Automotive customers seeking to go electrical with out spending a bundle could be clever to think about the 2024 Kia Niro EV and the 2024 Nissan Leaf. They’re each among the many most inexpensive EVs, and the Leaf now has the dignity of being the lowest-price electrical automobile on sale immediately.
The Kia Niro EV prices extra, granted, however it comes with an expansive roster of ordinary tech and security options. Following an entire redesign for the 2023 mannequin yr, the 2024 Kia Niro EV has no notable adjustments or updates.
Having been on the forefront of the EV cost (pun meant), the 2024 Nissan Leaf is also unchanged this mannequin yr. It presents a selection of two battery packs, although choosing the bigger of the 2 provides round $8,000 to the worth. With its small measurement, good steering response, and torque-rich electrical powertrain, the Leaf shines in metropolis site visitors.
Let’s see how the 2024 Kia Niro EV and the 2024 Nissan Leaf examine.
2024 Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is offered in two trim ranges: Wind and Wave. (Kia’s naming division should have been contemporary from a seaside trip…)
Beginning at $39,600, the Niro EV Wind may be very effectively outfitted for a base mannequin. Choosing the $44,600 Niro EV Wave provides options like heated and ventilated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, distant park help, a hands-free liftgate, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Kia Niro EV Highlights
A great deal of commonplace options: We expect sticking with the bottom Wind trim is the way in which to go. It’s brimming with tech touches like wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wi-fi machine charging, 5 USB ports, navigation, and satellite tv for pc radio. Security can also be addressed through quite a few commonplace driver aids corresponding to blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise management, automated high-beam headlights, and extra.
Excellent guarantee protection: As a Kia, the Niro EV is graced with wonderful guarantee protection. A 5-year/60,000-mile fundamental guarantee is complemented by a implausible 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
Twin-screen show: Even the bottom Niro EV is loaded with tech, however we’re simply as enamored with the format of the infotainment system. A ten.25-inch digital instrument show sits alongside a ten.25-inch touchscreen. Mixed, they offer the Niro EV cabin the look of a luxurious automobile. It’s smooth, fashionable, and user-friendly.
Vegan leather-based: Do you know the Niro EV’s seating surfaces are vegan? The artificial leather-based incorporates one thing referred to as “Tencel,” which is from Eucalyptus bushes. A unusual element you would possibly take pleasure in.
Test this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Niro EV fashions on the market close to you.
2024 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf has a beginning value of $28,140 for the entry-level Leaf S trim. This makes it the least costly EV and, even higher, it’s eligible for a $3,750 federal tax credit score on the time of this writing. Stepping as much as the SV Plus trim brings alongside a bigger battery pack that reinforces driving vary from a comparatively feeble 149 miles within the Leaf S to 212. That’s higher, however it nonetheless lags many rivals, together with the Niro EV.
Nissan Leaf Highlights
Least costly EV on sale immediately: You possibly can’t ignore that the Nissan Leaf is essentially the most inexpensive EV in the marketplace. Even the 2024 Nissan Leaf SV Plus begins at an affordable $36,190.
Entrance seat consolation: Nissan went to nice lengths to make the entrance seats of the Leaf snug and supportive. You possibly can really feel it the second you sit within the Leaf.
Nissan ConnectEV: This smartphone characteristic is commonplace on the Leaf EV Plus. It lets you examine the present charge of cost, to determine when to cost, and even lets you modify cabin temperature, all through your telephone.
ProPilot Help: One other commonplace characteristic of the SV Plus is ProPilot Help. This semi-autonomous driving assist blends the adaptive cruise management with a lane-centering characteristic. This makes freeway drives extra stress-free.
Test this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Leaf fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The 2024 Niro EV and 2024 Nissan Leaf are each compact 5-door hatchbacks sized proper for comfortable metropolis parking spots. Whereas the vary of the bottom Leaf S is nothing to put in writing residence about, the 212 miles of the SV Plus is a bit nearer to the 253 miles of the Niro EV. Moreover, each these EVs have beneficiant cargo compartments, together with sufficient headroom and legroom to comfortably accommodate 4 adults.
Conclusion
There’s lots to love about these chirpy small EVs. The Kia Niro is filled with commonplace options and now has a head-turning design. Its inside is upscale and wouldn’t look misplaced in a automobile costing hundreds extra. It’s additionally sooner whereas providing rather more vary than the Leaf.
Having arrived greater than a decade in the past, the Leaf continues to impress us with its refinement and simple on a regular basis driving. It presents tons of worth in your EV-buying greenback, and we’re torn between the low value of the bottom Leaf or the extra usable vary of the pricier SV Plus. Both approach, the Leaf is nice for around-town errands or brief commuting responsibility, and it swallows significantly extra cargo than the Niro EV.
All issues thought of, the Kia Niro EV will get the nod on this comparability. In case your funds is tight, nevertheless, we really feel the Nissan makes a superb EV different.
| 2024 Kia Niro EV | 2024 Nissan Leaf | |
| Beginning Worth | $39,600 | $28,140 |
| Common Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Single electrical motor w/68-kWh battery | Single electrical motor w/40-kWh battery |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed automated | 1-speed automated |
| Gas economic system MPGe | 126 metropolis/101 freeway/113 mixed | 123 metropolis/99 freeway/111 mixed |
| Additionally Accessible | hybrid; plug-in hybrid | 62-hWh battery |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Security | NA | 5 star |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.0 inches | 106.3 inches |
| General Size | 174.0 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | 71.8 inches | 70.5 inches |
| Top | 61.8 inches | 61.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 toes | 34.8 toes |
| Headroom, Entrance | 40.5 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.1 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.5 inches | 42.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.9 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 56.3 inches | 54.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.4 inches | 52.5 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 22.8 cubic toes | 30.0 cubic toes |
