Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2022 Kia Niro EV
Our scoring places the 2022 Kia Niro EV at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. The cabin tech earns 8.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $38,422–$45,878, 113 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Niro EV sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2022 Kia Niro EV is a solid, well-rounded ev that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among EVs
The 2022 Kia Niro EV ranks #52 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 81% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $38,422 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 27%.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Niro EV Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Kia Niro EV scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 113 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Kia Niro EV (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electrical system / Propulsion system / Shock protection 21/05/2024 · 24V358000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Niro EV vehicles. The high voltage battery safety plug may overheat and melt, which can cause a loss of drive power or fire.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 20/06/2025 · 25V426000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2022 Kia Niro EV that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2022 Kia Niro EV
Is the 2022 Kia Niro EV reliable?
We rate the 2022 Kia Niro EV's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Niro EV have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2022 Kia Niro EV worth buying?
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #52 of 268 evs in our database (better than 81% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2022 Kia Niro EV cost?
The 2022 Kia Niro EV starts at $38,422 and ranges up to $45,878 across trims (MSRP when new). At 113 MPG, expect roughly $465/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Niro EV years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 7 Niro EV model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.0/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2022 Kia Niro EV have?
The documented issues for the 2022 Kia Niro EV are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Kia Niro EV
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