Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Kia Niro EV
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 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 Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Kia Niro EV.
When comparing the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Kia Niro EV's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Kia Niro EV has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Kia Niro EV's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro EV is a better car than the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Pricing: A used 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranges from $18,346 to $27,248 while a used 2024 Kia Niro EV is priced between $29,991 to $47,768. For a new model, the Chevrolet Bolt EV's price is between $26,579 and $33,192, with the Kia Niro EV priced between $35,126 and $47,123.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Bolt EV loses 57.6 percent of its value and the Kia Niro EV loses 50 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro EV retains 7.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s base engine makes 200 horsepower, and the Kia Niro EV base engine makes 201 horsepower. The Bolt EV is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 259 miles. The Niro EV is rated to deliver an average of 126 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 253 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Bolt EV the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Niro EV. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Bolt EV is 7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Niro EV is 59 hours (120V).
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, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Kia Niro EV have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$26,579 - $33,192
Starting MSRP:
$26,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$27,270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$26,500 - $28,040
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$35,126 - $47,123
Starting MSRP:
$39,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$36,138
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$32,675 - $39,600
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,325
Price Range:
$18,346 - $27,248
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$21,411
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$21,325 - $21,496
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
118
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
16,867
# Good or Great Deals:
26
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$38,921
Price Range:
$29,991 - $47,768
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$36,379
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$33,837 - $38,921
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
592
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
607
# Good or Great Deals:
7
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,655
Depreciation %:
59.1%
Resale Value $:
$10,845
Residual Value %:
40.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1% - 59.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$20,927
Depreciation %:
52.8%
Resale Value $:
$18,673
Residual Value %:
47.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
52.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
51.5% - 52.8%
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
7.5 - 13.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro EV
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
4.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
4.7 - 4.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
2.3 - 6
Chevrolet Bolt EV Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 26Kia 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 Chevrolet Bolt is a compact four-door hatchback EV. Now heading into its fifth year of sales, the Bolt has just received a styling refresh, and an EUV version with added rear-seat legroom is joining the model line.
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
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Widely available both new and used
- Modern interior design
- Seat comfort is a recurring owner complaint
- Only available in front-wheel drive
- Common driver-assist technology not standard (through 2020 model year)
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
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Chevrolet Bolt EV Trim Levels
1LT, 2LT
Kia Niro EV Trim Levels
Wave, Wind
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
200 hp
Torque:
266 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
188 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
127 / 109 / 120
Range (city/hwy):
259 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
66 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
126 / 101 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
253 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
65 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
59 hours (120V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
57 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
122.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3589 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
63.4 inches
Length:
163.2 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3721 lbs
Width:
71.8 inches
Height:
61.8 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
107 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Bright Blue Metallic / Ice Blue Metallic
Gray
Gray Ghost Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
Silver
Silver Flare Metallic
White
Summit White
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Mineral Blue
Gray
Graphite Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Runway Red
Silver
Not available
White
Snow White Pearl
Green
Cityscape Green
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
