If you’re shopping for a practical used electric crossover, the 2019 Kia Niro EV probably sits near the top of your list. It combines a usable real‑world range, hatchback versatility, and a relatively affordable price on the used market. This 2019 Kia Niro EV review walks through range, charging, reliability, trims, and what to look for when you’re buying used, especially if you want a transparent view of battery health.
Where the Niro EV Fits
2019 Kia Niro EV at a Glance
Key 2019 Kia Niro EV Specs
On paper, the 2019 Kia Niro EV checks a lot of boxes: strong range for its age, solid performance, and a familiar crossover shape that doesn’t scream “science project.” Underneath, it shares much of its hardware with the well‑regarded Hyundai Kona Electric, which is good news for efficiency and long‑term support.
Real-World Range & Efficiency
The headline number for this 2019 Kia Niro EV review is range. When new, the Niro EV carried an EPA‑rated range of about 239 miles on a full charge. In the real world, owners consistently report 210–240 miles in mixed driving, depending on speed, temperature, and how heavily you lean on the climate control.
- Typical daily commuting: 3.5–4.0 mi/kWh is common in moderate weather.
- Highway at 70–75 mph: Expect closer to 180–200 miles per charge.
- Winter driving in cold climates: Range can drop 20–30% without preconditioning.
- City-heavy driving: Efficiency improves, and you may see ranges near or above EPA.
Cold-Weather Tip
By 2026, most 2019 Niro EVs will have some battery degradation, but liquid cooling helps. A healthy, well‑cared‑for car might show roughly 5–10% loss in usable capacity. That still leaves many drivers with 200+ miles of practical range, plenty for daily use, and competitive against newer budget EVs.
Performance & Driving Experience
Power & Acceleration
- 201 hp and 291 lb‑ft of instant torque from the front motor.
- 0–60 mph in the mid‑7‑second range, brisk enough for merging and passing.
- Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes let you tune response and efficiency.
Ride & Handling
- Comfort‑oriented tuning; it rides more like a small crossover than a hot hatch.
- Low center of gravity from the battery keeps body roll controlled.
- Steering feel is light but predictable, ideal for city and suburban driving.
Around town, the 2019 Kia Niro EV feels lively off the line thanks to that instant torque. It’s quiet, with little powertrain noise, and the suspension is tuned more for comfort than sport. On the highway the Niro EV is stable and relaxed; you’ll notice some wind and tire noise, but it’s on par with other compact crossovers from the same era.
One-Pedal Driving
Charging: Home Setup & Public Networks
With a 64 kWh pack, charging behavior is a big part of any 2019 Kia Niro EV review. The Niro EV supports both Level 2 AC charging and DC fast charging via the CCS connector.
Charging Options for the 2019 Niro EV
Plan around your daily mileage and access to home or workplace charging
Level 1 (120V)
Using a regular household outlet, you’ll add roughly 3–4 miles of range per hour. This is only realistic if you drive very little and can leave the car plugged in overnight.
Level 2 (240V)
On a 32–40 amp Level 2 charger, expect about 25–30 miles of range per hour. A full charge from low can take roughly 9–10 hours, ideal for overnight home charging.
DC Fast Charging (CCS)
The 2019 Niro EV can fast charge from about 10–80% in roughly 45 minutes to an hour on a healthy 50–100 kW public charger, depending on conditions and charger capability.
Fast-Charging Expectations
For most owners, the sweet spot is a dedicated Level 2 home charger. That lets you start each morning with a full battery and minimizes your dependence on public infrastructure. If you live in an apartment or rely on public stations, pay attention to CCS coverage in your area and how often existing stations are occupied or out of service.
How Recharged Can Help
Interior, Space & Tech Features
Inside, the 2019 Kia Niro EV looks and feels like a conventional compact crossover, with a few EV‑specific touches. Materials are mid‑grade but durable, and the layout is simple and intuitive. You’ll find plenty of physical buttons for climate and key functions, which many owners actually prefer over touch‑only interfaces.
2019 Niro EV Space & Utility Snapshot
How the 2019 Kia Niro EV works as a daily driver and family hauler.
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Passenger space | Comfortable for 4 adults; 5 in a pinch for short trips. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | Enough for groceries, strollers, or a couple of carry‑on suitcases. |
| Cargo with seats folded | Flat load floor that can handle bikes (with wheels off) or larger boxes. |
| Rear seat comfort | Good headroom, decent legroom; kids and average‑height adults fit well. |
| Tech basics | Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, touchscreen infotainment, multiple USB ports. |
Cargo figures are approximate and can vary slightly by trim and measurement standard.
Family-Friendly Touches
2019 Niro EV Trims: EX vs EX Premium
In the U.S., the 2019 Kia Niro EV was primarily offered in two trims: EX and EX Premium. Both share the same battery and motor, so performance and range are effectively identical. The differences come down to comfort, convenience, and safety tech.
2019 Niro EV EX vs EX Premium Highlights
Key feature differences to watch for when shopping the used market.
| Feature Area | EX | EX Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Battery & motor | 64 kWh, 201 hp FWD | Same battery and motor |
| Infotainment | Touchscreen with CarPlay/Android Auto | Larger screen, navigation on many cars |
| Seats | Cloth or mixed upholstery, heated front seats on many | Leather (or leather‑like) seats, heated and often ventilated fronts |
| Audio | Standard audio system | Upgraded premium audio |
| Sunroof | Typically not included | Often standard or commonly optioned |
| Driver assists | Core safety tech; lane‑keeping, some collision avoidance | More comprehensive active safety, depending on package and market |
Exact equipment can vary by region and original buyer options; always verify on the specific VIN.
Which Trim Is the Better Buy?
Reliability, Battery Health & Known Issues
Overall, the 2019 Kia Niro EV has a good reputation for reliability. The powertrain is relatively simple compared with a gasoline vehicle, and the shared platform with the Hyundai Kona Electric means parts and service expertise are widely available at Kia and Hyundai dealers.
- Battery pack: Liquid‑cooled, generally robust when not abused by repeated high‑power fast charging from high states of charge.
- Onboard charger: Some owners of early Korean EVs report occasional AC charging quirks; always test both Level 1 and Level 2 charging before buying.
- Infotainment & electronics: Check for screen glitches, Bluetooth issues, and camera clarity, these are annoying, but usually fixable.
- Brakes & tires: Regenerative braking means pads last a long time, but original‑equipment tires may be worn or replaced by now.
Battery Health Matters Most
This is where buying from an EV‑focused retailer can make a real difference. Every vehicle sold by Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health and pack diagnostics, so you aren’t guessing about usable capacity or relying solely on a dash‑display estimate.
Used Market Pricing & Value
Used values for the 2019 Kia Niro EV tend to sit in the sweet spot for shoppers who want real‑world range without paying new‑EV money. Exact pricing depends on mileage, condition, trim, and, most importantly, battery health.
What Drives Used 2019 Niro EV Pricing?
Four levers that explain why similar-looking cars can be thousands apart
Battery State of Health
A car that still delivers close to its original range will fetch more than one that’s lost significant capacity. This is why independent battery diagnostics, like the Recharged Score, can justify a higher but fair price.
Mileage & Usage Pattern
High‑mileage highway commuters aren’t always bad; consistent, long, gentle cycles can be kinder to the pack than infrequent, deep discharges. Look for documented service history and charging habits.
Trim & Options
EX Premium models with nicer interiors and more safety tech command higher prices, especially if they have desirable features like a sunroof or upgraded audio.
Location & Incentives
Local demand, state incentives, and access to HOV lanes or cheaper electricity can all nudge prices up or down in different markets.
Compared with rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf of the same era, the 2019 Niro EV stands out for its crossover body style, stronger highway comfort, and generally more robust thermal management than early Leaf models. It’s a compelling option if you want a do‑it‑all EV without chasing the latest badge.
Is the 2019 Kia Niro EV Right for You?
Great Fit If You…
- Want 200+ miles of practical range without paying new‑car prices.
- Prefer a familiar crossover shape with a usable hatch and rear seats.
- Do most of your driving in the city or suburbs, with occasional road trips.
- Value comfort and efficiency more than sharp, sporty handling.
- Have (or can add) Level 2 charging at home or work.
Might Want to Look Elsewhere If You…
- Regularly drive very long distances and need ultra‑fast charging stops.
- Want all‑wheel drive or off‑road capability.
- Must have the very latest driver‑assist tech and in‑car software.
- Need three car seats across or large‑SUV interior space.
If those “great fit” bullets sound familiar, the 2019 Kia Niro EV is well worth a serious test drive. On the used market it offers a balanced mix of range, comfort, and practicality that still holds up in 2026, especially if you can verify battery health and get transparent pricing up front.
Used 2019 Niro EV Buying Checklist
Pre-Purchase Checklist for the 2019 Kia Niro EV
1. Verify Battery Health
Ask for a recent battery health report or capacity test. If you’re buying through Recharged, review the Recharged Score Report to understand remaining usable capacity and pack condition.
2. Test Both AC and DC Charging
Plug into a Level 2 charger and, where possible, a CCS fast charger. Confirm the car charges reliably and that charging power ramps up as expected.
3. Inspect Tires, Brakes & Suspension
Even though regenerative braking reduces pad wear, a 2019 model is old enough that tires and some suspension components may be due for replacement. Look for even tire wear and listen for clunks over bumps.
4. Check All Driver-Assistance Features
Test lane‑keeping assist, adaptive cruise (if equipped), parking sensors, and cameras. Make sure warning lights are off and that assist systems behave consistently.
5. Review Service & Recall History
Ask for maintenance records and confirm that any open recalls have been addressed at a Kia dealer. Many service items are minor but are a good proxy for how carefully the car was owned.
6. Confirm Charging Cable & Accessories
Make sure the OEM charging cable (and any included adapters) are present and functioning. Replacing missing accessories can be surprisingly expensive.
Why Buy Through Recharged
2019 Kia Niro EV FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Kia Niro EV
The 2019 Kia Niro EV has quietly become one of the smartest choices in the used‑EV market: enough real‑world range for most drivers, a practical crossover body, and proven hardware shared with other successful electric models. If you pair the right car with verified battery health, transparent pricing, and a solid charging plan, it can be a low‑drama way to go electric, and stay that way for years. When you’re ready to compare specific vehicles side by side, Recharged’s expert team and Recharged Score Report can help you find the right 2019 Niro EV with confidence.
