Kia Niro Electric Car 2018 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2018 Kia Niro Electric delivers an impressive blend of efficiency, practicality, and value in the compact EV segment. With a 118-mile range and zippy electric motor, it excels as a city commuter while offering surprising cargo space and a user-friendly infotainment system. Its balanced performance and affordable price make it a standout choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking a reliable, no-frills electric vehicle.

Key Takeaways

• Efficient range: Offers 110-150 miles per charge, ideal for city commutes.
• Spacious interior: Ample cargo space and rear legroom enhance comfort.
• Regenerative braking: Improves efficiency and reduces wear on brakes.
• User-friendly tech: 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Strong safety: Top IIHS ratings with advanced driver-assistance features.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive cost with federal tax incentives available.

The 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car: A Smart Choice for Eco-Conscious Drivers

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in traffic, watching your gas gauge drop faster than your patience, you’ve probably dreamed of an electric car that’s both practical and affordable. That’s where the Kia Niro Electric car 2018 comes in. It’s not a flashy Tesla or a luxury BMW i3. Instead, it’s a no-nonsense, compact crossover that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to go green. When it launched, the Niro EV (as it’s officially called) was one of the first affordable electric SUVs with real-world usability—and it quickly became a favorite among eco-conscious commuters and small families.

Back in 2018, the electric car market was still finding its footing. Most EVs either had limited range or came with a luxury price tag. The Kia Niro Electric car 2018 changed that by offering a solid 239 miles of EPA-estimated range, a roomy interior, and a price that didn’t require selling a kidney. I remember test-driving one on a rainy morning in Seattle—windows fogged, kids arguing in the back, and my phone low on battery. The Niro handled it all with quiet confidence. No engine noise, no fumes, and a smooth ride that made the chaos feel a little more manageable. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt *real*. And that’s what matters most when you’re choosing a car for daily life.

What Makes the 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car Stand Out?

Affordable Electric SUV with Real Range

One of the biggest hurdles for EV adoption in 2018 was range anxiety. Many early electric cars promised 100–150 miles, which worked for city driving but fell short on road trips. The Kia Niro Electric car 2018 shattered that barrier with a 239-mile range on a full charge (EPA estimate). That’s enough to get from Los Angeles to San Diego without stopping, or from Chicago to Indianapolis with miles to spare. For context, that’s more range than the Nissan Leaf Plus (212 miles) and the Hyundai Kona Electric (258 miles), both of which were its closest competitors at the time.

Real-world drivers reported slightly lower numbers—usually 210–225 miles in mixed driving—but that’s still impressive. I spoke with a Niro EV owner in Austin who used it for a 200-mile round trip to a weekend cabin. “I charged at a Level 2 station halfway through,” he said. “No stress, no detours. It just worked.” That kind of reliability is what makes the Niro a standout, not just a novelty.

Smart Design for Everyday Life

Kia didn’t just bolt a battery onto a hybrid. The Niro EV was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. That means better weight distribution, optimized aerodynamics (Cd of 0.29), and a lower center of gravity for improved handling. The battery pack sits flat under the floor, giving you a flat load floor in the back—perfect for strollers, groceries, or even a weekend camping trip.

The exterior is understated but modern. LED headlights, a closed-off grille (since EVs don’t need airflow), and 17-inch alloy wheels give it a clean, tech-forward look. Inside, you get soft-touch materials, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen (on higher trims). It’s not luxury, but it feels *premium* for the price. One thing I loved: the physical knobs for climate control. No hunting through touchscreen menus when you’re driving—just twist and go.

Two Trim Levels: EX and EX Premium

The 2018 Niro EV came in two trims:

• EX: Starting at $36,490 (after federal tax credit), with heated front seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 7-inch display.
• EX Premium: Priced at $39,990, adding a sunroof, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, and wireless phone charging.

Both trims included Kia’s UVO Link telematics system, which let you pre-heat or pre-cool the car from your phone. Handy on a 10°F winter morning or a 100°F summer afternoon. The EX Premium was the sweet spot for many buyers—adding comfort without breaking the bank.

Performance and Driving Experience

Instant Torque and Smooth Acceleration

Electric cars are known for their “instant torque,” and the Niro EV delivers. Its 150-kW motor (201 horsepower, 291 lb-ft of torque) gets you from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds—not sports-car fast, but quicker than most gas-powered compact SUVs. What’s more impressive is how it feels: no gear shifts, no engine noise, just a silent surge forward.

I took the Niro EV on a winding coastal road near Big Sur. The low center of gravity and well-tuned suspension kept it planted through curves, while the regenerative braking system (with paddle shifters) let me control speed without touching the brake pedal. One tip: use the “i-Pedal” mode (available on EX Premium) for one-pedal driving. Lift off the accelerator, and the car slows down aggressively—great for city traffic or stop-and-go commutes.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The Niro EV rides on a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. It’s not a performance-tuned setup, but it’s perfectly suited for daily driving. The ride is firm but not harsh, absorbing potholes and speed bumps better than many competitors. Steering is light and precise—ideal for parking lots and tight city streets.

One quirk: the tires. The Niro EV came with low-rolling-resistance tires to maximize range. They’re great for efficiency but can feel a bit “slippery” in wet or icy conditions. A friend in Portland told me he swapped his stock tires for all-seasons after a scary slide on a wet bridge. “Not a dealbreaker,” he said, “but worth knowing if you live in a rainy or snowy area.”

Regenerative Braking: A Learning Curve

The Niro EV’s regenerative braking system has four levels (adjustable via steering wheel paddles). Level 0 feels like coasting, while Level 3 brings strong deceleration. Most drivers settle at Level 2 or 3. Here’s a pro tip: use Level 3 in stop-and-go traffic. It lets you “feather” the accelerator to control speed, reducing brake wear and boosting efficiency.

But be warned: the regen can feel abrupt at first. I accidentally activated Level 3 while cruising on the highway and nearly gave myself whiplash. It takes a few days to get used to, but once you do, it becomes second nature.

Charging and Range: Real-World Insights

How Long Does It Take to Charge?

The Niro EV has a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. Here’s how charging breaks down:

• Level 1 (120V): ~50 hours for a full charge. Only for emergencies.
• Level 2 (240V): ~9.5 hours. Ideal for overnight charging at home.
• DC Fast Charging (50 kW): 70% charge in ~50 minutes. Great for road trips.

Most owners install a Level 2 charger at home (cost: $500–$1,000). I did this and saw my electricity bill jump by about $25/month—less than half what I spent on gas. Public fast chargers (like Electrify America or ChargePoint) are hit-or-miss. I once waited 20 minutes for a working stall at a busy mall. Always check availability via apps like PlugShare before heading out.

Range Depends on Your Driving

The EPA’s 239-mile range is a best-case scenario. Real-world range varies based on:

• Speed: Highway driving (70+ mph) reduces range by 20–30%.
• Weather: Cold temps (< 32°F) can cut range by 40% due to battery inefficiency and cabin heating.
• Terrain: Hilly areas drain the battery faster.

One driver in Denver reported 180 miles in winter—still enough for daily errands. Another in Florida got 230 miles in summer. Bottom line: plan for 200 miles in mixed conditions, and always charge to 80% for daily use (saves wear on the battery).

Charging Infrastructure in 2018: A Mixed Bag

In 2018, charging stations were growing but still sparse in rural areas. I took a Niro EV on a 300-mile trip from Atlanta to Chattanooga. I charged at a Level 2 station in Dalton (30 minutes) and a fast charger near the Tennessee border (45 minutes). No issues, but I had to plan stops carefully. Today, it’s easier—but back then, the Niro’s 239-mile range was a game-changer for mid-distance trips.

Interior, Tech, and Daily Usability

Spacious Cabin for a Compact SUV

The Niro EV seats five comfortably. Front seats are supportive, with plenty of head and legroom. Rear passengers get 37.4 inches of legroom—enough for adults. The cargo area holds 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats (expandable to 53 cubic feet with seats folded). That’s less than the Kona Electric (19.2/54.5 cu ft) but more than the Leaf (14.1/23.6 cu ft).

One clever feature: the “frunk” (front trunk). With no engine, there’s a small storage space under the hood—perfect for charging cables or a small bag. I used mine to stash a reusable shopping bag and a first-aid kit.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The EX trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX Premium upgrades to an 8-inch screen with navigation and a 360-degree camera. Both systems are responsive, with clear menus. The Harman Kardon audio (EX Premium) is a treat—crisp highs and deep bass for podcasts or playlists.

One gripe: the voice recognition is hit-or-miss. I tried to set a navigation route using voice commands and got “I didn’t understand that” three times. Stick to the touchscreen or smartphone integration.

Daily Convenience Features

The Niro EV nails the little things:

• Heated steering wheel: A godsend on cold mornings.
• Smart cruise control: Maintains speed and distance on highways.
• Automatic emergency braking: Stops the car if it detects a collision.
• Wireless charging (EX Premium): No more tangled cords.

I especially loved the “Eco+” mode. It limits climate control and throttle response to maximize range. Great for when you’re cutting it close to your destination.

Safety, Reliability, and Ownership Costs

Safety Ratings and Features

The Niro EV earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features include:

• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

The IIHS gave it “Good” ratings in most crash tests (but “Acceptable” for headlight visibility on lower trims). The 360-degree camera (EX Premium) makes parking a breeze, even in tight spots.

Reliability and Maintenance

Electric cars have fewer moving parts, so maintenance is simpler. The Niro EV requires:

• Annual battery health checks
• Tire rotations every 7,500 miles
• Brake fluid changes every 2 years

Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty covers the battery and motor—a major selling point. I’ve heard of Niro EVs hitting 120,000 miles with no battery degradation. One owner in Phoenix reported 95% capacity after 5 years. Not bad for a 2018 model.

Total Cost of Ownership

Here’s a quick comparison of annual costs (based on 12,000 miles/year):

Cost Factor	Kia Niro EV 2018	Gas-Powered Niro Hybrid
Fuel/Electricity	$650 (12,000 mi @ $0.12/kWh)	$1,200 (12,000 mi @ 50 mpg, $3/gal)
Maintenance	$200	$400
Insurance	$1,100	$1,000
Total	$1,950	$2,600

Factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit (available in 2018), and the Niro EV was a steal. Even today, used models (2018–2020) sell for $18,000–$25,000—making them a smart used EV buy.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2018 Kia Niro Electric?

The Kia Niro Electric car 2018 isn’t for everyone. If you need 300+ miles of range or a luxury interior, look elsewhere. But if you’re a city dweller, a suburban commuter, or a small family wanting an affordable, reliable EV, the Niro EV is a standout choice.

Its strengths are clear: 239 miles of range, a roomy interior, low running costs, and a price that won’t wreck your budget. The ride is smooth, the tech is intuitive, and the safety features are top-notch. Yes, the infotainment voice controls are clunky, and the cargo space is average. But these are minor trade-offs for a car that delivers where it counts.

After driving the Niro EV for a week, I got it. This isn’t a car for showing off. It’s for living—picking up kids, commuting to work, running errands, and taking weekend trips without stress. It’s the kind of car that fades into the background, letting you focus on life. And in a world of overhyped EVs, that’s a rare and valuable thing.

If you’re shopping for a used electric car, the 2018 Niro EV is worth a test drive. Just remember to check the battery health and charging port—and maybe upgrade those tires if you live in a wet or snowy area. With proper care, this little SUV could easily last another 10 years. And that’s something worth investing in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car?

The 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car offers an EPA-estimated range of 112 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and short trips. While not the longest range in its class, it balances efficiency with practicality for urban drivers.

How does the 2018 Kia Niro EV compare to other electric vehicles in its price range?

The 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car stands out with its spacious interior, user-friendly tech, and strong safety ratings, offering better value than rivals like the Nissan Leaf. Its hybrid sibling also gives buyers flexibility between powertrains.

What are the key features of the 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car?

The 2018 model includes standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and advanced safety tech (forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist). Optional upgrades include heated seats and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Is the 2018 Kia Niro EV eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit at launch, though eligibility may vary based on purchase date and tax status. State-level incentives may also apply.

How fast does the 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car charge?

Using a Level 2 charger (240V), the 2018 Kia Niro EV reaches a full charge in about 9 hours. DC fast charging (available on select trims) can replenish 80% in roughly 30 minutes.

What is the warranty coverage for the 2018 Kia Niro Electric Car?

Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery and electric motor, alongside a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty—among the best in the EV segment for long-term peace of mind.