2022 Kia Niro EV Offers Perfect Option to Unavailable Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV

Kia confirms the Niro returns for 2022 and provides updates on its features.

The Kia Niro EV has always been one of this vehicle tester’s favorite overall vehicles. When Kia gave us a Niro EV to test we promptly drove the Niro EV to the nearest Tesla dealership and drove it back to back with the Tesla Model 3 SR+. Objectively, both vehicles are similar in size, performance, and EV range. Subjectively, we left thinking that if we were choosing an affordable EV the Niro would be on our list and the Model 3 would probably not be.

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Given the recent unfortunate news that GM has issued a stop-sale on all new and used Bolts and even the new Bolt EUVs, those looking for a substitute may wish to consider the Niro EV. Interestingly, the Niro EV could fill the roles of either the Bolt or the slightly roomier Bolt EUV.

Kia has confirmed that the Niro returns for 2022 to the US market. Even better, for the new model year, the 10.25-inch touchscreen becomes standard. Kia also bundled Navigation, UVO link, and Sirius XM satellite radio along with the premium Harmon/Kardon sound system into the touchscreen.

The Niro’s small wagon, long hatchback five-door design nicely matches up to the Bolt EUV’s capacities. We have driven both, and we feel that the Bolt EUV and Kia Niro EV are fun to drive in all situations. The instant torque is great for point-and-shoot urban driving, the low center of gravity due to the battery pack under the floor makes back-roads touring fun, and the added mass of the EV drive system means the vehicle feels more solid on the highway.

The Kia Niro EV qualifies for the present-day $7,500 tax incentive, That factored in, the cost of a Kia Niro EV will range from roughly $34,000 to $39,000 before dealer market pricing adjustments. State EV incentives could drop that price down by as much as $2,500.

We never needed a reason to recommend the Kia Niro EV, but with the Bolt and Bolt EUV in recall limbo, no longer for sale, and possibly not coming back, the Niro is suddenly one of the few great affordable EVs available.

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin