Is Kia e-Niro still the BEST Electric SUV?

• What is the exterior design of the Kia e-Niro like? 
• How does the interior of the Kia e-Niro feel? What tech is on offer? 
• What is the Kia e-Niro like on the road? 
• What is our verdict on the Kia e-Niro? 

Worried about how the 2030 petrol and diesel ban will affect you and your family? Maybe you’re thinking about going electric with a practical small SUV? The Kia e-Niro could be the car that convinces you to make that switch. 

When the all-electric version of Kia’s popular SUV launched back in 2018, it shook up the electric vehicle segment. This is a car that offers the extended range of a Tesla for a fraction of the cost, all in a body style that’s suitable for a growing family.

As such, it’s pretty unsurprising that it’s been the recipient of numerous awards over the years. For example, it was named “Crossover of the Year” at the UK Car of the Year awards as well as “Best Small Electric Car” at WhatCar’s 2021 ceremony.

All the high praise is very beneficial for the e-Niro as it helps it stand out in a very competitive segment. As such, it faces an incredible amount of competition, not only from other electric SUVs but electric cars in general, of all shapes and sizes, vying to be the first car customers choose to make that all-important switch to electric with. 

On the SUV side of things, its biggest competitors are the Citroën ë-C4, the Peugeot e-2008 and the Hyundai KONA Electric, if you want to stick with a Korean branding model. They’re all significant rivals to the Kia e-Niro.

Then, you’ve got the hatchback EVs. These are generally more affordable than their SUV brethren and include the Nissan Leaf, the Renault ZOE and more recently, the Volkswagen ID.3. 

If you’re thinking about going electric with your next car, will the e-Niro fit your needs perfectly or should you consider one of its competitors? We’re going to help you decide by giving you a comprehensive rundown of this EV.

What is the exterior design of the Kia e-Niro like? 

Starting with the exterior, we chose Yacht Blue for our e-Niro review. Our presenter, Tom, usually isn’t keen on blue cars but found this one surprisingly appealing, highlighting its design features.

Yacht Blue is a premium colour, costing more than the standard Silky Silver. Other premium options include Midnight Black, White Pale, and Interstellar Grey.

The e-Niro boasts chrome-coated door handles, which, while shiny, tend to show fingerprints. The SUV features electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors that fold in when locked and out when unlocked.

They also light up when overtaking and sending notifications. Roof rails are handy for trips, and it comes with 17-inch alloy wheels (not upgradable).

The wheelbase is 2851mm, providing extra cabin space. The width is 1,805mm, making it not too large but still convenient in tight spaces. The height is 1560mm.

The e-Niro’s front design includes “solar glass” on the windscreen and windows to reduce heat buildup and intense sunlight. It handles sunlight well, even without needing to pull down the mirror.

LED daytime running lights and rear combination lamps come standard on all trims. We opted for the top-spec “4+” trim with bright LED headlights featuring automatic mode for convenience. Unlike traditional cars, there’s no grille; instead, a large intake cools the battery.

The charging point easily pops out from the front plastic strip, unique among electric cars. The turquoise strips on the lower front add vibrancy and personality.

At the rear, the e-Niro features rear privacy glass on the boot lid. However, it lacks an automatic tailgate, requiring manual operation.

With 451 litres of luggage space, it surpasses both the standard e-Niro and the Nissan Qashqai by 70 and 20 litres, respectively.

The square-shaped boot offers easy accommodation for items of varying sizes, with a low lip for convenient loading. It’s spacious enough for sports equipment like skis and golf clubs when necessary.

Additional features include convenient covers with hooks to secure rolling objects in the boot. Under the boot floor, there’s space, ideal for charging cables or valuables.

Notably, not all electric vehicles offer this feature. If more space is needed, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 arrangement, providing a total of 1,405 litres of space.

Unfortunately, a 40/20/40 arrangement isn’t available, so consider alternative solutions for bulky items.

If the e-Niro is piquing your interest and you’d like a little bit more information, get in touch with one of OSV’s vehicle specialists!

They will be more than happy to help, just click the banner below to book your free consultation today or you can just pick up a phone and call us right now on 01903 538 835. 

How does the interior feel? What tech is on offer? 

Inside the e-Niro, the “2” trim offers Black Part Cloth with leather upholstery, while the “3” and “4+” trims feature black leather seats with premium white stitching reminiscent of BMW.

The interior feels both luxurious and comfortable. However, upholstery choices are limited to these options. All trims come with power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a commendable standard feature.

The “2” trim has manual seat adjustment, while the “3” and “4+” trims offer eight-way power adjustability for a customized driving position. Ample headroom and generous legroom are provided, and heated seats are included in the “3” and “4+” trims for added comfort during cold weather.

The interior boasts a heated steering wheel (available on “3” and “4+” trims) and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. You’ll find a 12-volt socket below the climate controls and two USB ports for device charging, though they’re not USB-C.

The centre compartment features two cup holders and extra storage, including another USB port. Side bins offer additional storage space. The cabin impresses with numerous cubby holes and ample storage options.

We added a panoramic sunroof for sunlight, and there’s a sunglasses compartment, a rare find in newer cars. A standard glove box provides storage for manuals and other items.

The dashboard design, though minimalist, complements the cabin nicely. While we spotted some cost-effective materials, we weren’t bothered given it’s a Kia, not a BMW.

We especially liked the glossy material in the infotainment setup and digital cockpit. A standout feature is the abundance of physical buttons for climate, radio, and screen controls, a welcome departure from the touch-sensitive buttons in many new cars.

The “2” trim features an 8-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Opting for the “3” and “4+” trims gives you a larger 10.25-inch display. While the infotainment screen takes a bit to start up, it’s user-friendly, intuitive, and responsive with clear graphics. Unfortunately, there’s no rotary dial like in BMWs and MINIs; you’ll need to tap the screen, which may accumulate fingerprints and require occasional cleaning.

The “3” and “4+” trims include a wireless charging pad. The “2” and “3” trims offer a decent six-speaker audio system suitable for everyday use. However, for audiophiles seeking higher fidelity, the “4+” trim boasts an eight-speaker JBL sound system. Additionally, there’s a 7-inch digital cockpit display behind the steering wheel for essential driving information, easily adjustable using buttons on the steering wheel.

In the rear of the e-Niro, headroom and legroom surpass the Peugeot e-2008 and Hyundai IONIQ Electric. The sloping roof offers ample headroom, and tall passengers won’t touch the roof lining.

Legroom is good, but the raised floor due to the battery can make sitting feel slightly awkward—a common feature in electric vehicles.

Despite the central armrest with cup holders, the rear seats lack sliding or reclining options and can’t fold for additional cargo space. While reasonably comfortable, it could be more practical.

Share your thoughts on the interior in the comments, and for more information, contact our vehicle specialists at 01903 538835 or visit our EV Hub for comprehensive electric vehicle details.

What is it like on the road? 

Driving the e-Niro is a pleasant and comfortable experience. The driver’s seat offers excellent adjustability, allowing for a commanding view of the road.

The seats are comfortable, and the electric motor’s quiet operation eliminates the noise associated with combustion engines. The subtle hum when accelerating takes some getting used to but isn’t bothersome.

Enabling the VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) adds a nostalgic, electric ambiance to the drive, reminiscent of Disneyworld’s monorail or Epcot’s test track ride—a positive aspect of this car’s electric character.

Let’s talk about regenerative braking. You can adjust its intensity with the switches on the steering wheel, offering three levels. When you lift off the accelerator, power goes back into the battery, slowing the car.

At level 3, you can essentially drive using just the accelerator, lifting off to brake. While it may seem daunting at first, it provides a convenient and relaxing driving experience.

What is our verdict on the Kia e-Niro? 

Considering a Kia e-Niro? If you want a compact yet spacious electric SUV with an impressive range, great standard features, and awards to its name, it’s a strong choice.

The 282-mile range with the 64-kilowatt-hour battery is remarkable. The e-Niro stands out as one of the best electric SUVs available, ideal for families who want range assurance and Kia’s reliable reputation. For more on trims and models, check our Kia e-Niro models article.

To get the ball rolling on your brand-new Kia e-Niro, book a free consultation with one of OSV’s vehicle specialists by clicking the banner below or just grab your phone and give us a call on 01903 538 835 and we’d be more than happy to help you get behind the wheel of this fantastic electric vehicle.

Make sure to check out our Kia e-Niro car review video if you’d like to see it in action, head over to our list of official OSV Car Reviews to consider your perfect vehicle and subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more motoring content.