“The Kia Niro is a great option for EV owners. It is zippy, fun and well equipped. I wouldn't hesitate to own it again.”
2022 Kia Niro EV: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for 2022 is that the larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and upgraded audio moves down to the EX trim instead of remaining exclusive to EX Premium. It is otherwise a light update, with a new S entry trim and no meaningful change to the battery, motor, charging basics, or EPA range.
About the 2022 Kia Niro EV
1st-generation Niro EV (2019-2022 U.S.), final year before the all-new second-generation 2023 redesign.
Kia positions the Niro EV as an easy everyday electric crossover rather than a futuristic statement car. Its appeal is familiar size, upright seating, useful cargo room, simple charging hardware, and enough range for regular commuting and errands. Compared with flashier EVs, the Niro EV leans into practicality: it feels like a small hatchback-shaped crossover that happens to be electric, with a strong standard safety list and a cabin that is straightforward to use.
The S trim is the straightforward entry point, pairing the full electric powertrain with an 8-inch touchscreen and core driver-assistance features. EX is the tech-focused middle trim with the larger navigation screen, Harman Kardon audio, and added highway driving assistance. EX Premium keeps the same performance and adds comfort features such as a sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and interior mood lighting.
What changed, by category
Tech
The 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and Harman Kardon audio becomes standard on EX as well as EX Premium. The new S trim uses an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety
EX gains Highway Driving Assist and adaptive cruise control that uses navigation information to adjust speed on certain roads.
Styling
New Kia badges appear on the grille, tailgate, steering wheel, and wheel center caps. The rest of the exterior styling is largely unchanged.
2022 Kia Niro EV specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Electric Motor | Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Reduction Gear | Single-Speed Reduction Gear | Single-Speed Reduction Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 291 lb-ft | 291 lb-ft | 291 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 53 cu-ft | 53 cu-ft | 53 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 239 | 239 | 239 |
| MPGe Combined | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2022 Kia Niro EV?
The biggest change is more standard technology on the EX trim. Its 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, Highway Driving Assist, and navigation-based adaptive cruise were previously confined to the top-trim setup.
Did the 2022 Kia Niro EV lineup change from 2021?
Yes. Kia added the S trim as the entry point for 2022. It has the same 64-kWh battery and 201-hp motor as the higher trims but uses a simpler 8-inch touchscreen.
Did the 2022 Kia Niro EV get more range or power?
No. The 2022 model keeps a 64-kWh battery, a 201-hp electric motor, front-wheel drive, and a 239-mile EPA range. Its basic charging hardware also carries over.
Is the 2022 Kia Niro EV the redesigned model?
No. The 2022 Niro EV is the final year of the first-generation model. The fully redesigned second-generation Niro EV arrived for 2023.
How do the 2022 Niro EV EX and EX Premium differ?
EX Premium focuses on cabin comfort rather than extra power. Both have the same battery, motor, larger navigation screen, and upgraded audio, while EX Premium adds a sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and interior mood lighting.
2022 Kia Niro EV Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Kia Niro EV.
4.3
2022 Kia Niro EV
(335 reviews)
“I love my car it easy to use and drive very quiet. I don't like that it doesn't charge as fast as the new stuff but that doesn't change the way I feel it a stylish car. With amazing features.”
“It is pretty great and cheaper transportation as far as gas is involved but keep in mind that public chargers are not always reliable or easy to use or cheap.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 17821 / Kia America Announces 2022 Niro Ev
- kiamedia.com — Niro Ev / 2022 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro Ev / 2022 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro Ev / 2022 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro Ev / 2023
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 19395 / The All New 2023 Kia Niro
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 17519 / Kia America Announces 2021 Niro Ev
- kiamedia.com — Niro Ev / 2023 / Pricing