Kia Niro EV Long Range

Overview

The 2022 Kia Niro Long Range, a cracking all-electric family crossover, really hit the sweet spot for practicality and decent range before its big redesign. This discontinued gem, now available used from around €19,979 in Europe, packs a 64 kWh battery offering a solid real-world driving distance. It’s a sensible, spacious, and well-equipped choice for those looking to make the electric switch without breaking the bank, offering a compelling alternative to its rivals with its user-friendly nature and efficient performance.

What's New for 2022?

For its final model year, the 2022 Niro Long Range sported Kia's slick new badge, giving it a bit of a visual refresh. Inside, models equipped with the larger 10.25-inch touchscreen got an upgrade to Kia's enhanced 'Kia Connect' telematics system, replacing the older UVO Connect for smarter navigation and connectivity features. Otherwise, it was mostly business as usual for this popular EV, continuing to offer its proven blend of range, space, and value as a run-out model for this generation.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 Kia Niro Long Range rocks a friendly, approachable crossover design rather than shouting about its electric heart. It measures 4375 mm in length, 1805 mm in width, and 1560 mm in height. Key EV tells include the smoothed-off 'tiger-nose' grille which cleverly hides the CCS Type 2 charge port, often accented with distinctive blue highlights. The Long Range trim usually featured aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, contributing to its sensible yet modern appeal on European roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Niro Long Range, and you'll find a cabin that’s more about function and solid build quality than flashy design. There's decent space for five, and the Long Range trim often boasted a smart 10.25-inch touchscreen with Kia Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Luggage-wise, you get a generous 451 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 1405 litres with the rear seats folded. No frunk on this one, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

The Niro Long Range is surprisingly nippy for a family chariot! Its front-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), delivers a healthy 150 kW and a punchy 395 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.8 seconds, making city driving and overtakes a breeze. It’s a comfortable cruiser, soaking up bumps well, and offers adjustable regenerative braking via steering wheel paddles, allowing for efficient one-pedal driving styles in some modes.

Range, Battery & Charging

Fitted with a 64 kWh (usable) battery, the Niro Long Range offers a very respectable Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 376 km, sipping juice at an efficient 5.88 km/kWh. For charging, it sports a CCS Type 2 port. AC charging via its standard 7.2 kW on-board charger will take it from empty to full in about 9.5 hours. Find a DC fast charger, and it can slurp up to 77 kW, getting you from 10-80% in around 54 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Kia Niro boasts a reassuring 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The 2022 Long Range typically came loaded with a suite of driver aids to keep you safe and sound. Standard kit often included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Depending on the specific European market and pack, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning were also commonly available, making it a solid choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Kia’s fantastic 7-year / 150,000 km new car warranty, which also covers EV components like the motor, is a massive plus in Europe. The high-voltage battery typically gets the same coverage, often with a guarantee against falling below 70% of its original capacity. Maintenance is generally a doddle with EVs, requiring fewer service visits than petrol or diesel counterparts. The e-Niro has built a reputation for being a reliable workhorse, offering peace of mind for long-term ownership.