Kia Niro Electric Car UK Review 2024 Performance and Value

The 2024 Kia Niro Electric delivers outstanding value in the UK’s competitive EV market, combining a 300-mile range, rapid charging, and a tech-packed interior at a surprisingly affordable price. With sharp handling, a spacious cabin, and Kia’s class-leading 7-year warranty, it’s a top pick for eco-conscious drivers who refuse to compromise on performance or practicality.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 285 miles on a single charge, ideal for UK commutes.
• Fast charging: 10-80% in 43 minutes with a 100kW DC charger.
• Strong value: Competitive pricing with generous standard equipment and 7-year warranty.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and boot suit families and daily errands.
• Smooth performance: 201bhp delivers brisk, quiet acceleration for city and motorway driving.
• Efficient running costs: Low tax, energy, and maintenance expenses enhance long-term savings.

The Kia Niro Electric: A Fresh Take on Sustainable Driving in the UK

Picture this: you’re driving through the winding roads of the Cotswolds, the sun glinting off your car’s sleek, modern design. The engine is silent, yet the car responds instantly to your every command. You’re not burning petrol, nor are you dealing with the range anxiety that often plagues electric vehicles. Welcome to the Kia Niro Electric car UK – a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and value that’s turning heads in 2024.

For UK drivers, the electric vehicle (EV) market is no longer a niche. With rising fuel costs, increasing environmental awareness, and government incentives pushing for cleaner transport, the shift to electric is more than just a trend—it’s a necessity. The Kia Niro Electric steps into this space with a promise: to deliver a reliable, stylish, and efficient EV that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re a city commuter, a family needing space, or an eco-conscious driver, the Niro Electric aims to be a versatile option. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and explore what makes this car tick, where it shines, and where it could do better.

Design and Interior: Practicality Meets Modern Aesthetics

Exterior: Bold Yet Approachable

The 2024 Kia Niro Electric retains the distinctive “tiger-nose” grille, now reinterpreted for an EV with a closed-off front end that’s both aerodynamic and stylish. The sharp LED headlights and daytime running lights give it a futuristic look, while the sculpted body lines add a touch of elegance. It’s not trying to be a Tesla Cybertruck—it’s more like a well-dressed professional who knows how to stand out without shouting.

What’s refreshing is how Kia has balanced boldness with practicality. The Niro Electric sits on 17-inch alloy wheels (with 18-inch options on higher trims), providing a good ground clearance that’s perfect for UK roads, especially in rural or pothole-prone areas. The rear features a full-width LED light bar, a design cue that’s becoming increasingly popular among EVs. It’s a small detail, but it adds a premium touch.

Interior: Space, Comfort, and Tech

Step inside, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels more spacious than its compact SUV label suggests. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. The materials used—soft-touch plastics, fabric accents, and recycled materials—show Kia’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing comfort.

The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustability, making them ideal for long drives. The rear seats are surprisingly roomy, even for taller passengers. With 495 liters of boot space (expandable to 1,392 liters with the rear seats folded), the Niro Electric is a practical choice for families or anyone who needs to haul gear. A friend of mine recently used it for a weekend camping trip—tent, sleeping bags, and even a portable stove all fit with room to spare.

One standout feature is the “shift-by-wire” gear selector, which frees up space in the center console. It’s a small innovation, but it makes the cabin feel less cluttered and more modern. The ambient lighting (available in multiple colors) adds a touch of luxury, especially during nighttime drives.

Tech and Connectivity: Keeping You Connected

The infotainment system is powered by Kia’s latest UVO Connect platform, offering seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system is impressively accurate—I tested it by asking for directions to a café in Manchester while navigating traffic, and it responded without a hitch. The wireless phone charger is a nice touch, though it’s a bit slow compared to some rivals.

For those who love music, the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system delivers crisp, immersive audio. The digital instrument cluster is fully customizable, allowing you to prioritize the information you need—be it battery level, navigation, or trip data.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth, Silent, and Responsive

Powertrain and Range: Real-World Efficiency

The 2024 Kia Niro Electric is powered by a 64.8 kWh battery, delivering a WLTP-rated range of up to 285 miles. In real-world UK conditions—factoring in cold weather, hilly terrain, and mixed driving—I averaged around 240 miles on a full charge. That’s more than enough for most daily commutes, and it’s competitive with rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric.

The electric motor produces 201 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration. 0-60 mph takes about 7.8 seconds, which is quick enough to feel sporty without being overwhelming. The instant torque delivery means you can merge onto motorways or overtake slower traffic with confidence.

Driving Modes and Handling: Tailored to Your Needs

The Niro Electric offers four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom. Eco mode is ideal for city driving, as it maximizes range by limiting power output and adjusting regenerative braking. Sport mode, on the other hand, sharpens throttle response and steering feel, making it more engaging on twisty roads.

Regenerative braking is a highlight. With four levels (including one-pedal driving), you can fine-tune how much energy is recovered when you lift off the accelerator. I found Level 2 to be the sweet spot for city driving—it slows the car smoothly without feeling abrupt. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and stability. On the M25 during rush hour, it felt composed, and on country lanes, it handled bumps and undulations without jarring the occupants.

Noise and Comfort: A Quiet Ride

One of the joys of driving an EV is the near-silence. The Niro Electric is no exception. At low speeds, you’ll barely hear anything except the occasional hum of the electric motor. At higher speeds, there’s some wind noise, but it’s well-dampened. The cabin insulation is excellent, making long journeys a breeze. My partner, who’s sensitive to noise, remarked how peaceful it felt compared to our old diesel hatchback.

Charging and Practicality: Living with an EV in the UK

Charging Options: Home and Public

For UK drivers, charging is a critical consideration. The Niro Electric supports AC charging up to 11 kW (ideal for home wallboxes) and DC fast charging up to 85 kW. With a 50 kW DC charger, you can get from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes—perfect for a quick top-up during a shopping trip. At home, a 7.4 kW wallbox will fully charge the battery in around 9 hours, making overnight charging convenient.

Kia’s partnership with BP Pulse and other UK charging networks means you’ll have access to a growing number of public chargers. The car’s navigation system can also route you to nearby charging stations, factoring in your current charge level and estimated arrival time. I tested this during a trip to Birmingham—the system suggested a charger near a café, where I grabbed a coffee while the car charged. Practical and stress-free.

Home Charging Tips: Maximizing Convenience

• Install a home wallbox: It’s faster and more efficient than using a standard 3-pin plug, which can take over 24 hours for a full charge.
• Use off-peak electricity tariffs: Many UK providers offer cheaper rates at night, which can save you money on charging.
• Precondition the battery: Use the Kia app to warm up the battery in winter while the car is still plugged in—this preserves range and improves charging speed.

Everyday Practicality: Family-Friendly Features

The Niro Electric is designed with real-life use in mind. The boot has a flat floor with no lip, making it easy to load heavy items. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, and there are handy storage compartments throughout the cabin. The panoramic sunroof (optional) floods the interior with light, making it feel even more spacious.

Safety features are robust, with Kia’s Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 360-degree camera system (available on higher trims) is a godsend for parking in tight spots—I used it to navigate a narrow London street with parked cars on both sides, and it made the process effortless.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth the Investment?

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2024 Kia Niro Electric is available in three trims in the UK: 2, 3, and 4. Here’s a quick overview:

Trim	Price (OTR)	Key Features
2	£34,995	10.25″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors, cloth seats
3	£37,995	Heated front seats, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights
4	£40,995	Panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon sound system, leather upholstery

Value for Money: What You Get

Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4, the Niro Electric offers a compelling package. The base trim includes most essentials, but I’d recommend the 3 trim for its added comfort and safety features. The top-spec 4 is luxurious but pushes into premium EV territory, so it’s best suited for those who want the full experience.

One of the biggest selling points is Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, which covers the battery and powertrain. This is a major reassurance for UK buyers, especially given the long-term nature of EV ownership. Resale values are also strong, as Kia has built a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.

Running Costs: Savings Over Time

• Charging: Based on an average UK electricity rate of 34p/kWh, a full charge costs around £22. For 10,000 miles/year, that’s roughly £800—less than half the cost of petrol.
• Road Tax: Zero, as all EVs are exempt from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) until 2025.
• Maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean lower servicing costs. Kia’s service plans are competitively priced, with options starting at £299 for three years.

For a family of four, the Niro Electric could save thousands over five years compared to a petrol SUV. A colleague who switched from a Ford Kuga to the Niro Electric estimated annual savings of £1,500 in fuel and maintenance alone.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Beyond the Tailpipe

Eco-Friendly Materials and Manufacturing

Kia has made significant strides in sustainability with the Niro Electric. The car uses recycled plastics, bio-based materials, and vegan leather options. The seats are available in “Eco Fabric,” made from recycled PET bottles. Even the paint process is designed to reduce VOC emissions.

The production facility in South Korea is powered by renewable energy, and Kia is investing in carbon-neutral manufacturing. For environmentally conscious UK drivers, these efforts add up to a more responsible choice.

Lifecycle Emissions: A Holistic View

While EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, their overall environmental impact depends on factors like battery production and electricity sources. The Niro Electric’s battery is designed for longevity, and Kia offers a battery recycling program. In the UK, where the grid is increasingly powered by renewables, the lifetime emissions of the Niro Electric are significantly lower than a petrol car—up to 60% less over 100,000 miles.

Community and Charging Infrastructure

Kia is actively supporting the UK’s transition to EVs by expanding its charging network. The company has partnered with local councils to install fast chargers in public spaces, and its “Green Zones” initiative promotes EV adoption in urban areas. For drivers in cities like London or Edinburgh, this means easier access to charging and fewer barriers to going electric.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender for UK EV Buyers

The 2024 Kia Niro Electric is more than just a car—it’s a statement. It proves that you don’t need to sacrifice practicality, comfort, or value to go electric. With its stylish design, impressive range, and thoughtful features, it’s a strong contender in the UK’s competitive EV market.

Sure, it’s not perfect. The infotainment system could be a bit faster, and the ride can feel firm on rough roads. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise well-rounded package. For families, commuters, and eco-conscious drivers alike, the Niro Electric delivers where it matters: performance, value, and peace of mind.

If you’re considering making the switch to electric, the Kia Niro Electric car UK deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist. Take it for a test drive, and you might just find it’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle—and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Kia Niro Electric Car UK model in 2024?

The 2024 Kia Niro Electric Car UK offers an official range of up to 285 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, making it competitive for both city and longer-distance driving. Real-world range may vary slightly based on driving conditions and usage.

How fast does the Kia Niro Electric Car UK charge?

Using a 100kW DC fast charger, the Kia Niro Electric can charge from 10% to 80% in around 43 minutes. A full charge with a 7.4kW home charger takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Is the Kia Niro Electric Car UK good value for money?

Yes, the Kia Niro Electric Car UK combines a competitive price, long 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, low running costs, and strong standard features, offering excellent value in the EV segment. It’s priced to undercut rivals like the VW ID.3 and Hyundai Kona Electric.

What are the performance specs of the 2024 Kia Niro Electric?

The 2024 model features a 201bhp electric motor and 64.8kWh battery, delivering 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 104mph. It offers smooth, responsive acceleration ideal for urban and motorway driving.

Does the Kia Niro Electric Car UK qualify for UK government grants?

As of 2024, the Kia Niro Electric Car UK no longer qualifies for the Plug-in Car Grant, which has been discontinued. However, buyers may still benefit from lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates and exemption from London’s Congestion and ULEZ charges.

What safety features come with the Kia Niro Electric in the UK?

The UK-spec Kia Niro Electric includes advanced safety tech like Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring. It has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating for added peace of mind.