For 2021, Kia adds some new standard features to its late-arriving electric vehicle—and that’s pretty much it. The Niro isn’t exactly topping any sales charts, so a car that’s mostly a carryover makes sense. The new standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (the previous car made do with a wired iteration of the system), standard rear-occupant alert, and a remote start function that allows you to preheat or pre-cool the vehicle.
Kia also adds some new safety kit to the Niro EV for 2021. Now included is Kia’s DriveWise suite of driver assist systems, which includes leading vehicle departure alert, Level 2 driving assist, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Just as before, the standard Niro EV EX starts at $40,265, while the EX Premium stickers for $45,825 (both before potential state and federal incentives are applied). Range holds the line at an EPA-rated 239 miles on a full charge, too. If you’re looking for an EV from Kia with a bit more range and a lot more pep, you might want to wait for the upcoming EV6 that launches next year.