AutoNSider Review | 2019 Kia Niro EV

I wasn't afraid

Yes…I drove a new '19 KIA NIRO all-electric CUV and I wasn't afraid.

Afraid of………….?

Afraid of running out of juice.

Of not having enough "GO" to hit expressway on-ramps with the necessary vigor.

Of having to forgo energy-sapping amenities like heated AND cooled seats.

Of not having enough room.

And I also wasn't afraid of looking like one of those "Hey…look at me…I'm green" people.

Yes…KIA's new '19 NIRO EV is pretty darned normal. The only visual giveaway is in the front. No grille. Just a body-colored panel with a little electric blue outline.

And that's just fine with me. I'd prefer to fly just a little bit under the radar.

KIA's NIRO is a tidy little CUV…or 5-door hatch if you prefer. Small enough to squirt through traffic with ease, and large enough to put two or three in the back seat…plus 18.5 cu ft of stuff in the hatch…and roll.

And you'll do it without sacrifice. Heated and cooled seating. Heated steering wheel. Alloys…pretty much everything that we've all come to expect, in other words.

Let's talk about the #1 concern with all-electric vehicles…range.

The NIRO has a range of 239 miles. That's way more than some better-known EVs offer.

Plus, they offer a fast-charging option that'll give you an 80% charge in one hour.

So with an hour-long bathroom and bite break, that should get you a drama-free 400 or so miles down the road. And, of course, there's a standard link to all nearby public charging stations.

Need more? Amazon can set you up with home installation of a "hurry-up" home-charging system.

And if you have concerns about power, we did some research and can confirm that the NIRO will pop quite a nice wheelie when you mash the pedal.

Pricing? KIA's NIRO comes in both "EX" and "EX Premium" dress. The EX has a 7" screen and a combination of cloth and imitation leather seating. Prices will start in the high $30's, but remember…there's a $7,500 federal tax credit…and many states still offer another $2,500 credit on top of the Fed credit.

The EX Premium will be close to mid-$40's and will get you a sunroof, an 8" screen, wireless charging, real leather, rear parking warnings and an optional heated steering wheel.

But again, that's really more like mid to high $30's with your tax credit(s).

It's looking more and more like all-electric may be the future. And if the future is anything like KIA's new NIRO EV, you really won't be missing a thing. You'll just start looking at gas stations as a place to use the restroom and grab a quick bite to eat. Follow AutoNSider on Facebook for review videos and more!