms of ride, handling, etc. in that configuration. The upside is that it sells for $10K USD less than an EV6 or Ioniq 5. If that compromise is too much for anyone's liking, they just need to pay more, but for a lot of people I think this will be just fine.

[@realzyxtomatic]

Love the audio system analysis graphs you supplied. As a car audio guy, that's always something I want in reviews, but no one ever does.

[@mrburnz884]

I like the editing of Alex being around the drivers side popping the bonnet and then teleporting to the front to lift the bonnet.

[@DJphotoandtech]

Yeah, I love little edits like that. They're not strictly necessary, but they add a little flair and fun to an otherwise standard EV review.

[@JJC1138]

I missed that, thanks for pointing it out! 0:34

[@DigitMason]

0:37 Did they just casually throw in a clone edit cut into this car review!?

[@elone3997]

They are doing lots of tricksy edits lately right? ☺️ Keeps it fun the editors too 👍

[@JackTalksTech]

Came here to comment on that. Smooooth.

[@Gobbbbb]

0:34

[@danthejack6893]

Saaaaame reaction ! Thanks editors ! xD

[@diogovale700]

I actually tested this car last week and, I was impressed, not by anything in special but by the hole package, its not a super car it's a daily driver, has everything you'd need for it nothing more and nothing less no gimmicks and no poor judgment, what you touch feels nice and its nicelly thought and desgined (yeah its has a bit of piano black but you'll only touch it on the stearing wheel and the button feel good). In my opinion I think this car (and kia lattely) have been doing it the best way, simple good cars with no bs. I only wish they had the full panoramic roof option on the niro, other then that I don't think there's a better option for a daily driver nowadays. Great package!

[@EpicLoot]

The Kona EV gets the sunroof because little things like that they keep for their favorite brand.

[@kelvin1316]

I agree as a package, daily driver it is a great car and I like mine.

[@MrBaller4Life14]

Ummm mid 6 to low 7 seconds for a soccer mum car is HEAPS decent. Everything that you described is how a car like this should be (except the seats and piano black). The price is a bit on the high end for a car like this BUT that's the EV premium atm. This car should be really celebrated as its one of the very few EVs that's basically a normal car under $50k-$60k.

[@dashy90210]

Speaking of the conclusion of this video, that's really where I think there's a missed opportunity to focus on what the Niro is good at and leave the BEV party for Kia's other models. I had the pleasure of driving the hybrid version as a rental for about a week, and fuel efficiency was great, road feel was great (appropriate seasonal tires probably helped lol) and you had all the standard Kia goodies of the ACC and ergonomics without any of the issues that they seem to have saddled the BEV with.

[@dtemp132]

Do you think the seats were better in the hybrid version?

[@dashy90210]

@@dtemp132 seats I'm mostly sure are the same, and they're basically semi-buckets in terms of feel, which is why they're polarizing if I had to guess. Reclined seating position and/or daily driving that involves corners would mean you like the seats (both were true for me, so I did), while if you sit upright and/or have a boring straight line commute, it could get bad. Also if the edges of the seat don't fit your natural body contour you're totally going to get edges digging into your obliques, which is not ideal.

[@Vikingbilly]

@@dtemp132I have the hybrid version. As someone who is 6 ft, it feels very low sitting for me to have the leg room, and figuring out how I liked it took a bit, but after the first week or so I’ve never felt uncomfortable at all in it.

[@niccccccccc0VODS]

Really enjoying these Canadian Top Gear episodes of ShortCircuit, keep 'em coming! : )

[@4rd17]

This is a family suv, 6.5 to 100km/h is fine, the same applies for the cornering.

[@meta567]

Correction at 1:04. The Niro EV peak DC charge rate is ~84kW, not 350kW. The Niro EV is a 400V class vehicle (unlike the EV6 and EV9, which is 800V). I don't think the Niro can handle that high of a current draw if it charged at 350kW 😂

[@kosiranze]

they did it again, the 350kw mistake has been in the video for all the kia/hyundai/genesis cars so far...

[@DarkAbyss9]

They don't even look up the spec sheet anymore

[@ShortCircuit]

Weird! We got our specs from the Kia Canada website (link below) and it lists the Level 3 charging speed as 350 kW as stated in video. www.kia.ca/en/vehicles/2024/niro/ev/specs?trimCode=NE151R

[@DarkAbyss9]

@@ShortCircuit it actually doesn't . It's listing how long it takes a charge based on the charger you're using. This I would have thought would be obvious to someone who had reviewed several EVs Who didn't look closer and see the difference of 2 minutes between 100kw and 350kw and think....hmmmm, that's off. We should ask or investigate more? The marketing tactics they have used is to fool gen pop, it shouldn't confuse people giving reviews

[@kosiranze]

@@ShortCircuit this lists charging times at different chargers and not the cars maximum charging speed. Google throws out the answer as 84 kW, and evdatabase has it listed as 80kW. Unfortunately charging speeds are subject to marketing shenanigans and really have to be double checked. The 10 to 80% charging times are generally a nice indicator of charging performance. But I would advise also mentioning the correct maximum charging speed. This way we can hopefully avoid cars occupying faster chargers than needed. Same error was also made in previous hyunday/kia/genesis reviews and you can find some comments pointing it out.

[@The_Noblest_Roman]

I happen to own the 2020/2021 Niro Plugin Hybrid (The Facelift refresh of the original design, before they went to the full redesign shown in this video) and I absolutely adore it. It's comfy, not over-large (more like a hatchback in high heels), and the sound system and infotainment system are both very good compared to similarly priced cars. For driving, the 60km electric range handles the longest drives I do in a day, and the petrol efficiency for longer roadtrips is great. It's silly to say, but one of the biggest reasons I got the older version outside of not wanting to pay brand-new car prices is that I think the new look as featured in this video is ugly as sin, while the 2020-2022 look is very attractive for me. Also, my food for thought: I think people who review cars professionally focus a little too much on details the average driver doesn't care about; most people aren't going to think the car is particularly slow to take off unless they actively review other high-end EVs (and I will note that there is a sport mode you can put the car into that produces significant pep at the cost of efficiency). All the Niros still benefit from that instant electric torque for getting off the line which is the most significant factor in feeling snappy during city driving, and for the hybrids their relatively unique design element of still having a dual clutch transmission means they still feel traditionally car-like to drive, as opposed to other hybrids which mostly have (in my opinion) rather unpleasant feeling CVT gearboxes.

[@HiCZoK]

thanks for the good word. I just ordered the 2023 niro 2 hybrid and I can't wait. I went for the highest trim version. warmed/cooled seats, automatic trunk opening/closing, remote parking control, lane assists, adaptive cruise control and all that stuff.

[@hapcot]

I hope KIA keeps innovating on this car. I love my Soul and my Step-sister's boyfriend loves his Niro, both gas. It disappoints me that KIA seemed to have missed the mark on this car, especially considering they've been making EVs for a while now with the Soul EV in Korea and Japan. It seems like they're not far off though, so hopefully in a few years, this car will be a must have budget EUV

[@terorantanen8894]

I have the last year model. It is so much nicer and better 😅.

[@kerli_8012]

Man I want LMG car channel with Alex as a main host. Am not even into cars or something, but this videos are so well made it's insane.

[@J3rbski]

I bought the generation before this and have been absolutely in love with it. This was a time in my life when my truck (paid for) was totaled and I couldn't afford a $350/m gas bill AND a car payment. Step in the Kia Niro. 50/m in gas and $350/m payment. Saved me. Now that it's paid for I just reap the savings. I also relearned my driving habits and consistently get 65mpg (in the summer).

[@Nam3Iess]

We also have the previous gen and it retired a Jaguar XF from 2008 (2.7D V6). It is a fantastic car and we love it minus the piano black everywhere :D

[@sireuchre]

The connector being at the center of the front is sort of smart, but since it isn't a NACS connector (this was from July, so it wasn't built after that would basically become accepted at the North American connector standard) it means I'd probably want to wait until they switch to that connector.

[@misterjeffa2128]

On the other hand these connectprs are like a standard anywhere else in the world. Nacs is just the us having to be different for no reason like with paper sizing, units used etc.

[@mrnarason]

Yeah I think the front is the preferred position is you are a good driver, don't plan to rear end anyone. Also easier to charge since you don't have to always back into a space to use the charger

[@Jessev741]

@@misterjeffa2128 Tesla created the 'NACS' before there WAS a standard, AND it's better!

[@Vithigar]

@@mrnarason I always back into parking spaces. It's way safer than the alternative and having to back out into traffic. It's baffling to me that manufacturers would encourage the less safe behaviour.

[@andy9841]

Have a frint end ding, and you are basically screwed

[@pabloenriquegorga4222]

0:34 - 0:36 NEXT LEVET video edition ! i really do like that small details in editing that let you see the amount of work that is needed to do a quality video. Thanks

[@_A-A_]

Would love to see a review on the Rav4 Prime, specifically the XSE with the premium package (which adds a lot of tech).

[@andrewalexander9508]

Worth mentioning for the Tire issues. Summer tires basically feel like you are driving on ice if its the ground is colder than 50F. Winter tires chop like crazy as you cut through massive amounts of rubber if you drive them in 80-90F weather. Basically a media car should probably have never ship for testing in anything other than All Weather or All Terrain tires.

[@TheBondyboy]

Yes those tyres would have been overheating mush after the first 5 minutes, to judge the traction and 'handling' so harshly when inappropriate tyres are fitted is very unfair

[@Krydolph]

Imo, if you are not sitting confortable in the car - all other stats doesn't matter. Luckily all are different and there probably will be people who are more than fine with it. But it is an important detail, many often miss. I had a test drive in the Ioniq 5. The seats didn't work for me at all - then all the cool stuff doesn't matter anymore.

[@grandbuba]

True, but seating is a very, very subjective feeling. I, for one, love the seats, the headrest, the steering wheel etc.. I've driven friends' BMW's, volvo's, audi's etc, and all of them have these sporty, hollow seats with a myriad of adjustments, and I can't sit in them for longer than an hour before something gives. Those seats feel amazing on first impression, but after a while, there's a pressure point forming on the lower back, you're hunched etc.. It's all about personal "taste" there, and you should really test drive a vehicle for more than an hour before deciding on something.

[@Jaw0lf]

I own a previous version the Kia E Niro 4+ and the lack of performance is likely that you had it Eco mode rather than Sport. Mine in sport mode is ultra responsive to the accelerator pedal.

[@flamingspinach]

He might also just be comparing it to Porsches and Teslas and whatever else, lol. He is a "car guy" after all.

[@Nam3Iess]

We also have the previous gen from 2020 and it is a fantastic car. In ECO we get 450km on a charge and the performance is the best in Sport - we use it in normal/eco. The only thing that could have been better is the charging speed (77kw) is on the slower side and the towing capacity is a joke. All in all the car has over 45K km and we love it.

[@Jaw0lf]

@@Nam3Iess I agree. I moved from an Audi Q5 and the Kia has been amazing, haven't missed the Audi or felt dissapointed with the Kia. The new Kia Niro EV adds a lot of the bits that "would be nice to have". When I came to swap it is now a hard decision as the Tesla Model 3 is now cheaper and has more range and faster charging. Not that I have found the 77kWh a problem as it usually is ready by the time I have finished my coffee and cake! Usually home charge though.

[@evancycles]

I own this car and these are my thoughts on it. - Seats: Comfort is subjective, but I find the seats very comfortable. - Tires: The car performs better with normal tires, so the review should take that into account. - Sport mode: The car becomes snappier when I switch to sport mode, as others have mentioned. - Handling: The handling is decent, but not amazing. I have had three BMWs and this car does not handle like them. - Tech: The car has a lot of tech features for the price, which is amazing. I especially like the HUD (head-up display). - Range: I can drive about 260-270 miles on a full charge on average. In conclusion, I think Kia has made a solid EV (electric vehicle) with this car. It is a sporty little commuter EV that offers a lot for a reasonable price. It is not a performance EV, so if you are looking for that, you might want to look elsewhere. The only thing I don't like is the piano-black finish, which shows fingerprints easily. But that can be solved by keeping a microfiber cloth handy.

[@radimbastan]

Oh, that edit on 0:34 was impeccable. Good job, editor!

[@RealDavidx3D]

As Someone Who Just Wants To Go From Point A To Point B Without Walking, 0-60 Times Are Worthless Cause I Only Go The Speed Limit After Almost Dying In An Accident

[@sandale]

Your judgement is base too much on the winter tires in summer (poor handling, bad traction) and less on the vehicle. It is not the car's fault that the "owner" equipped it with winter tires in summer.

[@originalgamer]

Did Alex just complain about the car not having an LSD, does anyone expect this car to have one? This was clearly a tyres issue.

[@tiago98bastos]

Hey @dbrand It's time to sell stickers to cover that bunch of piano black on cars

[@klaudyw3]

I'm not sure if the voice along with the correction note is a new thing, but it sounds really weird right now. I would much prefer the editor, or anyone else who feels comfortable doing the voice-over.

[@mcall9800]

Love that edit at 0:35

[@scooter4196]

I totally missed that lol

[@JokingJay]

So I own a 2023 Niro HEV, and some of this rings true (what's with the piano black obsession...) while other bits I really don't understand. You're reviewing a car that sells for at least $10K USD less than an Ioniq 5/EV6 (those base MSRPs are jokes), so there's no point in holding it to that standard. It drives/rides like an average car, has decent cargo and passenger space, has good safety features, gets decent range, and doesn't cost over 50K -- those are the things it's good at, that's what people will buy it for. And you even said it: this is "a not very expensive EV that [one] can cheaply take to and from work." The fact that they tried to go slightly more upscale with the interior (to mixed results) or that you subjectively find the seats uncomfortable are pretty forgivable sins. Likewise, no point in comparing this to a Prius Prime -- the Niro comes in PHEV, that's it's competitor, and the handling/ride of the hybrids is admittedly better. Bottom line: if you want to see more EVs in more driveways, you have to stop stomping all over anything that doesn't look, feel, and take off from a red light like a car that costs $10-30K more. Think of all the people driving base Camrys or CRVs -- would they be happy with this? If the answer is "yeah, probably" then it's doing its job.

[@timtim6932]

"Here at LTT we're very sorry for our mistakes. But do you know who isn't sorry? Our sponsor for this video"

[@Melrieoi]

I want some of whatever Alex has been smoking if he thingks that looks like an 80s rally car.

[@theravenone3439]

Wow, crazy how different my 2022 kia niro EV is from your review. Holy shit.

[@Medabee8]

3:21 - The word is "latter" not "later" lol 😅

[@nodrogj1]

I get that providing winter tires installed is a weird choice on the dealer's part, but this is Canada so buying a second set of tires is pretty normal and something any good driver would do anyways. On the other hand, not swapping them out for this review video is unforgivable. Like, who is this review for? Anyone who actually cared about handing in the first place would be much better served knowing how the vehicle behaves when properly configured, and anyone leaving a new vehicle with winter tires year round probably isn't going to care about handling in the first place.

[@DylanClarkSallee]

While some people are complaining about how Alex reviewed the suspension, I think his complaints are totally valid. I’ve driven a car with shot back dampers, and not only is it uncomfortable to drive, it feels borderline unsafe. No new car should feel like that, regardless of the price. Seems like Kia tuned the suspension for the gas version and shoehorned in the EV version. That’s not good. Also, as someone who drives in the mountains all the time, that amount of slipping on basic curves is a dealbreaker.

[@shaunguimond]

For that price, might as well get the Ioniq 5 which is what I did, 52k, minus the BC and federal program, and all in, I only financed 40k. Also, the Ioniq 5, or Kia EV6 drives far better, charges wicked fast, perfect for long road trips (I did 9k kilometers from Vancouver to Colorado passing by some of the most rural places with no problems) and has longer range. In the first 4 months of owning my Ioniq 5 I saved $425 in gas, per month! And I cut my emissions by 98.5% ( I did the math).

[@mikejszekely]

Fist bump for a fellow Ioniq 5 owner.

[@EpicLoot]

I have a 23 Niro EV. Great car, and driving is not nearly as bad as he reacts. Very quick and snappy like an EV should. Sure you can't out run a Taycan but still feels better than most ICE cars. Only complaints are 1. Piano black 2. Since its a 'transplant' using an existing car converted to an EV, you don't get good range or charge speed. One of those needs to be improved, having 230 miles or range + 40/50 minutes DC sucks if you ever go on a trip. Also the App is $200 a year for all the features which kinda sucks. For a commuter car, the Niro is amazing. I would however, recommend the Ioniq 6 or EV6 after the most recent price cuts. Base Niro + Heat Pump is more than the starting price of those 2. Also the new Volvo XC30 might be worth your attention.

[@mrknighttheitguy8434]

There is no such thing as a cool gym teacher. In fact, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a gym teacher is NOT a teacher.

[@shasterdhari]

Cover the F-150 Lightning! I bought it after comparing most of the EVs on the market and honestly it’s like the best one. Like a huge SUV and you have a truck bed too!

[@fatpenguin1500]

I can't relate to the winter tire thing... I just have all season tires

[@lkeil84]

I have been renting these from Hertz for a few times now and love them. Sure, it only charges at 75-80 kw, but it takes me 30 minutes to get through my E-Mails and Quora stuff, so I just do that while charging. I am 6' 4" and quite frankly did not even notice a problem with the seats. I really loved the steering assist and adaptive cruise. Almost don't even have to pay attension it is so good. And as for power, I thought it scooted along quite nicely and handled great. Of course I was in Florida where I doubt they had winter tires on the thing. I am seeing these a couple of years old now selling in the low $20's or even under and am thinking it would be a great replacement for my 7 year old Ford Focus Electric (that I thought I may never part with). If I was looking for new, it would be a no brainer to pay about the same for a Model Y though. I was completely surprised by the smile it put on my face though for a $250 week rental car. I just wish they equipped it with a 120 volt charger, but now that I know it is not there, I just bring one along with me. I do like that I can pay for charging on my accounts and don't have to have the up charge Hertz takes on the Tesla who's account is in their name. I have found that FPL Evolution fast chargers are $0.30/kw compared to Electrify America at $0.58/kw, almost half the price. The one in Oceechobie also has NACS connectors, the first I have seen at public chargers outside of the Tesla Supercharging network. So when renting in Florida, get one of these little gems, you won't be sorry. Or if renting a Tesla out there, look for the FPL Evolution charger with NACS to save some money charging that is in your control. I think these are only in Florida as FPL stands for Florida Power and Lights, the utility there. Hopefully some others take this clue and get into the game.

[@patrick71994]

KIA did limit the power of the new Niro because they found out that maybe it isn’t a good idea to give everyone a car that launches like a rocket. The older Niro and Kona are faster off the line and that is, according to KIA, by design. I tend to agree, my mother in law doesn’t want to have a car that is so direct and powerful.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

JULY?! You holding our man Alex back?! lmaooo

[@kelvin1316]

I have got a Kia Niro EV (UK base model) for work simple as it was the only company car I could get within my allowance and with a very good boot space. I have driven from near the south coast to Scotland about 420 miles over 10 hours, cruising at 60mph and 3 recharge stops. Each charge was between 25-35 minutes with the slowest being about 45 simple because the built in navigation didn't know about the charger and couldn't precondition the battery for fast charging (there needs to be a manual override for that system and not just based on the car's POI's). Not sure what Kia were telling you about the car but a simple search says that the car can only DC fast charge at max 72kW so that is why there is no real difference between 100 and 350 figures as the car can't use it. In use I find it tends to top out at about 60-65kW charge speeds. The frunk it pretty much for the charger cable, given the charge port is literally there. I agree with the seats, I have been able to find a position I am comfortable in over a long journey but I did go into the "SUV" driver position. What I don't understand is why reviewers insist on driving an obviously-not-sports-car like it is a sports car. This car drives really well if you drive like a normal person and not a reviewer. It handles fine if you drive, you know, like you should on a road, the steering is light but has "just" enough feedback, below 20mph it is pretty quiet, above 40mph you do start to get wind and tyre noise but not obnoxiously so. With modern cars I have NEVER needed to turn off traction control, I mean why? Unless you are trying to drive it in a way it shouldn't be (a track for example), that system has the potential to be a life saver and probably why you can't completely turn it off. I also agree the piano black thing in cars needs to stop. I hate it with a passion, I have a microfibre cloth in the door pocket so I can wipe it down regularly because it is in a position where you WILL touch it. And it shows EVERY fingerprint/smear. It is a great little car if you need lots of boot space and something that just drives well for the road. It isn't a sports car, it won't handle well if you push it, but keep within the limits it has been designed for and it's just a relaxing drive. Oh and the base model (Niro 2 in the UK nomenclature) is great for the price and spec. Sure you miss out of heated seats and steering will, along with some of the more pointless safety features (blind spot monitoring), but you still get the adaptive cruise control, lane centring, full 10.1" infotainment screen and rear USB charging. The only thing I think is a shame you can't get on the base model is the heat pump and, for heat, you are limited with resistive heating for warmth.

[@bedast]

I have the 2nd gen Niro EV (this car) and the max charge rate is NOT 350kW. The specs are publicly available. It’s 80something kW. I agree about the front seats. This was a massive downgrade from my previous vehicle. I gave up trying to make it more comfortable. I’ve mostly just adjusted to it. I agree about the piano black interior. It’s only in the front seat and so it doesn’t really flow through the car. So it’s not matching. Also, the fingerprint issue isn’t even the worst issue. The center console reflects overhead sun into the driver’s eyes. I had a matte film added to my interior because of this. Cost about $300. Totally worth it for safer driving. In terms of the performance, they have a weird throttle and power curve. Even in sport mode. You get much improved throttle response in sport mode, but still ramps up the power to prevent wheel spin. The tires that came with mine suck in the wet. I’m less than a year in and already looking for a change. Pulling out of a parking lot and getting no traction in eco mode to limit the power while the roads are wet is not fun. The second gen Niro EV, I think, was detuned from the first gen in preparation to differentiate it from the Kia EV3. The EV3 will be in the same class, but E-GMP, so likely bigger battery, faster charging, more range, and better performance, and very likely with a dual motor option. Basically, a Niro EV sized EV6. I’m happy with my Niro EV, to be honest. It’s…mostly fine. My overall vehicle costs have taken a dive, which is great. I’m looking forward to the EV3, though.

[@bedast]

Also another correction for you: The battery isn’t in the rear of the car. You can literally see the battery tray in your video. It’s central to the car between the axles…if there were axles.

[@WilliamCasolare]

Shows the configuration where you can fit much larger water bottles, presses the button to deploy the smaller cup insert... "You can only fit the smaller water bottle in here." Alex!

[@DJphotoandtech]

I'm curious why the delay between shooting in July and releasing in November? Embargo or some creative control decision?

[@ramsfile4583]

I think your right with it being tuned for the gas version's, I have a PHEV 2023 Niro and it seems to handle great. That being said, i did come from a older cheaper car soooo it's not necessarily hard to impress me. It does do the "to work and back" part great though. but ya, the piano black was a bad choice.

[@Collin_J]

Piano black 😭. I finally bought some vinyl wraps to cover the abomination of a center console Tesla puts in their cars

[@Collin_J]

@@tim3172 rear suspension

[@angelmagana422]

I have this model and it’s amazing. I don’t know what you’re on about. Regarding the interior surface just carry a microfiber cloth and wipe down frequently into me. It always comes out spotless.

[@jerrik-415]

I love my Niro as it's perfectly practical, but piano black should be outlawed. I just got a wireless adapter for android auto, simple fix.

[@Nomanspie]

On the Kia website it says nothing about 350kw charging...even on the newest version of the Niro. I think you have the wrong information. It's 22kw ac and 100kw DC.

[@nomadicdragon7157]

6:10 it’s serving happy little car vibes 🥺💛

[@meshermet]

We have one in the UK and might be the North American version, but we have not had an issue with the suspension and drives preaty well.

[@webluke]

I drove one of these as a rental because it was all they had at 1 AM in DC. Getting a rental that isn't fully charged and you need to drive a distance for work is stressful. As a larger guy, I found the seat comfortable enough once I adjusted a few times, but getting in and out was more challenging. I left it in ECO mode and felt like I had plenty of kick to push the accelerator and go from stops or around traffic on the Interstate. The glossy finish was dirty from it being a rental. The charging was slow at the Nissan dealership I found near my work site, and the default DC charging was set to 80% so I was worried about having enough charged, but I did have to drive more than the full range of the car, so I didn't run out but did need that top off. The regenerative braking was something to get used to, and I am sure I pissed people off at stop lights and on highways in traffic by not using the brakes. It was interesting to drive as a rental, but because of the charging, I would go with a Tesla for that price, paying the extra just for the network of Tesla chargers and better user experience. I also didn't feel the bounce Alex had, but the lane assistance was wobbly and would jerk you back in the center if you pulled it hard to the side sometimes.

[@CJonestheSteam72]

I'd imagine the build quality is far superior to a Tesla

[@webluke]

@@CJonestheSteam72 Lol, you are talking about Kia. And Tesla has been mass-producing cars for 15 years now. A lot of the quality complaints were people used to a Porsche buying a new technology car. As I said, you get the charging network with a Tesla and the continued enhancements that add value to the car.

[@Alron112]

I actually have the HEV Business Line version of this car and it's amazing. I don't know about the EV version, but I'm genuinely impressed by how awesome the HEV is.

[@1414tyty]

I just bought a Kia Niro EV 2023 and it's great! Range is nice but NOT for long road trips. I've done this moving from CO -> CA with lots of stops. But really your NEVER doing this!! The efficiency is great at it's price and super roomie! However, beware of liquid accumulation from A/C condensation in the passenger floor. I think its just a design defect. You can leave the windows open for a day and it goes away. But I would buy this car again for all its flaws! Your gonna save so much in EV charging if you have a work with a free charger.

[@kelvin1316]

I disagree with the not for long trips (although I am talking from another country and long to me is 400 miles LOL). I did do a 400ish mile trip in it, 3 stops of about 25-30 mins on average. Takes me 15-20 minutes to nip to the loo and grab a coffee and I would normally stop at least twice on that trip anyway.

[@a4andrei]

I don't get the appeal of piano black or in fact, glossy surfaces in general, especially in cars. They show dirt and scratch very easily. What's the point of them, when they will look like crap the second you peel any protective film off?

[@HanWeegink]

There is no protective film - it's solid black plastic. It is fairly scratch proof too, but you have to wipe off the fingerprints from time to time. I guess many cars models have piano black as an option (of default) since it combines with almost any exterior color and lot's of people like all black cars.

[@QuentinVaterlaus]

Overall, this is a terrible review. This review shines when talking about all the techie things, like sound quality and other things the LTT crew is known for. However, when it comes to actual quality of the car, I trust these guys less than my 90 year old grandma. You guys should have known that having winter tires in July would have vastly impacted the performance of the car - you should have REFUSED to do a review on lower quality tires. Someone with more experience would have known that the most important part of a car is the part that touches the ground, so reviewing a car with improper tires is a disservice (not only to Kia, but to viewers). Shame... I say this not only because I like cars (and car reviewers on YT), but because I purchased and have experienced this car first hand. After 80+ hours of research and test driving multiple new cars, I selected the 2023 Kia Niro EV. The seats are fine - they are better than average, but not the best. The trunk is exactly as big as you want it to be in a small car like this. With proper tires, it has lots of pep. I get almost no tire squeal, unless I am flooring it into a curve on concrete - cornering on asphalt has little-to-no tire squeal. I will agree that the piano black is a PITA. I live in Arizona and it can be blindingly reflective in peak summer and picks up fingerprints like crazy (I currently keep a microfiber cloth to keep it "clean"). One major complaint I have is that the air recirculation button often turns itself off and I have to turn it back on (A/C is a requirement in AZ, and recirculation improves efficiency). In 2022 the Niro was one of the top sellers in Europe, and for good reason, it has good drivability and excellent efficiency (which wasn't even mentioned for some reason). I frequently get 4 miles per kwh and 4.5 - 5 mpkwh when using their 1-pedal drive mode (called i-Pedal). It also has enough power for most people and, when equipped with proper tires, gives results equal to mid-2000s WRX or Golf GTI (This has 201hp with instant torque, while a 2006 WRX had 230hp and 2006 GTI capped out at 200). Charge speeds are slow compared to the more expensive EV6, but this car is great for a city car or a second vehicle. All-in-all, if you want a PROPER review, don't trust these guys. Go to one of the better channels, like Auto Buyers Guide, Redline Reviews, AutoEV (UK EV Channel), EV Pulse (US EV Channel), or even AutoTrader Canada, who tested it with winter tires in WINTER! Auto Buyers Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foWci3WCm6uImNUsi=h1ladUiFW8_gHINl Redline Reviews: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJi8oI1-l9Zlpq8si=bHtrXY5A099FZi4K AutoEV: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIm1iI2VfqqdkLcsi=le0DvvJNKcnh55Pf EV Pulse: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGW0f3dqZ5ugd9Esi=UYaSrePr-mqDJ8QP AutoTrader Canada: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m32spJt_jcinj7Msi=qC_D0vJ4rDGMUl2i

[@DownhillHunter]

Fyi, the battery isn't in the back. It's in the middle below the passengers. You can see them from below.

[@BrandEver117]

I am 99% sure you got the charging rate wrong, this car does not have 350kw charging (maybe the writer confused it with the EV6). I think it has 100kw charging at most; Edmunds says it tops out at 85kw.

[@RodenasL]

It tops out at 84 kW. But, normally, a 100 kW charger only delivers 200 A, so 400V x 200A = 80kW. That's why it's a bit slower at a 100 kW charger. Though quoting only the time at a partitular charger is quite misleading.

[@Ryan-um8ug]

There is a subwoofer in the trunk if u pulled up the bottom piece and it's 8 speaker. And it's missing Harmon Kardons surround sound option I had on my Kia Soul. The Niro SX HEV drives significantly better and has so much more room and the faux leather seats IMO are fantastic! Much much better then the cloth seats. The 18" tires are a much much better tire and ride then the 17" ones.

[@kidbob44212]

Which driving mode did you test in? I drive a previous gen Niro EV and there is noticeable acceleration difference when using the Eco mode verse the Normal or Sport mode. For some reason there is an acceleration hit when using level 3 automatic braking verses turning it off (which sport mode does). Didn’t mention one foot driving, which he has harped on other cars for not including. It’s not my favorite car I’ve ever driven, but this review seemed more rushed than the other more premium car reviews, but I’m biased.

[@Juniper_]

I'm a bit confused why you were testing and rating this as a sports car rather than an SUV, as it's clearly meant to be. The interior complaints you had were completely valid, but the 0-60 and traction control being "cringe" are kind of weird complaints for something that's meant to be at best a daily driver to/from work, kids, or just general errands.

[@MeowFromÖrebroSwe]

But the best thing in the car you did not mention (which comes in every new kia ev) is if you change the gear to reverse, you get a really cool beat

[@benjaminadupuis]

Watching this with a fever… had to rewatch him pop the trunk for his other self at 0:34 like 5 times cause I thought I was hallucinating… 😂

[@atrampabroad8318]

0:59 "Here we've got 350 KW charging ..." LOL DC fast charging on this peaks at under 100 KW. You guys should stick to reviewing laptops if you can't get this right.

[@LFTRnow]

1:00 The reason the fast charging numbers don't add up is it tops out at 72 kW. Any more than that won't make it faster. Plus, like all EV's it only gets slower (lower kW) as it charges. It drops to about 25 kW at 80% charge. The Bold on the other hand starts at 50 kW and drops to 15 kW in that example, so it is better than that at least for DCFC. It does NOT have 350 kW DCFC. Also, you can Google "Nero EV Charge Curve" or similar terms and see the charging curves for yourself.

[@J3rbski]

I would not rate a Prius based on its zero to sixty and lap times. I also would not rate this car that way. Completely different genre of car, and I think the review, although thorough and concise, would have been better suited if reviewed for its category.

[@95Frass]

Would love to see your thoughts on the 2024 Kona Electric too.

[@castleXgeek]

Disconcerning? Is that a word? Wouldn't it mean the opposite of concerning? Regardless I enjoy Alex content 😂

[@K.F-R]

It's disconcerting that he gets that wrong.

[@Mathingon]

@shortcircuit The Niro EV doesn’t have 350kW fast charging, it has 85kW fast charging.

[@hello_world5975]

Bro really said " Real Adult' 😂 2:29

[@Schnabulation]

A car that has really impressed me is the new Smart #1 Brabus. Don‘t know if you can get this in Canada but that thing is amazing for the price.

[@RobCarter04]

MB has entirely pulled Smart from North America since about 4 years ago. Small cars just don't sell well here, as there are few urban areas where the size is actually a boon. The only ones that are still barely hanging around are the bottom basic econo-box options where rock bottom price is quite literally the only major selling point.

[@Schnabulation]

@@RobCarter04 I see… thank you for clarification.

[@PtrOBrn]

Lol... that USB C port pointing up will be filled by unknown food stuff from kids within a week.

[@Dizzyrascal14]

Disconcerting*

[@SpaceJazz3K]

Next time just ask to get the tires switched out.

[@richardyang7486]

Was able to get a leasing deal on the 23 niro ev(pretty much same as the 24) with $7500 off, monthly pay here in WA after tax is just $338. Really nothing to complain at this price point..

[@RandomTechVideos]

I am so freaking tired of everything being an SUV.

[@HAL_NOVEMILA]

You should start reviewing Chinese EV cars, it's a much more interesting market...

[@rideroftheapocalypse9953]

You really have to take a look at the aptera project. keep up the great work

[@sparkplugbarrens]

The car is slow and has a lot of pianoblack, thats not a deal breaker for me. Good infotainment, sound system, and adaptive cruise control. You are not gonna race this so should be a great commuter and city car.

[@BlackRainbowFT]

I tried this car. It drags (a lot) only when in eco mode. I thought you were supposed to test things more carefully since the last debacle...

[@DaxtonAnderson]

Dbrand needs to release skins for the piano black surfaces 🤣🤣 10/10 would digital camo that car

[@jeffrylieshout]

Real bad iff you review with winter tyers in the summer the handeling will be negatif with winter tyers 😂

[@ExiledPrince-us5zr]

personally I would love to see a video on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

[@terorantanen8894]

I have been driving older model of niro for 2 years. In my opinion it fixes all the complaints you had with this, motor is same so same power. And it is bit more efficient than this. If you like this, check year 22 model. They are way cheaper and better, looks better too, in my opinion ofcource...

[@flamingspinach]

Have you tried the 2023 yourself? I kind of wonder if he's just being picky and would have hated the older model as well (for the driving dynamics complaints anyway).

[@gamefishxd279]

I have to say, Ive been watching almost all LMG-Videos for the past few years but these "car reviews" always bother me a little. Why is the power-consumption never mentioned for example, arent the "Climate-Friendlyness" or lower "fuel"-costs the biggest points for most EV-Customers? And the same point applies to the range aswell, sure a big SUV with a 120kWh Battery might have a slightly bigger range but the extra ressource-costs of these Batterys in combination with the higher Power-Requirements destroy the whole purpose of an EV imo.

[@Fabbyyy]

This review shouldn't even have happened with the damn winter tires. Half his complaints are about the winters. 😒😒😒 Like amateurs...

[@OMGrant]

I've got the PHEV and its awesome.