BMW i3 vs. Kia Niro
When we compare the BMW i3 to the Kia Niro, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Kia Niro has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3 versus the Kia Niro, the Kia Niro is a better car than the BMW i3.
BMW i3 vs. Kia Niro Pricing
A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $29,995 to $42,693 while a used 2021 Kia Niro is priced between $23,905 to $31,974.
BMW i3 vs. Kia Niro Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW i3 is 6.5 out of 10 while the Kia Niro's quality rating is 7.1 out of 10. This results in the BMW i3 being ranked 8 out of 19 Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) and the Kia Niro being ranked 7 out of 21 Best Hybrid SUVs.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Kia Niro base engine makes 139 horsepower. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 197 miles. The Niro is rated to deliver an average of 49 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 547 miles. The i3 uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the Niro uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Kia Niro, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Kia Niro has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$29,995 - $42,693
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
62.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$23,905 - $31,974
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.7%
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Kia Niro Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.1 / 10
Reliability:
5.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 28Kia Niro Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 21Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
Summary Review
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
Kia Niro Trim Levels
EX Premium, LX, LXS, Touring, Touring Special Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
139 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
195 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.045 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
0.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
2
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 31 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
195 / 197 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
51 / 46 / 49
Range (city/hwy):
607 / 547 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
36.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
19.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3276 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3100 lbs
Width:
71.1 inches
Height:
60.8 inches
Length:
171.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16