Talking Cars 395: Driving the 2023 Kia Niro EV
Plus, we answer a question about whether rear- and front-wheel-drive EVs have better or worse snow traction than gasoline-powered models.
Main theme: This week we give our first impressions of the redesigned 2023 Kia Niro EV. We delve into the ways this second-generation electric version of the Niro is better than the original model, and we discuss how it managed to get an improved driving range and sharper handling. Spoiler alert: It’s lighter and more aerodynamic than the outgoing model, for starters. We also compare the Niro EV to the Niro hybrid and reveal which one we would choose for ourselves. We also question how big of a deal it is that, as before, the Niro EV only comes with front-wheel drive—as opposed to all-wheel drive, which is available in most small SUVs.
Audience questions:
- Which will have better traction in snow: The front-wheel-drive Nissan Ariya and Polestar 2 or the rear-wheel-drive Ford Mustang Mach-E?
- As a general rule, should the extra weight of EVs help with snow traction vs. lighter, conventionally powered vehicles?
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
As with other “Talking Cars” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.
- Driving the Freshened 2023 Toyota Highlander, episode 394
- Driving the 2023 BMW i4 M50, episode 393
- Best and Worst Cars of 2022, episode 392
- Driving the Lucid Air, episode 391
- Driving the BMW X1, episode 390
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