BMW i3 vs. Kia Niro EV
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW i3 and Kia Niro EV contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW i3 and the Kia Niro EV.
When comparing the BMW i3's and the Kia Niro EV's specifications and ratings, The Kia Niro EV has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3's and the Kia Niro EV's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro EV is a better car than the BMW i3.
Pricing: A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $22,900 to $33,661 while a used 2021 Kia Niro EV is priced between $19,955 to $28,047.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 57.8 percent of its value and the Kia Niro EV loses 50 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro EV retains 7.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Kia Niro EV base engine makes 201 horsepower. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 197 miles. The Niro EV is rated to deliver an average of 123 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 239 miles. This gives the Kia Niro EV the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW i3. The i3 uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the Niro EV uses electricity.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Niro EV, a electric 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: The Kia Niro EV has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$48,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$51,950
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$44,550 - $67,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$39,090
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$38,240
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$37,390 - $39,090
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,187
Price Range:
$22,900 - $33,661
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$37,708
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$28,187 - $54,808
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
30
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
25,327
# Good or Great Deals:
15
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$23,675
Price Range:
$19,955 - $28,047
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$22,894
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$22,113 - $23,675
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
22
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
32,828
# Good or Great Deals:
10
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Kia Niro EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
7.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
7.4 - 8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro EV
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.2 - 28.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
2 - 3.3
BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 20Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
28 out of / 28Kia Niro EV Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
11 out of / 44Ranking
11 out of / 44Ranking
28 out of / 44Ranking
34 out of / 44Ranking
41 out of / 44Summary 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
The Kia Niro EV is one of the most practical and engaging five-door electric vehicles sold in America. This is one to carefully consider if you don’t need the functionality of a larger AWD utility vehicle.
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
- Satisfying driving experience
- Kia’s simple and effective infotainment system
- Ample cargo volume - competitive with larger crossovers despite its compact size
- Not a true crossover
- No AWD available
- No spare tire
- Low volume
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
Kia Niro EV Trim Levels
EX, EX Premium
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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 Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
291 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 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
MPGe:
107 / 93 / 100
Range (city/hwy):
195 / 197 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
123 / 102 / 112
Range (city/hwy):
239 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
64 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
59 hours (120V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
18.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
53 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
115.1 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:
3854 lbs
Width:
71.1 inches
Height:
61.8 inches
Length:
172.2 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Fluid Black w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Gold
Galvanic Gold Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Metallic Highlight
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Silver
Cashmere Silver Metallic w/ BMW i Blue Highlight
White
Capparis White w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Gravity Blue
Gold
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray
Silver
Silky Silver
White
Snow White Pearl
Red
Runway Red
Interior Colors
Brown
Tera Dark Truffle
Gray
Deka Dark / Giga Brown w/ Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth / Mega Carum Spice Grey w/ Brown Cloth Highlight
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Black
Charcoal
