What’s everyone fussing about? Well, the 2019 Kia Niro EV is an all-electric crossover that drives like any other car. It’s loaded with all the features and conveniences that you would want from an everyday driver and it can go a long way on one charge, obliterating the typical “range anxiety” that most first-time buyers suffer from. In short, it’s a great car. And that’s exactly why it won Popular Mechanics’ Car of the Year Award.
“We picked the Niro EV for Car of the Year because it’s an electric car that would be appealing even if it weren’t electric,” says Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics automotive editor. “But it is electric, and it delivers the usual EV benefits without much in the way of EV sacrifices. It’s smooth, quick and quiet, with plenty of range and an affordable price. The Niro EV feels like a preview of the near future when cars like this are the norm. But right now, it’s the exception.”
The magazine praised the crossover Niro EV for its design, style, performance and practicality, citing its comfort on the highway during a long road trip as well as its functionality as an everyday runabout. The article stated that:
“There are two kinds of purpose-built electric cars: sexy, quick, and expensive (Teslas, Jaguar I-Pace) or virtue-signalling affordable tall wagons (Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt). In either case, there’s an element of “Hey, look at me! I’m driving an electric car!” The Kia Niro EV—and its Hyundai cousin, the Kona Electric—are the first long-range electric cars that are gloriously, resolutely normal. In fact, there are gas-powered versions, too. Those ones barely look any different. But their existence serves to highlight the superiority of the electric versions. No noise. No oil changes. No gas stations. Instant torque and a lot of it. Why would you want anything else?”
“We’re thrilled by this award,” says Michael Cole, COO and executive vice president, KMA. “When a publication with the storied reputation of Popular Mechanics selects your vehicle over the competition, it’s a momentous event. We’re proud of the Niro EV and its place in our fleet of all-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles At Kia, we strive to provide the best vehicles possible and this reward validates our efforts.”
Fun Fact:
Part of the great fun of EV ownership is the futuristic aspect of the vehicle you’re driving. The Niro EV is not only a blast because of its powerful and torquey motor, but it also makes a fantastic techy whirring noise when moving that evokes speedy sci-fi craft. One early tester confessed to driving the car in parking garages with the windows down just for the pleasure of hearing the motor. The sound, though, is actually produced by the Pedestrian Warning System, a speaker and controller assembly mounted behind the front bumper. Without it, the Niro EV would be silent, possibly very cool, but which some consider a potential hazard to pedestrians. So, the car makes its fantastic futuristic whir so everyone knows it’s coming. While we apologize to those who wanted to believe they really were piloting an earth-bound spaceship, they can take comfort in the knowledge that the Niro EV is still a very sophisticated machine.
Experience the futuristic whir of the Niro EV first-hand by clicking the TEST DRIVE button below. Let’s face it: the only way you’ll really know what it’s like to drive a fun, functional and capable electric vehicle is to schedule a complete tour and road test of the 2019 Kia Niro EV.
