“Currently the vehicle is exceeding the epa electric mileage estimates. It is a pleasure to drive and is well designed on both the interior and exterior. I like the fact that it does not have a gigantic media screen like so many other EV models. Controls are easy to manipulate.”
2023 Kia Niro EV: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Kia Niro EV is fully redesigned, marking the start of its second generation. It has a larger, roomier body, updated electric hardware, more standard technology, and a new Wind and Wave trim lineup.
About the 2023 Kia Niro EV
2nd generation Niro EV (2023-2025 U.S.), first year of the redesign.
The Niro EV is Kia’s practical electric crossover for people who want everyday EV usability more than headline performance. Kia markets it around sustainability, connectivity, and usefulness: upright seating, hatchback cargo flexibility, roomy passenger space, and eco-minded interior materials. Its main draw versus many rivals is that it feels easy to live with as a daily driver, offering familiar controls, good interior room, and solid electric range in a compact footprint rather than a flashy, high-priced EV experience.
The Wind is the well-equipped everyday version, with 253 miles of EPA-rated range, heated front seats, dual 10.25-inch displays, and a broad driver-assist package. The Wave has the same motor, battery, and range but adds upscale features such as a sunroof, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, vehicle-to-load power, and more advanced driving and parking assistance.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Battery capacity grows to 64.8 kWh, EPA-rated range rises to 253 miles, and the onboard charger increases to 11 kW for faster Level 2 charging. A 201-hp electric motor and DC fast-charging capability are standard on both trims.
Styling
The second-generation Niro EV gets an all-new exterior and interior design with a much bolder look.
Safety
A broader driver-assist package is standard, including Highway Driving Assist. The Wave adds Highway Driving Assist II with automatic lane changes and Remote Smart Park Assist.
Tech
Both trims get a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system. The Wave adds Harman Kardon audio and vehicle-to-load power for running external devices.
Structural
Larger overall dimensions create more passenger room and cargo space.
2023 Kia Niro EV specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Reduction Gear | Single-Speed Reduction Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 204 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 188 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1653 lb | 1653 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.9 in | 36.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 253 | 253 |
| MPGe Combined | 113 | 113 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Kia Niro EV a full redesign?
Yes. The 2023 Kia Niro EV begins the model’s second generation with a new exterior, redesigned cabin, larger dimensions, updated electric hardware, and Wind and Wave trims replacing the previous lineup.
What is the EPA-rated range of the 2023 Kia Niro EV?
The 2023 Kia Niro EV has an EPA-rated range of 253 miles in both Wind and Wave trims. Both use the same 64.8-kWh battery and 201-hp electric motor.
What is the difference between the 2023 Niro EV Wind and Wave?
The Wave adds comfort and technology rather than extra range or power. It builds on the Wind with features such as a sunroof, ventilated front seats, premium audio, vehicle-to-load power, and more advanced highway and parking assistance.
What charging equipment does the 2023 Kia Niro EV have?
The 2023 Niro EV has an 11-kW onboard charger for Level 2 charging and standard DC fast-charging capability. Both Wind and Wave use the same charging hardware.
Is the 2023 Kia Niro EV a meaningful upgrade over the 2022 model?
Yes. The 2023 model is a full redesign with more range, faster Level 2 charging, a roomier cabin and cargo area, dual 10.25-inch screens, and a stronger standard driver-assist package.
2023 Kia Niro EV Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Kia Niro EV.
4.2
2023 Kia Niro EV
(229 reviews)
“KIA NIRO EV is a tight design which gives good mix of driving experience, controls and display layout, handling, versatility, and competent EV Range. Car appears to have very good reliability and is at a solid price point. Vehicle is also nicely sized, exceptional storage, with solid function in a not too big package.”
“The savings on gas and oil changes for a vehicle that's clean for the environment is exceptional.”