Kia Electric Car 2021 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2021 Kia electric car lineup, led by the impressive Kia Niro EV and Kia Soul EV, delivers exceptional range, cutting-edge tech, and bold design at a competitive price. With up to 253 miles of range, fast-charging capability, and a feature-rich interior, these EVs offer a compelling blend of efficiency and everyday usability for eco-conscious drivers.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 250 miles on a single charge.
• Fast charging: 80% in 45 minutes with DC fast charging.
• Smooth ride: Responsive handling and quiet cabin experience.
• Tech-rich interior: 10.25-inch touchscreen with intuitive infotainment.
• Strong warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile battery and powertrain coverage.
• Efficient performance: Instant torque delivers quick, confident acceleration.
• Spacious design: Ample cargo and passenger room for daily use.

Why the 2021 Kia Electric Car Is Turning Heads (And Charging Stations)

Remember when electric cars were a niche, futuristic concept reserved for early adopters and tech enthusiasts? Fast forward to 2021, and the game has completely changed. Kia, a brand once best known for affordable sedans, has stepped into the electric arena with a bold statement: the Kia Electric Car 2021 lineup, led by the Kia Niro EV and the Kia Soul EV. These aren’t just rebranded gas cars with batteries—they’re purpose-built EVs designed to challenge the status quo.

As someone who’s driven everything from a beat-up hatchback to a luxury EV, I was genuinely curious when I got behind the wheel of the 2021 Kia Niro EV. Could a mainstream brand deliver the kind of driving experience that rivals Tesla, Hyundai, or Chevrolet? After weeks of testing in city traffic, highway commutes, and even a weekend road trip, I came away with a mix of excitement and a few honest critiques. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, range, charging, interior, and real-world usability of the 2021 Kia electric car. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or a seasoned green commuter, there’s something here that might surprise you.

Kia Electric Car 2021 Lineup: What’s on Offer?

The 2021 Kia electric car family isn’t about one-size-fits-all. Instead, Kia offers two distinct models tailored to different lifestyles: the Kia Niro EV and the Kia Soul EV. Both share the same powertrain and battery tech but differ significantly in design, space, and driving character.

Kia Niro EV: The Practical Commuter’s Dream

The Kia Niro EV is the more refined of the two, built on a hybrid platform but optimized for all-electric driving. It’s a compact crossover with a sleek, aerodynamic shape—think of it as the EV version of Kia’s popular Niro hybrid. What makes it stand out? It’s designed from the ground up to be efficient, with a low drag coefficient, regenerative braking, and a cabin that prioritizes comfort and tech.

• Best for: Urban commuters, small families, or anyone who wants a reliable daily driver.
• Key advantage: Spacious back seat and 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space—perfect for groceries, strollers, or weekend gear.
• Real-world example: I used the Niro EV to shuttle my kids to soccer practice and run errands. The cargo area easily fit two bikes (without removing wheels) and a cooler.

Kia Soul EV: The Quirky, Fun-Loving Urbanite

The Kia Soul EV is the funky, boxy cousin. It’s shorter and more upright, with a retro-futuristic design that turns heads. While it has less cargo space (14.8 cubic feet) than the Niro EV, its boxy shape means better headroom and a more playful driving feel.

• Best for: Singles, couples, or city dwellers who value style and maneuverability.
• Key advantage: Tight turning radius and excellent visibility—ideal for parking in tight spots.
• Tip: The Soul EV’s upright stance makes it easier to see over traffic, which is a big plus in busy downtown areas.

Both models share the same 64 kWh battery and 201-horsepower electric motor, but the Niro EV edges out with slightly better range (239 miles vs. 243 miles EPA-estimated). More on that later. The key takeaway? Kia Electric Car 2021 isn’t just one car—it’s a choice between practicality and personality.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and Surprisingly Fun

Let’s get one thing straight: electric cars are not slow. The 2021 Kia electric car lineup proves that with instant torque, whisper-quiet operation, and a driving experience that’s both relaxing and engaging.

Acceleration and Handling: More Than Just “Good Enough”

The 201-horsepower electric motor delivers 291 lb-ft of torque—right from zero RPM. That means you get that “pushed into your seat” feeling the moment you press the accelerator. 0 to 60 mph? Around 6.5 seconds for the Niro EV, and just a hair faster for the lighter Soul EV. That’s quicker than a Toyota RAV4 and on par with a Mazda CX-30.

• Real-world example: Merging onto the highway from a stoplight, the Kia Niro EV pulled away effortlessly. No gear hunting, no lag—just smooth, linear power.
• Handling note: The Niro EV has a slightly softer suspension, making it more comfortable on rough roads. The Soul EV feels more agile, almost go-kart-like in tight corners.

One thing I loved? The regenerative braking system. With multiple levels (controlled by paddle shifters), you can adjust how much energy is recovered when you lift off the accelerator. At level 3 or 4, I could drive “one-pedal style” in stop-and-go traffic—lifting off the gas slows the car down significantly, almost to a stop. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s a game-changer for city driving.

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH): A Silent Sanctuary

Electric cars are inherently quiet, but Kia didn’t stop there. The 2021 models feature:

• Extra sound-deadening materials in the floor and firewall
• Low-rolling-resistance tires designed to reduce road noise
• Active noise cancellation in higher trims

The result? At 60 mph, the cabin is eerily quiet. I could have a full conversation without raising my voice, and even at highway speeds, wind and tire noise are minimal. One evening, I drove through a light rain—the only sound was the soft hum of the wipers and the occasional drip from the roof.

Real-World Driving Tip:

Use eco mode for city driving. It softens throttle response and maximizes regenerative braking, helping you squeeze every mile out of the battery. For highway cruising, switch to normal mode—it gives you full power and a more natural driving feel.

Range, Charging, and Real-World Efficiency

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: range anxiety. The 2021 Kia electric car lineup addresses this head-on with solid EPA ratings and smart charging options.

Official Range: What the Numbers Say

Both the Niro EV and Soul EV come with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. Here’s how they stack up:

Model	EPA-Estimated Range	Real-World Range (City/Highway Mix)	Efficiency (kWh/100 mi)
Kia Niro EV	239 miles	210–225 miles	28–30 kWh/100 mi
Kia Soul EV	243 miles	215–230 miles	27–29 kWh/100 mi

Note: Real-world range is based on mixed driving (70% city, 30% highway) with moderate climate control use. Cold weather can reduce range by 20–30%.

Charging Options: From Home to Highway

The 2021 Kia electric car supports multiple charging levels:

• Level 1 (120V): ~5 miles of range per hour. Best for overnight top-ups if you drive under 30 miles daily.
• Level 2 (240V): ~25–30 miles per hour. This is the sweet spot for home charging. I installed a 40-amp charger in my garage and gained about 25 miles every hour.
• DC Fast Charging (50 kW): 10% to 80% in ~45 minutes. Kia includes 1,000 kWh of free charging at Electrify America stations for the first three years.

Real-World Charging Experience

On a weekend trip to a nearby mountain town (120 miles one way), I relied on DC fast charging. I stopped at an Electrify America station after 100 miles, plugged in for 40 minutes, and gained 150 miles of range. The car’s navigation system even pre-conditioned the battery for fast charging—something I didn’t expect at this price point.

Pro tip: Use the Kia Access app to monitor charging status, set charging schedules, and pre-heat or cool the cabin before you leave. In winter, I’d start the cabin heat 10 minutes before driving—no more icy seats!

Areas for Improvement

While the charging network is growing, it’s still not as robust as Tesla’s Superchargers. In rural areas, I found myself planning routes around fast-charging stations. Also, the 50 kW max charging speed lags behind newer EVs (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5) that support 150+ kW.

Interior, Tech, and Comfort: Where Kia Shines

Kia has always punched above its weight in interior quality, and the 2021 electric car lineup is no exception. These aren’t just “good for the price”—they’re genuinely premium.

Cabin Quality and Ergonomics

Both the Niro EV and Soul EV feature:

• Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels
• Stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel (in EX and above trims)
• Heated and ventilated front seats (optional)
• Dual-zone climate control

The Niro EV’s cabin feels more upscale, with a horizontal dashboard layout and a floating center console. The Soul EV’s interior is more playful, with circular air vents and optional two-tone color schemes. I particularly loved the ambient lighting—it’s not just gimmicky; it adds a touch of luxury, especially at night.

Infotainment and Tech Features

The 10.25-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the tech experience. It’s responsive, with crisp graphics and split-screen functionality. Standard features include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired and wireless)
• Navigation with EV routing (shows nearby chargers and estimates range)
• Kia Connect app with remote start, climate control, and vehicle status
• Premium audio (Bose in higher trims)

One standout feature? Voice commands for navigation, climate, and media. I could say, “Hey Kia, find the nearest charging station,” and the system would pull up options with distance and availability. It’s not as polished as Tesla’s voice assistant, but it’s reliable and gets better with use.

Comfort and Space: Room to Stretch

The Niro EV shines here. With 38.7 inches of rear legroom, even my 6-foot-tall friend could sit comfortably in the back. The Soul EV is more cramped (36.1 inches), but the upright seating position helps. Both models have flat floors—no transmission tunnel—so the middle seat is actually usable.

Tip: If you’re tall, test the driver’s seat. The Niro EV has more headroom, but the Soul EV’s higher roofline gives better visibility.

Safety, Reliability, and Ownership Experience

Buying an electric car isn’t just about the drive—it’s about peace of mind. Kia delivers here with a strong safety package and one of the best warranties in the industry.

Safety Ratings and Driver Aids

The 2021 Kia Niro EV earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Soul EV scored 4 stars, but both come with a full suite of driver-assistance features:

• Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist and lane-following assist
• Adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go)
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention warning

The adaptive cruise control is particularly good. On a long drive, I set it to 65 mph and let the car handle speed adjustments. It even slowed down for curves and maintained a safe distance from the car ahead.

Reliability and Maintenance

Electric cars have fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no exhaust system. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (including the battery) is one of the best in the business. I’ve had zero issues in my time with the car, and Kia’s dealer network makes service easy.

Ownership Perks

• Free maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary service (tire rotations, inspections, etc.)
• Home charger incentive: Up to $750 toward a Level 2 charger installation (check local programs)
• Tax credits: Up to $7,500 federal tax credit (depending on your income and tax liability)

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the 2021 Kia Electric Car?

After weeks of driving, charging, and living with the 2021 Kia electric car, I can say this: Kia has delivered a compelling, well-rounded EV experience. The Kia Niro EV is the smarter choice for families and commuters who value range, space, and comfort. The Kia Soul EV is perfect for urbanites who want style, agility, and a fun-to-drive personality.

Yes, there are trade-offs. The charging speed isn’t class-leading, and the infotainment system can be a bit slow to boot up. But when you consider the price, warranty, interior quality, and real-world usability, the 2021 Kia electric car stands tall against rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and even the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Is it the best EV on the market? No. But is it one of the best value EVs? Absolutely. For under $40,000 (before incentives), you get a car that feels premium, drives smoothly, and won’t leave you stranded at a charging station.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my advice: test drive both the Niro EV and Soul EV. Drive them in your daily routine—city streets, highways, even hilly areas. Pay attention to how they handle, how easy they are to charge, and how comfortable you feel inside. The 2021 Kia electric car isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. And for many, that’s exactly what electric mobility should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Kia Electric Car 2021?

The 2021 Kia Electric Car lineup, including the Niro EV and Soul EV, offers impressive features like a 253-mile range, 10.25-inch touchscreen, and advanced driver aids such as Highway Driving Assist. Fast-charging capability (80% in 54 minutes) and regenerative braking enhance practicality for daily use.

How does the performance of the 2021 Kia Electric Car compare to rivals?

The 2021 Kia Electric Car delivers 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft torque, providing smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride. While not as sporty as the Tesla Model 3, it outperforms the Nissan Leaf in range and tech features.

What is the driving range of the 2021 Kia Electric Car?

The 2021 Kia Niro EV offers an EPA-estimated 253 miles per charge, while the Soul EV delivers 243 miles. Real-world range may vary based on driving conditions and climate control usage.

Is the 2021 Kia Electric Car eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2021 Kia Niro EV qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit, reducing overall ownership costs. State incentives may also apply depending on your location.

How long does it take to charge the Kia Electric Car 2021?

Using a DC fast charger, the 2021 Kia Electric Car can reach 80% charge in about 54 minutes. A Level 2 charger takes roughly 9.5 hours for a full charge, ideal for overnight charging.

What safety features come standard in the 2021 Kia Electric Car?

The 2021 Kia Electric Car includes standard safety tech like Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist for added peace of mind.