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4 Best Kia Electric Cars for 2023

November 28, 2022 by Sean Moudry Leave a Comment

best Kia electric cars

Kia is a well-known name in the automotive world—but will their new electric models stack up to the competition? Let’s look at the best Kia electric cars for 2023.

Our list will include all-electric and plug-in hybrids but exclude traditional hybrids since their base energy is fossil fuel with no alternative “clean energy” source like solar or wind.

1. 2023 Kia Niro EV and PHEV ($33,740)

Best For: The Entry-Level Electric Car Buyer

Welcome to the not-so-distant future of EVs. The cutting-edge design of the new 2023 Kia Niro EV lets every other driver know that you aren’t just cruising around in a run-of-the-mill dinosaur-fueled automobile.

Kia Nero charger

The front-wheel drive Niro electric car has 201 horsepower which brings it from 0-60 in just over seven seconds. With a range of 253 miles, the average commuter should have no trouble getting to and from work comfortably in this all-electric Kia.

The Kia Niro EV has a maximum charge rate of 85kW. The slower fast charge will surely be an inconvenience on long-distance trips. However, Kia may make up for it with the free 1000 kWh of charging at Electrify America that’s included with the purchase of a new Kia Niro EV.  

The “entry-level” EV, Kia Niro also comes loaded with the latest technology and safety features that commonly come in expensive luxury cars: rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bluetooth, wireless phone charger, plus a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is Android and Apple CarPlay enabled. 

The technology doesn’t stop there. Kia is clearly making a statement about the importance of driver assistance by including safety features like smart cruise control with stop and go, highway driving assist, auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic detection, and lane-keeping assist. 

We can’t get enough of it. At EVROOM, we feel these safety features should be included as standard on all new cars. So these included safety features make the Kia Niro a top pick for us. 

2. 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid ($33,740)

Best For: The Long-Range Electric Car Buyer

We have many conversations at EVROOM about the unclear future of battery storage electric cars. While we have zero doubt that EVs are the future, we believe that the power source of electric cars will come from batteries, hydrogen cells, and even high-efficiency plug-in hybrid models like the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (or PHEV, Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.)

The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid gets an impressive 108 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent) plus an impressive 510 miles of combined range. This is achieved by allowing the driver to switch between an all-electric motor and a gasoline engine.

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid features an 11.1 kWh battery that can be charged at home to provide around 33 miles of range. This is enough battery to cover most short commutes around town. 

When you’re not saving the planet, you can shift the Niro from all-electric mode to hybrid by firing up the 1.6-liter gas engine to give you the capability to take long road trips without the worry of finding a charging station.

Kia Nero hybrid interior

Despite the sporty appearance, with a 0-60 of 7.3 seconds, you’re not going to win any races—but that’s not the point of this affordable electric car.  

We like the Kia Niro PHEV’s simple yet modern interior. The Syntec cloth seats come standard with heated cheek warmers and you can choose any interior color as long as it’s charcoal. The Niro also features dual climate control with rear AC vents to keep all passengers comfortable.

Like the Niro EV, the PHEV comes standard with safety features including smart cruise control with stop and go, highway driving assist, auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic detection, and lane-keeping assist. 

KIA Niro EV and PHEV

PHEVEV
Starting Price$33.740$39,450
Battery
Charge Time @ 9.6kWh2.75 hours6.75 hours
Max Rapid ChargeN/A84 kW
Battery Size11.1 kWh64.8 kWh
Charge Port LocationDriver Side FenderFront Grill
Motor
Motor1.6 Liter 4-Cyl, Hybrid77 kW electric
Motor Count11
Horsepower180 hp combined201 hp
Torque195 lb-ft combined188 lb-ft
Performance
MPG108 MPGeN/A
All Electric Range33 Miles253 Miles
Combined Range510 milesN/A
0-607.3 seconds7.1 seconds
Top Speed104 mph104 mph
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Interior
Seating Capacity55
Instrument Display4.3”10.25”
Infotainment Display10.25”10.25”
Ambient LightingNot AvailableOptional
Heated Front SeatsIncludedIncluded
Heated Rear SeatsNot AvailableOptional
Ventilated Front SeatsNot AvailableNot Available
Massage SeatsNot AvailableNot Available
Heated Steering WheelOptionalOptional
Leather (Real/Synthetic)Not AvailableSynthetic/Optional
Sunroof RoofNot AvailableOptional
Technology
Heads-up DisplayNot AvailableOptional
Active Cruise ControlIncludedIncluded
360 ViewNot AvailableNot Available
Safety Features
Frontal Collision Avoidance w/ PedIncludedIncluded
Active Lane CorrectionIncludedIncluded
Blind-Spot DetectionIncludedIncluded
Rear Cross Traffic AvoidanceIncludedIncluded
Warranty
Car5 yrs / 60,000 miles5 yrs / 60,000 miles
Battery10 yrs / 100,000 miles10 yrs / 100,000 miles
2023 US Tax Credit
Qualifies?NoNo

3. 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid ($38,940)

Best For: The All-Weather Electric Car Buyer

Like the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid comes standard with a 1.6L 4-cylinder gas engine that has an added turbocharger and a larger 13-kWh battery to power the electric motor.

This combination delivers 84 MPGe and 261 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque to the compact SUV. The Sportage has 43 miles of all-electric range, and the combined range is estimated to be around 430 miles. Plenty to get around town and longer trips to the mountains on the weekends.

With the all-wheel drive and locking differential, you won’t worry about getting stuck in the snow. So go ahead and plan a few ski trips for your weekend excursions.

The Sportage will keep you and your passengers warm on your way to the hills with heated synthetic leather seats and dual-zone climate control. While the large panoramic sunroof provides an open-air driving experience. 

Overall, we like the sporty design of the interior. The large back seats have adequate legroom for adults. However, they may be a little tight fit for three people. The rear seats can also be folded down to accommodate your best friend (your dog) on your way to the park.

The 24” combined instrument and infotainment screens give the driver a full horizon of visual information. Standard features like push button start, wireless phone charger, and steering wheel controls will make you feel like you’re driving a German luxury car.

Like the Niro, safety features like 360-view, collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic detection and avoidance are included on the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV.

KIA Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Starting Price$38.940
Battery
Charge Time @ 9.6kWh2 hours
Max Rapid ChargeN/A
Battery Size13.8 kWh
Charge Port LocationPassenger Rear
Drivetrain
Type4-Cyl Turbo, 1.6 Liter, Hybrid
Electric Motor Count1
Combined Horsepower261 hp
Combined Torque258 lb-ft
Performance
Miles Per Gallon84 MPGe
All-Electric Range34 miles
Combined Range430 miles
0-608.2 seconds
Top SpeedUndisclosed
DrivetrainAWD
Tow Capacity2,000 lbs
Interior
Seating Capacity5
Instrument Display12.2”
Infotainment Display12.3”
Ambient LightingOptional
Heated Front SeatsIncluded
Heated Rear SeatsNot Available
Ventilated Front SeatsOptional
Massage SeatsNot Available
Heated Steering WheelOptional
Leather (Real/Synthetic)Synthetic
Panorama RoofIncluded
Technology
Heads-up DisplayNot Available
Active Cruise ControlOptional
360 ViewOptional
Safety Features
Frontal Collision Avoidance w/ PedIncluded
Active Lane CorrectionIncluded
Blind-Spot DetectionIncluded
Rear Cross Traffic AvoidanceIncluded
Warranty
Car5 yrs / 60,000 miles
Battery10 yrs / 100,000 miles
2023 US Tax Credit
Qualifies?No

4. 2023 Kia EV6 ($48,500)

Best For: The Electric Sports Car Buyer

Welcome the Kia EV6, Kia’s tribute to compete with Tesla. Sporty, technology-packed, and mind-bendingly fast, the EV6 and the EV6 GT are undeniably Tesla-inspired. The EV6 is available with either a single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration.

The similarities don’t end with the drivetrain; the EV6 also incorporates the controversial flush door handles that Tesla owners complain may freeze shut in the winter. 

Kia EV6

Originally introduced in 2021, the EV6 quickly became a favorite in the Tuner Community. An example is seen here at the SEMA Convention with custom ground effects by M&S America.

Kia EV6 interior

The Kia EV6’s interior styling is equally sleek and modern as the exterior. Recycled water bottles and other plastics make up the “Vegan Leather” fabric that covers the heated and ventilated seats. We think this is a thoughtful touch for an emission-reducing people mover.

Kia EV6 dashboard

The oversized panoramic dash screens provide all necessary driver information, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android. Additional features like automatic rain-sensing wipers and the optional heads-up-display help the driver to keep their eyes on the road. 

Thankfully, the EV6 also includes the safety technology of the other Kias on our list. 

Photo Courtesy of CNET Cars

One unique feature of the EV6 is the optional “Vehicle to Load Port” that provides 110-volt AC power to charge laptops, run a vacuum cleaner, or even power a standard refrigerator for up to two-weeks.

Red Kia EV6

2023 EV6 GT (e-AWD)

Kia offers several performance packages for the EV6. You can order your EV6 with 225 horsepower from a single rear-wheel drive motor, up to the fire-breathing 577 horsepower, dual-motor, all-wheel drive EV6 GT (e-AWD).

EV6 speed

The $60,000-plus GT comes loaded with an augmented display, automatic door handles, a sunroof, and a 0-60 time near that of a Lamborghini supercar… even with kids and groceries in the back.

There is one sacrifice you will have to make. The massive 425 kW motors take a lot of juice and reduce the range of the EV6 Gt to 206 miles. But seriously, what other car can you take to the race track on Saturday and tow a jet ski to the lake on Sunday?

Kia EV6

EV6 WindEV6 GT
Starting Price$48,500$61,400
Battery
Charge Time @ 9.6kWh7 hours7 hours
Max Rapid Charge350 kW350 kW
Battery Size77.4 kWh77.4 kWh
Charge Port LocationPassenger Tail-LightPassenger Tail-Light
Motor
Motor Size168 kW425 kW
Motor Count12
Horsepower225 hp577 hp
Torque258 lb-ft546 lb-ft
Performance
Range310 Miles206 Miles
0-607.3 seconds3.5 seconds
Top Speed114 mph161 mph
DrivetrainRWDAWD
Tow Capacity2,300 lbs2,300 lbs
Interior
Seating Capacity55
Instrument Display12.3”12.3”
Infotainment Display12.3”12.3”
Ambient LightingOptionalIncluded
Heated Front SeatsIncludedIncluded
Heated Rear SeatsOptionalIncluded
Ventilated Front SeatsIncludedIncluded
Massage SeatsNot AvailableNot Available
Heated Steering WheelOptionalOptional
Leather (Real/Synthetic)Recycled SyntheticRecycled Synthetic
Sunroof RoofOptionalIncluded
Technology
Heads-up DisplayOptionalIncluded
Active Cruise ControlIncludedIncluded
360 ViewOptionalIncluded
Safety Features
Frontal Collision Avoidance w/ PedIncludedIncluded
Active Lane CorrectionIncludedIncluded
Blind-Spot DetectionIncludedIncluded
Rear Cross Traffic AvoidanceOptionalIncluded
Warranty
Car5 yrs / 60,000 miles5 yrs / 60,000 miles
Battery10 yrs / 100,000 miles10 yrs / 100,000 miles
2023 US Tax Credit
Qualifies?NoNo

Final Thoughts

Kia is making the transition from gasoline to electric seriously and it shows with their 2023 electric vehicle line-up. Every EV they offer is laser-focused on a specific car buyer. From the entry-level EV buyer to the weekend explorer and the performance car enthusiast, Kia has an electric car for each.

The best part is that Kia isn’t skimping or charging extra for safety features that are proven to keep drivers and pedestrians safe.

Filed Under: Reviews

About Sean Moudry

Sean is a self proclaimed hot rodder and all around car enthusiast. Sean is currently building a 1965 Ford Mustang with a fully electric Tesla motor and batteries. The car can be seen on YouTube and will be featured at SEMA. Sean believes that EVs are the future and he is passionate about the improvement of EVs and their ownership experience. Contact Sean at sean@evroom.com

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