Electric SUV Comparison: 2023 Kia Niro EV Vs. Hyundai Kona Electric

2023 Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric SUV


Welcome to our 2023 Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric SUV comparison page. These popular brands are answering the call of EV mobility in a way that makes the battle of these two SUVs a fun, informative read. Both vehicles exhibit incredible features, range, and user technology, but only one gives you a harmonious blend of top-tier maneuverability and efficiency. Explore all our new Kia specials or continue scrolling to see how the 2023 Kia Niro EV stands up to the competition.

Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric 2023

If you live in Kennesaw, GA, you know life can get busy. You may have to commute to Atlanta often, or your job requires you to do a lot of driving. Either way, you're here because you're looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on gas by not paying for it at all.

Electric vehicles are excellent choices with economical, emission-free driving in mind. But as we said, you'll find more value where there's versatility. So let's take a close look at all the little details so that you can choose the model that's best for you.

2023 Kia Niro EV

Trim Levels:Wind, Wave
Horsepower:201 hp
Exterior Paint Colors:8-9 (depending on trim)
Drive Type:FWD
Body Style:Crossover SUV
EPA-Estimated Range:253 mi1
Cargo Volume:22.8 cu. ft.
Length:174.0 in
Width:71.9 in
Height:61.8 in
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

Trim Levels:SE, SEL, Limited
Horsepower:201 hp
Exterior Paint Colors:4-8 (depending on trim)
Drive Type:FWD
Body Style:Subcompact SUV
EPA-Estimated Range:258 mi2
Cargo Volume:19.2 cu. ft.
Length:165.6 in
Width:70.9 in
Height:61.0 in


2023 Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric: Model Overview

For 2023, the Kia Niro offers two high-quality trim levels: Wind and Wave. While Hyundai might offer a slightly lower entry price, buyers should tread cautiously. The Hyundai Kona comes with fewer features than the Niro. Although the Hyundai Kona includes one more trim level for features and amenities, the Kia Niro offers more bang for your buck. You can expect more space, customization options, and a similar range.

The Kia Niro gives you substantial value from the start. You'll experience dozens of luxurious features that'll excite you during a spirited test drive at our location near Atlanta, GA. Most notably, the Kia Niro will offer standard features that the Kona Electric only offers on higher trims or doesn't include at all, such as:

  • Forward-collision avoidance
  • Parking distance warning
  • Highway driving assist
  • Smart cruise-control
  • Intelligent speed limit assist
  • Driver attention warning

This year also brings a 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment center to both the Wind and Wave trims, a Harman Kardon® audio system on the Wave trim, and factory-standard navigation. Find your 2023 Kia Niro EV for sale here.

Comparatively, the Hyundai Kona Electric offers a standard 8-inch infotainment display on the base trim, a 10.25-inch display on higher trims, and a Harman Kardon® sound system only on its highest trim. The higher trims also include some safety features that the Kia Niro EV includes in the base model, like lane assistance systems and smart cruise control.

2023 Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric: Range & Specs

Now let's take a look at the cornerstone of an EV: range. With its 64.8-kWh 358-volt lithium-ion polymer battery, the Kia Niro EV offers drivers an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles.1 The Kona Electric offers nearly identical range with 258 miles,2 making them direct contenders for distance.

However, a significant difference between the two remains the battery voltage and energy. The Kona Electric boasts a lithium-ion battery with slightly less voltage at 356 volts and less battery capacity at 64.0 kWh. These values mean the Kona Electric will take more time to charge than the Niro EV, making our Kia Niro the top contender for power, performance, and reliability.

2023 Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric: Seating Comparison

The 2023 Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric comparison can show how the Kia Niro EV outdoes the competition time and time again. This vehicle offers SynTex and cloth seating, which comes perforated on the Wave trim for better ventilation, completely dismissing leather and remaining sustainable and committed to reducing the brand's carbon footprint.

Comparatively, the Kona Electric maintains the industry-standard leather upholstery for its highest trim, forgoing environmentally conscious options. The Kona Electric in lower trims has cloth seating but lacks ventilation, meaning drivers may have to compromise sustainability for comfort.

Jim Ellis Kia Is Your EV Resource

Now that you've learned the major differences between the Kia Niro EV and the Kona Electric, we're happy to give you an exciting test drive in a vehicle we're confident will exceed your expectations for a blend of space, energy conservation, and performance.

Stop into Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw for phenomenal service as our specialists walk you through the Kia Niro EV and discuss leasing or financing options. Browse our complete inventory of Kia cars for sale, pick your favorite, and let us know which one we can bring to you first!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Kia Niro bigger than the Hyundai Kona?

The 2023 Kia Niro is bigger than the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Kia Niro EV beats out the Hyundai Kona Electric in cargo space by offering about 3.5 more cubic feet of space to hold all your essential items and gear. You can also rely on slightly more headroom and legroom. The Niro blends spaciousness with maneuverability to produce an SUV that can handle tight city streets without skimping on cargo volume.

Which is faster, the new 2023 Kia Niro EV or Hyundai Kona?

The 2023 Niro and Kona can operate at around the same speed. Both electric vehicles can reach 60 miles per hour in less than eight seconds, making them comparable in speed and efficiency. You may also notice the two have the same amount of horsepower, making them direct competitors in the electric vehicle sphere.

Does the new Kia Niro EV charge faster than the Hyundai Kona Electric?

The Kia Niro EV charges slightly faster than the Hyundai Kona Electric. While both vehicles take several hours to refill a charge with a home-charging station, the Kia Niro can get a full charge in about seven hours on average. The Hyundai Kona may take up to nine hours to refill a drained battery on a level 2 charging station. Charging overnight can offset charging times, but the Niro will be more efficient.


1Based on EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov

2All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual range and mileage will vary with options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition and other factors.

Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)