Tesla Model Y vs. Kia Niro
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model Y and Kia Niro 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 Tesla Model Y and the Kia Niro.
When we compare the Tesla Model Y's and the Kia Niro's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model Y 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 resale value. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model Y's and the Kia Niro's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro is a better car than the Tesla Model Y.
Pricing: A used 2026 Tesla Model Y ranges from $42,990 to $57,950 while a used 2025 Kia Niro is priced between $24,995 to $34,091.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model Y loses 60.8 percent of its value and the Kia Niro loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro retains 13.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model Y.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model Y’s base engine makes 295 horsepower, and the Kia Niro base engine makes 139 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Tesla Model Y has higher safety ratings than the Kia Niro, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
44990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
54633
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
44990 - 64380
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
27660 - 35676
Starting MSRP:
26990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
34375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
26990 - 41645
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49191
Price Range:
42990 - 57950
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191 - 49191
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29583
Price Range:
24995 - 34091
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
32749
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
29583 - 35915
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27705
Depreciation %:
0.6158051
Resale Value $:
17285
Residual Value %:
0.3841949
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.61589711
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.6158051 - 0.69977334
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12849
Depreciation %:
0.47607915
Resale Value $:
14141
Residual Value %:
0.52392085
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
0.47606314
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
0.46254751 - 0.47607915
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Niro Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model Y
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro
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:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.097170052193501
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
5.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
5.0 - 5.2
Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 65Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 65Ranking
13 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 40Ranking
15 out of / 65Ranking
17 out of / 44Ranking
20 out of / 65Ranking
21 out of / 44Ranking
27 out of / 44Ranking
29 out of / 65Ranking
30 out of / 59Ranking
33 out of / 65Kia Niro Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
36 out of / 36Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Launch Series, Long Range, Performance
Kia Niro Trim Levels
EX, EX Touring, LX, SX, SX Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 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
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):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp
Torque:
309 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
357 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity :
81 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
12 hours (240V)
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):
53 / 45 / 49
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
588 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.2 inches
Cargo Space:
33.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 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:
127.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4184 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
63.9 inches
Length:
188.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3071 lbs
Width:
71.8 inches
Height:
60.8 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Interstellar Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Runway Red
Silver
Not available
White
Snow White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
White
Not available
