Kia Electric Car Price 2022 What You Need to Know

The 2022 Kia electric car lineup delivers exceptional value, with the Kia EV6 starting at just $40,900, making it one of the most affordable long-range EVs on the market. Federal tax credits and state incentives can further reduce the effective price, offering savvy buyers a premium electric experience without the premium price tag.

Key Takeaways

• 2022 Kia EVs start under $35K—affordable entry into electric driving with tax incentives.
• Kia EV6 offers 300+ mile range—ideal for long-distance travel and daily commutes.
• Charging infrastructure widely accessible—fast-charging capability cuts downtime significantly.
• Federal tax credits up to $7,500—reduces effective price for eligible buyers.
• Competitive lease deals available—low monthly payments make upgrades easier.
• Higher trims add premium features—navigate pricing tiers to match your budget.

Why Kia’s 2022 Electric Cars Are Turning Heads

Remember when electric cars felt like something out of a sci-fi movie? Fast forward to 2022, and Kia made them feel more like your everyday ride—affordable, practical, and packed with features. If you’ve been eyeing a Kia electric car, you’re not alone. With rising gas prices and a growing push for sustainability, more drivers are asking, “What’s the Kia electric car price 2022 really like?”

Kia didn’t just dip its toes into the EV market in 2022—it dove in headfirst. The brand launched a fresh lineup of electric vehicles that balanced innovation, style, and value. Whether you were a first-time EV buyer or a seasoned eco-enthusiast, Kia’s 2022 offerings made switching to electric feel less like a leap and more like a smart step. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Kia electric car price 2022, from base models to premium trims, real-world range, and how to get the best deal.

Kia’s 2022 Electric Lineup: What Was Available?

In 2022, Kia offered two standout electric vehicles: the Kia EV6 and the Kia Niro EV. Each catered to a different type of driver, but both shared a common goal: making electric mobility accessible and enjoyable.

Kia EV6: The Game-Changer

The Kia EV6 was the star of the show. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s new E-GMP platform, it was Kia’s first dedicated EV—not a converted gas car. This meant better battery efficiency, faster charging, and a sleek, futuristic design. Think of it as Kia’s answer to the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

• Base Model (EV6 Light RWD): Starting around $40,900

< Mid-Tier (EV6 Wind RWD): Around $47,000

• High-End (EV6 GT-Line AWD): Up to $58,000

What set the EV6 apart? Its 310-mile range on the RWD Long Range trim was impressive for the price. Plus, it could charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a 350-kW DC fast charger—ideal for road trips.

Kia Niro EV: The Practical Choice

The Kia Niro EV was the more familiar face. It had been around since 2019, but the 2022 refresh brought updated tech, a longer range, and a sharper look. It was perfect for city drivers and families who wanted an EV without the “new car jitters.”

• Base Model (Niro EV LX): Starting at $39,990
• Mid-Tier (Niro EV EX): Around $44,500
• Top Trim (Niro EV EX Premium): Up to $48,000

The Niro EV offered a solid 239-mile range—less than the EV6, but still plenty for daily commutes. It also had more cargo space than many EVs in its class, making it a favorite among suburban parents.

Key Differences at a Glance

Here’s a quick way to think about it:
If you wanted cutting-edge tech, faster charging, and a sportier drive, the EV6 was the way to go.
If you prioritized practicality, lower entry price, and a familiar SUV shape, the Niro EV made more sense.

I remember a friend who was torn between the two. He ended up choosing the Niro EV because his kids needed the backseat space, but he still got the “EV experience” without breaking the bank. That’s the beauty of Kia’s 2022 lineup—it had something for everyone.

Kia Electric Car Price 2022: Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s talk money—because that’s what really matters. The Kia electric car price 2022 wasn’t just about the sticker price. It was about total value: incentives, charging costs, and long-term savings.

Base Prices vs. Out-the-Door Costs

Here’s what you’d pay before incentives:

Model	Trim	Starting MSRP	Estimated Out-the-Door (with tax, fees, delivery)
Kia EV6	Light RWD	$40,900	$43,200
Kia EV6	Wind RWD	$47,000	$49,500
Kia EV6	GT-Line AWD	$58,000	$61,000
Kia Niro EV	LX	$39,990	$42,300
Kia Niro EV	EX Premium	$48,000	$50,800

Note: Out-the-door costs vary by state due to sales tax, registration, and dealer fees. For example, in California, you might pay $1,800 more than in a no-sales-tax state like Oregon.

Federal and State Incentives: The Real Game-Changer

Here’s where things get exciting. The 2022 federal EV tax credit offered up to $7,500 for new electric car buyers. But—and this is a big but—Kia did not meet all the new criteria under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that took effect in August 2022. That meant:

• Before August 16, 2022: You could claim the full $7,500 credit.
• After August 16, 2022: Kia EVs lost eligibility for the credit because their batteries weren’t sourced from North America.

That was a major blow for many buyers. I spoke with a couple in Texas who had planned to buy an EV6 in September. They ended up waiting until 2023 when Kia updated its supply chain to qualify again. Lesson learned: always check incentive eligibility by purchase date.

State-Level Perks

Even without the federal credit, many states offered their own incentives. For example:

• California: Up to $2,000 via the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
• New York: $2,000 Drive Clean Rebate
• Colorado: $4,000 state tax credit

Pro tip: Visit DriveClean.ca.gov or your state’s energy office website to find active programs. These can drop your effective Kia electric car price 2022 by thousands.

Leasing vs. Buying: Which Was Better?

In 2022, leasing often made more sense. Why? Because:

• Kia dealers offered lease specials with low money down (sometimes $0 due at signing)
• Leases didn’t require you to claim the tax credit—Kia did it and passed savings to you
• You could upgrade every 2-3 years as new tech arrived

For example, a 36-month lease on an EV6 Wind RWD might cost $399/month with $2,999 due at signing. That’s a total of about $17,363—less than a 5-year loan with interest.

Range, Charging, and Real-World Performance

Price is important, but so is performance. After all, what good is a cheap EV if it can’t handle your lifestyle?

EPA Range vs. Real-World Range

Kia’s 2022 EVs had solid EPA ratings, but real-world results varied. Here’s what drivers actually saw:

• Kia EV6 RWD Long Range: EPA 310 miles → 280-300 miles in mixed driving
• Kia EV6 AWD: EPA 274 miles → 240-260 miles (AWD uses more energy)
• Kia Niro EV: EPA 239 miles → 210-230 miles

Factors that reduced range:

• Winter temps (battery efficiency drops 20-30% below freezing)
• Highway speeds over 70 mph
• Use of climate control (especially heating)

I drove an EV6 GT-Line AWD from Chicago to Detroit in February. With temps in the teens and heated seats on, I got about 220 miles—roughly 20% less than EPA. But the fast charging made up for it. More on that below.

Charging Speed: Where Kia Shined

The Kia EV6 was a standout here. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture (like Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5), it could charge at up to 240 kW. That meant:

• 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on a 350-kW DC fast charger
• About 60 miles of range in just 5 minutes

The Niro EV, by contrast, maxed out at 85 kW—so 10-80% took about 45 minutes.

Tip: Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find reliable fast chargers. I once got stuck at a broken charger in Ohio—always have a backup!

Home Charging: The Hidden Cost

Most EV owners charge at home. But installation costs varied:

• Level 2 charger (240V): $500–$1,200 for equipment
• Electrical panel upgrade: $1,000–$3,000 if needed

Kia offered a $500 home charger rebate through its partnership with Wallbox. That helped, but it wasn’t available in all states.

My neighbor installed a charger in his garage for $800 (after rebate). Now he charges every night—costs him about $12/week to drive 300 miles. That’s less than a quarter of what he paid for gas.

Features, Tech, and What You Got for the Price

Kia didn’t skimp on tech in 2022. Even base models came loaded with features that made the Kia electric car price 2022 feel like a steal.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Both the EV6 and Niro EV had:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired on EV6, wireless on Niro EV)
• Kia Connect app for remote start, charging status, and climate control
• Over-the-air updates (new for 2022)

The EV6 added a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and optional augmented reality navigation—a cool feature that overlaid arrows on the live camera feed.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Every 2022 Kia EV came with Kia Drive Wise, including:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Lane-keeping assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring

Higher trims added:

• Highway Driving Assist (HDA): Semi-autonomous driving on highways
• Remote Smart Parking Assist: Park via smartphone app (EV6 only)

I tested the HDA on a long drive. It worked well—but I kept my hands on the wheel. It’s a helper, not a replacement.

Interior Comfort and Space

The EV6 had a more futuristic interior with a curved dual-screen setup and eco-friendly materials. The Niro EV felt more traditional but offered better rear legroom (36.9 inches vs. 36.0 in EV6).

Cargo space:

• EV6: 24.4 cu ft (seats up), 59.7 cu ft (folded)
• Niro EV: 22.8 cu ft (seats up), 53.0 cu ft (folded)

Both had a frunk (front trunk) for extra storage—great for charging cables or groceries.

Ownership Costs and Long-Term Value

Buying an EV isn’t just about the upfront Kia electric car price 2022. It’s about what you’ll pay over time.

Maintenance: The EV Advantage

Electric cars have fewer moving parts. No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems. Kia’s 2022 EVs came with:

• 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
• 10-year/100,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty

Annual maintenance costs averaged $300–$400—less than half of a gas car. My EV6 has had zero issues in two years. Just tire rotations and cabin air filter changes.

Insurance: Higher, but Not Dramatically

EVs tend to cost more to insure due to higher repair costs. But Kia’s safety tech helped offset this.

• EV6 average annual insurance: $1,600–$1,900
• Niro EV: $1,400–$1,700

Tip: Ask for a “green vehicle” discount. Some insurers offer 5–10% off for EVs.

Depreciation: A Mixed Bag

Kia EVs held value better than average in 2022. After 3 years:

• EV6: Retained ~60% of value (strong for a new EV)
• Niro EV: ~55% (slightly below average)

Why? The EV6’s fast charging and tech gave it an edge. The Niro EV, while reliable, faced more competition from used Tesla Model 3s.

Total Cost of Ownership (3-Year Estimate)

Here’s a real-world example for a driver doing 12,000 miles/year:

• EV6 Wind RWD: $54,000 (after tax credit) + $1,200 (insurance) + $900 (maintenance) = $56,100
• Equivalent gas SUV (Kia Sorento): $38,000 + $3,600 (gas) + $2,400 (maintenance) + $2,700 (insurance) = $46,700

Yes, the EV costs more upfront. But if you drive 15,000+ miles/year or live in a high-gas-price area, it can break even in 4–5 years.

Should You Buy a 2022 Kia EV Today?

So, is the Kia electric car price 2022 still a good deal in today’s market? Let’s be real: 2022 is behind us, but these cars are still on the road—and on the used market.

If you’re buying used, a 2022 Kia EV can be a steal. Prices have dropped 20–30% from original MSRP. A 2022 EV6 Wind RWD might now cost $35,000–$38,000 with 15,000 miles. That’s a 25% discount off the new price—and you still get the full 10-year battery warranty.

If you’re buying new, consider 2023 or 2024 models. Kia fixed the IRA eligibility issue, so you can get the $7,500 tax credit again. Plus, newer models have small upgrades like improved software and more range.

But here’s the bottom line: The 2022 Kia EVs proved that electric cars don’t have to be expensive or impractical. They offered real value, solid performance, and a smooth transition for gas car drivers. Whether you chose the bold EV6 or the dependable Niro EV, you were getting a well-rounded package.

My advice? If you find a clean 2022 model with low miles and a good warranty, go for it. The Kia electric car price 2022 was a turning point—not just for Kia, but for the entire EV market. And that’s something worth driving home about.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the starting price of Kia electric cars in 2022?

The 2022 Kia EV6 had a starting MSRP of $40,900, while the Niro EV began at $39,990. These prices made them competitive in the growing affordable EV segment before federal tax credits.

Are there any tax incentives for the Kia electric car price 2022 models?

Yes, most 2022 Kia electric cars qualified for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, effectively reducing the Kia electric car price 2022 models’ cost. Some states also offered additional rebates or incentives.

How does the 2022 Kia EV6 price compare to Tesla models?

The 2022 Kia EV6 undercut Tesla’s Model Y ($65,990 starting price) by over $25,000, offering similar range and tech features at a more accessible price point for budget-conscious EV buyers.

What trim levels affected the Kia EV6 2022 price range?

The 2022 EV6 spanned from $40,900 (Light RWD) to $55,900 (GT-Line AWD). Higher trims added premium features like ventilated seats, premium audio, and extended-range battery options.

Did the 2022 Kia Niro EV price include destination fees?

No, the $39,990 base price excluded a $1,295 destination fee, bringing the total to $41,285. This was standard across all Kia electric car 2022 models and trim levels.

Were there any price drops for Kia electric cars during 2022?

Kia introduced a mid-year $1,000 price reduction for select EV6 trims to boost demand. This temporary adjustment made the 2022 Kia electric car price more competitive against newer 2023 models.