Kia introduced the Niro EV electric car as a 2019 model. Since then, the company has made incremental changes and improvements. Last year, Kia gave the Niro EV larger infotainment screens on both trim levels and tweaked the design of the front and rear lighting; the 2021 model year will feature several upgrades to convenience, infotainment, and safety technology.

Compared to other vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach E, and VW ID.4, the Niro EV is on the modest end of the spectrum. It lacks the enthusiasm of the Tesla or the performance of the Mach E, but it has the sensible, everyday appeal of its German rivals.

The Kia Niro EV is priced slightly higher for the 2021 model year, depending on which trim level you choose. The entry-level EX has an MSRP of $39,090, while the EX Premium is up $60 to $44,650, slightly higher than before. Destination charges are up $55 to $1,175 for both grades.

As of this writing, the 2021 Niro EV is not listed on Kia's consumer website. However, a Kia representative told Tom's Guide that it is already in dealerships.

The Niro EV shares basic shapes and dimensions with its gas-powered counterpart, but features exterior accents that hint at an EV power plant. The tiger-nose grille is filled with a solid, recessed panel with an integrated charging port door. Bright blue surrounds the lower front grille, highlighting the front fog lamps and rear bumper cutouts, while the black underbody above the 17-inch wheels and wheel arch trim do their best to make the front-wheel-drive Niro EV look a little more rugged than it really is.

Last year's version of the Niro EV came standard with a long list of Kia's Drivewise safety and driver assistance features, including a pedestrian warning system, forward collision avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. 2021 EX models include driver with ahead vehicle departure notification Attention Warning and Rear Occupant Alert system. The EX Premium model also features Smart Cruise Control for curves and a Highway Driving Assist feature that allows the Niro EV to stay in the middle of the lane even in stop-and-go traffic and maintain the speed and following distance set by the driver.

Like its predecessor, the 2021 Niro EV draws emission-free power from a 356-volt electric motor that produces 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. This motor is powered by a 170 kW lithium-ion polymer battery. This combination allows the Niro EV to reach 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. The top speed is a bizarre 103.8 mph. It would not challenge a Tesla in an impromptu drag race. Also, according to Kia, the Niro EV is officially "no towing capability," so don't expect to tow anything behind the Niro EV.

One thing the Niro EV does have is a usable driving range of 239 miles. On the highway, it is rated to return 102 MPGe. On city streets, this number increases to 123 MPGe, contributing to the Niro EV's combined figure of 112 MPGe.

On a Level 1 charger, the Niro EV requires 2.5 days to charge the battery with a 120 volt plug. When the Niro EV is connected to a Level 2 charger, that time is significantly reduced to 9 hours and 35 minutes; with a DC fast charging station, it takes only about an hour to charge the battery to 80%; with 50 kW of power, the battery pack reaches this magic number in 1 hour and 15 minutes; with 100 kW of power, the battery pack reaches this magic number in 1 hour and 15 minutes, If 100 kW of power is supplied, the battery will reach the same point in one hour flat.

Given that Kia has made incremental adjustments to the Niro EV's features over the past few years, it would not be surprising if the 2022 model comes with even more standard features. With the arrival of the 2022 EV6 and its futuristic design, 800-volt fast charging capability, and ability to operate as a generator, we look forward to seeing how it will impact the next generation of EV Niro.