2023 Hyundai Kona EV vs 2023 Kia Niro EV: How Do They Compare?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing rapidly in popularity thanks to their eco-friendly credentials, low running costs, and advanced technology features. Two compact electric SUVs that potential buyers should have on their shopping list are the newly updated 2023 Hyundai Kona EV and 2023 Kia Niro EV.

As Korean auto giants and sister brands under the Hyundai Motor Group banner, Hyundai and Kia have invested heavily in EV research and development. The latest editions of their small electric crossovers incorporate learnings and tech from across their EV lineages.

On paper, the two models share similar specs and positioning. But how exactly do the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV and 2023 Kia Niro EV compare in real world driving and ownership? Let’s analyze the key factors.

2023 Hyundai Kona EV vs 2023 Kia Niro EV: Side-by-Side Comparison

First, a top-level overview of vital statistics for both electric SUVs:

We can already see the two EVs share similar capabilities on paper, though the Kia Niro EV has a slight edge in battery capacity, acceleration and dimensions while the Hyundai Kona EV wins out with max range and lower starting price.

But specs and measurements are just one piece of the puzzle. We need to dig deeper across factors that impact real world use to determine the superior option.

2023 Hyundai Kona EV vs 2023 Kia Niro EV: What’s the Difference?

Beyond the numbers, there are key areas where the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV differentiate themselves. Let‘s compare them in detail across the categories that matter most.

Dimensions

As the specs above show, the Kia Niro EV is larger than the Hyundai Kona EV in length, width, height and weight.

• At 174 inches long, the Niro is over 8 inches longer than the 165.6 inch Kona.
• The Niro‘s 71.9 inch width and 61.8 inch height also make it slightly wider and taller than the Kona EV.
• With a curb weight of 4,916 lbs versus 4,762 lbs for the Kona, the Niro EV is predictably heavier.

The size differential means the Niro offers increased interior space and cargo capacity:

• Passenger volume comes in at 97.1 cu ft in the Niro, significantly higher than the Kona‘s 93.1 cu ft thanks to extra front and rear legroom.
• Cargo volume behind rear seats is an impressive 22.8 cu ft in the Niro versus just 19.2 cu ft for the Kona.

So for shoppers needing to frequently haul passengers and gear, the Kia Niro EV‘s larger dimensions give it an edge. The Hyundai Kona EV sacrifices some practicality for its tighter urban-friendly footprint.

Performance

As electric vehicles, both the Kona EV and Niro EV deliver instant acceleration courtesy of powerful electric motors rather than traditional gasoline engines. Let’s see how they compare in this regard:

Motor and Drivetrain

• Both EVs use a 150 kW (201 hp) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
• The motor utilizes battery energy to drive the front wheels in both models

Acceleration and Top Speed

• The Kona EV zips from 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds
• The Niro EV is slightly quicker, making 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds
• Both EVs boast an electronically-limited top speed of 103 mph

So performance and straight line speed metrics are very similar between the sibling SUVs, with the Niro EV having a slight lead in off-the-line acceleration.

Battery and Charging

• The Kona EV‘s lithium-ion polymer battery pack capacity stands at 64.0 kWh
• The Niro EV offers a slightly larger pack at 64.8 kWh
• Charging infrastructure is standardized across both vehicles:
  • CCS combo ports enable DC fast charging up to 175 kW
  • Level 2 240V charging fills up both packs to full in around 7-9 hours

Therefore in terms of driving performance and charging, the Kia Niro EV holds the edge but only by slim margins that are unlikely to make a noticeable impact in real world conditions.

Exterior Features

On the outside, both electric SUV models project sporty and modern styling fitting their futuristic powertrains. They incorporate similar features to catch the eye on the road:

• Iconic grille and body cladding lend athletic stances
• LED headlights, foglights and DRLs provide sharp illumination
• Aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels complement efficiency
• Heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators improve visibility and convenience
• Fluidic body lines and sloping rooflines convey dynamic personalities that mirror performance credentials

However the Kia Niro does pull ahead in functionality with a few advantageous additions:

• Solar glass helps manage cabin temperature in sunny conditions
• Acoustic windshield dampens outside noise intrusion for a quieter ride
• Available black contrast roof treatment ups style and distinction

So buyers prioritizing form and exterior features may prefer the Kia Niro EV‘s vibrant persona and creature comforts.

Interior Features

Inside the crossover SUV cabins, both EVs again take broadly similar approaches to ensure comfort and usability:

Seating

• Heated/ventilated front and heated rear seats guarantee year-round coziness
• Reclining rear seats with fold-flat flexibility optimize roominess and storage

Climate Control

• Automatic temperature control zones maintain desired warmth
• Built-in air filter keeps air clean and refreshing

Beyond these core shared elements, the Niro adds a few functionality bonuses:

• Available 8-way power adjustable driver‘s seat with power lumbar support for better ergonomics
• LED cabin and overhead lighting creates pleasant ambience
• 7-inch TFT LCD instrumental panel relays key vehicle stats and alerts

Plus larger overall proportions equate to better passenger and cargo space utilization as covered earlier.

Therefore passengers of all sizes may find the Kia Niro EV‘s cabin configuration slightly more comfortable over longer drives.

Technology

As the newest EV offerings from their respective automakers, both the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV come well equipped with up-to-date tech and connectivity:

• 10.25-inch color touchscreen with integrated rearview camera
• Satellite navigation with EV charge point database
• Android Auto / Apple CarPlay integration
• Multi-Bluetooth wireless and USB device connectivity
• 8-speaker audio with SiriusXM capability

Additionally both EVs provide essential EV-specific capabilities:

• Battery charge status dashboards with range estimates
• Charge port light and locking activation for security
• Battery pre-conditioning while plugged in helps optimize range

For further assurance on the road, the Kia Niro adds a few high-tech helpers that could sway gadget-loving shoppers:

• Surround View parking camera gives multiple sightlines for tight maneuvers
• Head-up display projects key data like speed and navigation in driver eyeline
• Smart Speaker Technology enables audio commands for hands-free convenience
• Available premium 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio with subwoofer delivers richer sound

So when it comes to entertainment, convenience and the latest must-have vehicle features, the Kia Niro EV again rates well with a strong suite of technology.

Safety

Safety is paramount for any vehicle, and SUVs like the Niro EV and Kona EV emphasize protection for passengers and pedestrians alike via robust suites of active and passive systems:

Collision Avoidance Tech

• Forward collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alerts and intervention
• Driver attention warning system

Convenience Features

• Rearview camera and surround view system
• Parking sensors with automatic braking
• Smart cruise control maintains set distance from other vehicles
• Lane keeping and lane following assists

Fundamentals

• 6-8 airbags depending on trim
• Anti-lock brakes
• Stability/traction control

Both Hyundai and Kia score very well in industry and IIHS safety testing, so you can rest assured occupants will be guarded by the latest methods. Once again, the Kia Niro adds a bit more than the Kona with features like surround views and blind spot video feeds – helpful when navigating crowded areas.

But make no mistake, both electrified SUVs provide robust protection loaded with helpful technology.

Warranty

As sister brands under the Hyundai Motor Group, Kia and Hyundai back their vehicles with some of the industry‘s leading warranty coverage:

Hyundai Kona EV Warranty

• 5 years / 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
• 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain
• 7 years / unlimited miles anti-corrosion
• 5 years / unlimited miles roadside assistance

Kia Niro EV Warranty

• 5 years / 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
• 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain
• 5 years / 100,000 miles anti-corrosion
• 5 years / 60,000 miles roadside assistance

So you can see both brands provide the important 5 yr/60k comprehensive and 10 yr/100k powertrain coverage that protects the most expensive components. Hyundai notably offers unlimited distance anti-corrosion and roadside assistance versus Kia‘s mileage limits.

But all in all, you can travel with confidence thanks to lengthy included warranty shields.

Options

As fully-loaded electric SUV models built for technology-focused lifestyles, both the 2023 Kona EV and Niro EV deliver satisfyingly complete experiences without need for many traditional add-ons or options packages. Nonetheless, you’ll discover a few opportunities for further customization:

Kona EV Optional Equipment

• Cargo area block and tray – $115
• First aid kit – $40
• Mud guards – $155
• Wheel locks – $55

Niro EV Additional Options

• Battery warmer – $100
• Heat pump climate control – $395
• Surround view monitor – included in $4,400 Tech package

The battery warmer and heat pump are smart options tailored specifically to electric driving, improving EV range and interior comfort in cold weather.

And tech like the surround view camera boost safety and everyday functionality. Otherwise, both models focus on fully-stocked integrated technology versus bolt-on add-ons.

Price

Lastly, price plays a key role for buyers weighing up EV options that best fit their budgets. Here’s how MSRPs compare for the electric crossovers:

• The 2023 Hyundai Kona EV starts from $33,550 before destination charges and available federal tax credits of up to $7,500
• In comparison the 2023 Kia Niro EV retails from $39,090 with potential federal credits deducted

So we can clearly see the Hyundai Kona EV holds a price advantage of over $5,500 versus the equivalent Niro EV when comparing base models. Factor in fully loaded Limited and EX Premium trims and the gap grows to around $8k.

However it’s worth keeping resale in mind too – as per Kelley Blue Book, Kia models including the Niro EV tend to retain greater residual value over 5 years versus Hyundai equivalents. This helps offset higher initial purchase prices.

2023 Hyundai Kona EV vs 2023 Kia Niro EV: 5 Must-Know Facts

To recap differences between the two electric SUV models:

1. The 2023 Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV deliver less all-electric range than rival EVs, but provide ample capacity for most daily usage.

2. Heated side mirrors that clear themselves of ice and fog come standard on the 2023 Kia Niro EV for better cold climate visibility.

3. Only the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV offers a helpful rear cross traffic braking system, automatically stopping the vehicle if sensors detect oncoming cars behind.

4. The Niro EV features smart speaker voice recognition that allows operating music, navigation, climate and other systems completely hands-free.

5. Exclusive to the zippy 2023 Hyundai Kona EV is an Automated Manual Transmission with clutch-free sequential shifting capability.

2023 Hyundai Kona EV vs 2023 Kia Niro EV: Which One Is Better?

The 2023 Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV share plenty in common as small electric SUVs from leading Korean manufacturers. But they also showcase unique strengths in areas like design, technology, practicality and value.

For shoppers focused purely on dimensions and driving range, the tighter Hyundai Kona EV gets the win. Its urban-friendly size squeezes out a few more miles per charge in a more maneuverable footprint.

Yet when we look at overall everyday livability, the Kia Niro EV’s thoughtful features produce a more well-rounded driving and ownership experience. Clever creature comforts like heated mirrors, ventilated seats, voice controls and surround cameras provide convenience lacking on the Kona.

And while Kia‘s pricing runs higher initially, included equipment levels and projected resale value help offset gaps. Given its winning blend of quality, practicality and innovation, the 2023 Kia Niro EV takes the crown as the superior all-around premium electric SUV.

In the end though, buyers should closely weigh individual priorities before committing. Both battery-powered crossovers present compelling eco-friendly transport with exciting road manners guaranteed to satisfy.