Tesla Model Y vs. Kia Niro EV
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model Y 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 Tesla Model Y and the Kia Niro EV.
In comparing the Tesla Model Y's and the Kia Niro EV's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Kia Niro EV 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 EV's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro EV is a better car than the Tesla Model Y.
Pricing: A used 2024 Tesla Model Y ranges from $39,977 to $51,617 while a used 2024 Kia Niro EV is priced between $29,991 to $47,768.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model Y loses 53.4 percent of its value and the Kia Niro EV loses 50 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro EV retains 3.3 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 EV base engine makes 201 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Tesla Model Y and the Kia Niro EV have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$42,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$58,979
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$42,990 - $78,800
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:
$44,827
Price Range:
$39,977 - $51,617
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$55,976
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$44,827 - $62,714
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
311
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15,999
# Good or Great Deals:
145
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:
74
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
8,822
# Good or Great Deals:
19
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$23,791
Depreciation %:
55.3%
Resale Value $:
$19,199
Residual Value %:
44.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
67.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
53.3% - 68.2%
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%
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.2 / 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 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 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:
128.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 128.3
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
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 EV Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 59Ranking
12 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 65Ranking
15 out of / 65Ranking
18 out of / 65Ranking
20 out of / 65Ranking
44 out of / 65Ranking
46 out of / 65Ranking
63 out of / 65Summary Review
The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.
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
- Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
- Optional third row
- Segment-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
- Some early reliability issues
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
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Base, Long Range, Performance
Kia Niro EV Trim Levels
Wave, Wind
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 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):
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:
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:
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:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
260 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity :
67.6 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
9.4 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
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
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
34.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.2 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:
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:
4154 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
64 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 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:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Mineral Blue
Gray
Graphite Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Runway Red
White
Snow White Pearl
Green
Cityscape Green
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
White
Not available
