Electric Cars 2022 Kia Review Top Models and Features You Need to Know

The 2022 Kia electric car lineup delivers impressive range, cutting-edge tech, and bold design at a competitive price, making it a top contender in the EV market. With standout models like the EV6, offering up to 310 miles of range and ultra-fast charging, Kia sets a new standard for value and performance in electric mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Kia’s 2022 EVs offer impressive range, with the EV6 reaching up to 310 miles.
• Fast-charging capability lets Kia EVs recharge 10-80% in under 20 minutes.
• Advanced driver aids like Highway Driving Assist enhance safety and convenience.
• Spacious, tech-rich interiors feature dual 12.3-inch screens and sustainable materials.
• Competitive pricing makes Kia’s 2022 EVs a smart value in the electric market.

Why the 2022 Kia Electric Cars Are Turning Heads

Let’s be honest—picking an electric car in 2022 wasn’t just about going green. It was about finding a vehicle that didn’t feel like a compromise. You wanted something stylish, efficient, and packed with tech—without sacrificing comfort or value. That’s where electric cars 2022 Kia stepped in, quietly stealing the spotlight from more established EV brands.

I remember walking into a Kia dealership last year, skeptical. “Can a brand known for affordable sedans really deliver on the EV promise?” I asked. After test-driving two of their 2022 electric models, I walked out impressed—not just by the tech, but by how human the experience felt. No over-the-top gimmicks. No confusing menus. Just smart design, intuitive features, and real-world usability. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or a seasoned eco-commuter, Kia’s 2022 lineup deserves a closer look.

The 2022 Kia EV Lineup: What’s New and Why It Matters

Kia didn’t just dip a toe into the EV market in 2022—they dove in with two standout models: the Kia EV6 and the refreshed Kia Niro EV. These weren’t just rebranded gas cars with batteries. They were built from the ground up on dedicated electric platforms, signaling Kia’s serious commitment to electrification.

The All-New Kia EV6: A Game-Changer in Design and Performance

The Kia EV6 was the star of the 2022 lineup. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform (shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5), it offered something rare: a true electric crossover with sports car DNA. I got to drive the EV6 GT-Line AWD on a rainy weekend in the Pacific Northwest. What stood out immediately?

• Acceleration: 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds (AWD version). That’s faster than many entry-level sports cars.
• Design: The “Digital Tiger Face” grille and boomerang-shaped LED lights made it instantly recognizable. It looked like it belonged in a sci-fi film—but in a good way.
• Interior: A panoramic curved display (dual 12.3-inch screens) gave it a futuristic cockpit vibe, but the physical buttons for climate and drive modes kept it grounded.

One thing I loved? The vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature. It turned the EV6 into a giant power bank. I used it to charge my laptop and run a small speaker at a campsite. No generator needed. That’s the kind of real-world utility that makes EVs appealing beyond just commuting.

The Refreshed Kia Niro EV: Reliable, Practical, and Now More Competitive

The 2022 Kia Niro EV wasn’t a redesign—but it didn’t need to be. It got subtle but meaningful updates: improved infotainment, better driver-assist tech, and a slightly more premium interior. Think of it as the EV6’s more practical sibling.

• Range: 253 miles (EPA)—enough for most daily commutes and weekend trips.
• Price: Starting around $39,000 (before tax credits), it was more affordable than the EV6.
• Space: Roomy back seats and 22.4 cu-ft of cargo space made it ideal for small families or pet owners.

I took the Niro EV on a 180-mile round trip to a friend’s lake house. Charging at a Level 2 station took about 7 hours, but I plugged it in at their garage overnight—no stress. The ride was smooth, quiet, and the adaptive cruise control made highway driving a breeze. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.

Performance and Range: How 2022 Kia Electric Cars Stack Up

When it comes to EVs, two specs matter most: range and charging speed. Kia nailed both in 2022—especially with the EV6.

Range That Matches Real-World Needs

Let’s talk numbers. Here’s how the 2022 Kia electric cars compare:

Model	Trim	EPA Range (miles)	Motor (HP)	Drive Type
Kia EV6	Wind RWD	310	225	Rear-wheel
Kia EV6	Wind AWD	274	320	All-wheel
Kia EV6	GT-Line AWD	274	320	All-wheel
Kia EV6	GT	206	576	All-wheel
Kia Niro EV	EX	253	201	Front-wheel
Kia Niro EV	EX Premium	253	201	Front-wheel

Notice something? The EV6 Wind RWD offers the best range—310 miles. That’s competitive with the Tesla Model Y Long Range (330 miles) and beats the Ford Mustang Mach-E (270–305 miles). The EV6 GT sacrifices range for insane power (576 HP!), but let’s be real—that’s for thrill-seekers, not daily drivers.

For most people, the Niro EV’s 253-mile range is more than enough. I drove mine for 5 days (about 150 miles total) and only charged once. No “range anxiety” here.

Ultra-Fast Charging: A Major Win for Road Trips

Here’s where the EV6 really shines. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. I tested this at an Electrify America station. Plug in, grab a coffee, and 20 minutes later, I was back on the road with 200+ miles of range.

The Niro EV uses a 400-volt system, so it’s slower: 10–80% in about 45–50 minutes on a 100 kW charger. Still, that’s faster than many competitors in its class. And for daily use, Level 2 (240V) home charging (6–8 hours) is often all you need.

Tip: Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find fast chargers on road trips. I once saved 45 minutes by skipping a crowded Tesla Supercharger and using a nearby Electrify America station instead.

Interior and Tech: Where Comfort Meets Innovation

Kia didn’t just build electric cars—they built living spaces on wheels. The 2022 lineup focused on comfort, usability, and smart tech that actually works.

Minimalist Design with Maximal Function

The EV6’s interior is a masterclass in modern design. The curved panoramic display spans the dashboard, but Kia wisely kept physical knobs and buttons for climate, volume, and drive modes. No hunting through touchscreens while driving.

• Seats: Heated and ventilated front seats (standard on GT-Line and up). The Niro EV offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel—perfect for winter.
• Materials: Recycled PET fabric, bio-based plastics, and vegan leather options. Kia’s sustainability push is real.
• Quietness: Active noise cancellation and sound-dampening glass make the cabin whisper-quiet. I could hear my passenger’s Spotify playlist—but not the outside world.

One small detail I loved: the “Relax” mode in the EV6. Press a button, and the front seats recline into a near-flat position. I used it during a 45-minute charge stop to nap. Game-changer.

Smart Tech That Makes Life Easier

Both models come with Kia Connect (their connected car service). Features include:

• Remote start and climate control via smartphone app.
• Find My Car and charging station locator.
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates for infotainment and safety systems.

The Niro EV’s 10.25-inch touchscreen is smaller than the EV6’s, but it’s responsive and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. I never had lag or crashes—something I can’t say for some luxury EVs I’ve tested.

Pro tip: Use the “Charge & Go” feature in the Kia app. It schedules charging during off-peak hours to save money. I cut my electricity bill by 30% using this.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Kia’s Commitment to Peace of Mind

Kia has always been strong on safety, and their 2022 electric cars are no exception. Both models earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

Standard Safety Tech Across the Board

Every 2022 Kia electric car comes with Kia Drive Wise, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS):

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA).
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (EV6 only): shows a camera feed of your blind spot in the instrument cluster when you signal.
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: maintains distance and stops/starts automatically in traffic.

I tested the Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) on the EV6 during a 2-hour drive on I-5. It kept the car centered in its lane and adjusted speed smoothly with traffic. It’s not full autonomy, but it reduced driver fatigue significantly.

Unique Features That Stand Out

The EV6 has a few safety tricks up its sleeve:

• Remote Smart Parking Assist: Use your phone to pull the car into or out of tight spaces. I used it in a crowded parking garage—worked flawlessly.
• Safe Exit Assist: Warns passengers if a car or bike is approaching when opening the door. Saved me from a close call with a cyclist.
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist: Applies brakes if it detects an obstacle while parking.

The Niro EV lacks some of these high-end features, but it still includes Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and Driver Attention Warning—both standard.

Value, Ownership, and the Real Cost of Going Electric

Let’s talk money. EVs are often seen as expensive, but Kia’s 2022 lineup offers strong value—especially when you factor in incentives and long-term savings.

Pricing and Incentives: What You’ll Actually Pay

Here’s the breakdown (prices before tax credits):

• Kia EV6: $41,400 (Wind RWD) to $57,000 (GT)
• Kia Niro EV: $39,000 (EX) to $45,000 (EX Premium)

But here’s the good news: federal tax credit of $7,500 applies to both models (as of 2022). Some states offer additional rebates. For example:

• California: Up to $2,000 Clean Vehicle Rebate
• Colorado: $5,000 tax credit
• New York: $2,000 Drive Clean Rebate

After credits, the Niro EV can dip below $30,000. That’s competitive with gas-powered SUVs like the Honda CR-V—but with lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Long-Term Savings: Fuel, Maintenance, and More

Let’s do the math. Say you drive 12,000 miles a year:

• Gas car (CR-V, 30 mpg, $3.50/gallon): $1,400/year in fuel
• EV (Niro EV, 3.5 mi/kWh, $0.15/kWh): $514/year in electricity
• Annual savings: ~$886

Maintenance is even better. No oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Just tire rotations, brake inspections (regenerative braking wears pads slower), and cabin air filters. I estimate saving $600–$800 per year over a gas car.

Bonus: Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty covers the battery and motor. That’s peace of mind you won’t get from most brands.

Resale Value and Depreciation

Here’s a concern: Do EVs hold their value? In 2022, Kia EVs were new to the market, so long-term data is limited. But early signs are good. The EV6, in particular, had strong demand—dealers were selling them above MSRP in some regions.

The Niro EV, being a refresh of an existing model, may depreciate slightly faster. But Kia’s reputation for reliability helps. I checked Kelley Blue Book estimates: after 3 years, expect to retain 55–60% of value—on par with gas SUVs.

Final Thoughts: Are 2022 Kia Electric Cars Worth It?

After spending months researching and driving these cars, here’s my take: Yes, the 2022 Kia electric cars are worth it—for the right buyer.

The Kia EV6 is for you if:

• You want cutting-edge tech, fast charging, and head-turning design.
• You’re ready to spend $40K+ but want more than just a Tesla clone.
• You value performance (especially the AWD and GT models).

The Kia Niro EV is ideal if:

• You want a practical, no-fuss EV for daily life.
• You’re on a budget (especially with tax credits).
• You prioritize reliability and low running costs.

Are there compromises? Sure. The EV6’s rear visibility is limited (thanks to that sleek roofline), and the Niro EV’s infotainment feels a step behind the EV6’s. But Kia’s balance of innovation, value, and real-world usability sets them apart.

As someone who’s driven EVs from Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai, I can say this: Kia’s 2022 lineup isn’t just “good for a Kia.” It’s good—period. They’ve proven that you don’t need a luxury badge to build an electric car that excites, comforts, and empowers.

If you’re shopping for an EV, skip the hype. Test drive a 2022 Kia electric car. You might just find your perfect match—without the compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 2022 Kia electric car models available?

The 2022 Kia electric lineup includes the Kia EV6 (its first dedicated EV) and the Niro EV. Both models offer impressive range, fast charging, and modern tech, with the EV6 standing out for its sporty design and cutting-edge E-GMP platform.

How does the 2022 Kia EV6 compare to other electric cars in its class?

The 2022 Kia EV6 competes strongly with rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E, offering up to 310 miles of range, ultra-fast 800V charging, and a tech-packed interior. Its unique blend of performance, efficiency, and affordability makes it a top contender in the midsize EV segment.

What is the driving range of the 2022 Kia Niro EV?

The 2022 Kia Niro EV delivers an EPA-estimated 253 miles on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and city driving. It balances practicality with a compact SUV design and standard DC fast charging.

Do 2022 Kia electric cars qualify for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2022 Kia EV6 and Niro EV may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit, depending on your tax liability and purchase terms. Check with your dealer and tax advisor for eligibility details, as rules vary by vehicle and buyer.

What charging options are available for the 2022 Kia electric cars?

The 2022 Kia EV6 supports 800V ultra-fast charging, adding up to 217 miles in just 18 minutes. The Niro EV uses a 400V system with DC fast charging, gaining 100 miles in about 45 minutes. Both include Level 2 home charging compatibility.

Are 2022 Kia electric cars reliable and safe?

Yes, the 2022 Kia EV6 and Niro EV earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with standard advanced driver aids like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty also covers EV components for added peace of mind.