BMW i3 vs. Kia Niro EV
In 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.
BMW i3 vs. Kia Niro EV Pricing
A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $29,994 to $41,278 while a used 2021 Kia Niro EV is priced between $23,341 to $30,979.
BMW i3 vs. Kia Niro EV Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 62.8 percent of its value and the Kia Niro EV loses 56.8 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro EV retains 6.1 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 Comparison
The Kia Niro EV has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
29994 - 41278
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.628168
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
23341 - 30979
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.567666
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:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW i3 Rankings
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29 out of / 29Kia Niro EV Rankings
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40 out of / 42Summary 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 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:
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
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Safety Equipment
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 Equipment
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