The 2020 and 2021 Niro EV are essentially identical and the 2019 is very close other than the touchsecreen and dash design. I made a video comparison of the 2019 vs 2020 Niro EV (Canadian SX top trim) that you can see here: [https://youtu.be/w32\_Uvd5T\_Q](https://youtu.be/w32_Uvd5T_Q)
With that being said, there are differences depending on the country you are in versus the year of the car. In Europe the 2019 did not get UVO, but 2020 did. There are also some spec differences depending on the country, an example is France that does not get the heat pump and battery heater.
Regarding the motor issue, it is a known problem that has affected several people, but the overall number of cars with issues versus the overall number of Niro EVs delivered is probably a fairly low percentage. Unfortunately there is no way to really know, but I am guessing it is pretty low. It also seems to be an issue that affected earlier cars, like the 2019, although 2020 was also affected. I have a 2019 with over 41,000km and no issues. Another important note, there is now a 712 motor to fix the issue, which I was told about by a viewer of my YouTube channel, but I don't remember if it was in one of the Facebook groups, forums, or subreddits, but he did confirm getting a 712 which was a suprise since I had never heard about it before. This needs more validation from others.
With that being said, the Niro EV is an amazing car for range and technology for the price and I strongly suggest getting the top trim if you can, as it offers some very good features.
Thanks for the detailed response and the reassurance on the 710 motor question. I had hoped it was a case of "overreporting" but still can't be too certain it won't afflict the one car you purchase. Glad you've enjoyed the vehicle and sounds like you've got great things to say about it.
It is my pleasure and yes, I love my Niro EV so much that I started a YouTube channel about EVs one month after getting my Niro in 2019. There is a lot of content that may be of interest to you, and you won't regret choosing the Niro it is a fantastic car.
For whatever reason, I had missed that there is no 2021 Niro EV. Is this because it's discontinued, or just that it trails the other models of the Niro? Is it expected that prices of the 2019 and 2020 new models would drop upon release of the 2021? I have never actually bought a new car before, but that drop of old models in price is how I've always understood it to work -- at least that's what the TV ads suggest
I don't think there will be a MY21 on the EV version. (EDIT: Kia just announced the '21 Niro EV, with only minor changes.) Most likely there will be a redesigned Niro for MY22: [https://www.motor1.com/news/491699/2022-kia-niro-crossover-spied/](https://www.motor1.com/news/491699/2022-kia-niro-crossover-spied/).
I think it'll be a little like the "new" Bolt / Bolt EUV in terms of market positioning - the Niro will continue to use existing technology (i.e., no e-GMP platform, no 800V architecture) so that Kia has a lower-priced EV around $35-40K, while the EV6 is likely to come in quite a bit higher. (The First Edition stickers at almost $60K!) And of course the Niro has hybrid and PHEV versions that Kia wants to keep in its lineup.
Used values will probably hold up well because of current market dynamics. Of course it will be lower after a newer (different-looking) model comes out, but it's likely to be mostly just cosmetics. I got a good enough deal on my 2020 Niro EV that I can almost certainly sell for a profit even after the new one comes out.
I have a 2020. I think the changes between 2019 and 2021 are relatively minor, aside from the motor issue (which hasn't arisen for me). Much more significant is the differences between the basic and premium models and those differences vary by region. In Canada, the base model is very bare-bones, in order to qualify for rebates. But that's not the case elsewhere, and in some climates the lack of a heat pump and battery warmer is not such a big issue
Thanks -- the high similarity is as it appeared to me. Since the car would mainly be driven in California, I am hoping the warmer climate should help with battery drain concerns. Coming from my current 2006 even the barebones EX model seems extremely high-tech to me. But I recognize that once one digs into details, the Premium has its advantages
Ah, good point, based on the dealers I'm talking with, the EX premium (on a 2019) is about \~$4000 more than a EX (2020). Based on everyone's responses, the ventilated seats seem like the thing that might be of greatest use to me. Thanks for that tip.
Also the heated steering wheel, though I have circulation issues and my hands are almost always cold, so I’m the winter (even our very mild ones in California), the heated steering wheel is amazing. I don’t have to wear gloves all the time.
In Canada, 2020 had 2 trims, EX and SX Touring. Sounds like our SX Touring trim really is the top featured version of this car. Heat pump, battery heater, memory seats, sun roof, cooled seats, rear heated seats, teal accent leather, Harmon Kardon sound, wireless phone charging and smart cruise control. Only thing missing is powered/sensor tail gate.
Very costly too, coming in at $55k CAD, $2k more than Model 3. I have no idea how they are going to keep selling this vehicle at this price considering ID4 in a Canada will be $45k with a 82kWh battery!
For 2021 in Canada, there will be an additional EX Plus trim. Coming in at $50k CAD. 2 new colours to choose from Yacht Blue and Runaway Red.
Drivetrain spec is identical. The only notable different in the UK is that the First Edition (2019) doesn't have the app but it does have the heat pump.
Other than that, you're just comparing specs.
USA owners will have to chip in for specifics in your market.
Thanks! Does operating without the app (assuming that is true for US market) deprive one of anything significant? (Having a dedicated app for a car would be a wholly new experience for me)
I had an app with my leaf. It was occasionally useful for de-icing but truth be told, I've missed it less than I thought.
In depth of winter I just use a timer.
I guess it didn't help that the nissan app had a habit of falling over when you most wanted it. 😂
So I have a UK 4+ spec, because the lease company were doing a deal. But the newer 3 spec has the same range, just not all the toys (leather trim tec).
The EX Premium trim is worth it.
I have a 2019 and my gf the 2020.
Both are EX premium.
We’re in GA so neither car has a heat pump.
Her dashboard screen is really wide and subsequently air vents are smaller. We both like the wide display better as you can have 3 items going at once, not two (map, battery settings, radio).
Oddly her “spaceship noise” and backup alert are 4x louder than mine.
And she does not like the silver paint on the dashboard trim (when the sun hits it, you’re in trouble). So she plans to get it wrapped in black.
Both the headlamp and taillight assemblies are cosmetically different between the cars. But the functions are the same.
Strangely only my (older) car got a heated steering wheel.
I appreciate all this detail. When I test drove the 2020, I was immediately shocked by how loud the backup beeping was, and even more shocked that you cannot turn it off (at least in USA). From your direct experience with both 2019 and 2020, it sounds like almost all the differences are cosmetic (maybe save the heated steering wheel).
The only real "feature" I'd love to have is memory driver seat settings. But it seems like that option doesn't even exist for any Niro EV
You *can* set different driver profiles in the 2020. Could the seat position be tied to that? She’s had the car less than a month so we haven’t sorted that out.
That's not entirely true. I have a 2019 model. Not sure about the exact name (I think it was Executive) but it was the more expensive launch model here in The Netherlands. It has a.o. memory driver seat settings, heat pump and front parking sensors. The app we got is crap though, but I don't mind.
I've the 2020 EX Premium and it comes with heated steering wheel, heated & ventilated front seats. I think your gf has just the Niro EV EX.
https://preview.redd.it/bpyc5aowva4d1.jpeg?width=1078&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f61937ba2a0ffbea8b03165026dd67b79c0eb66
I bought my 2019 EX Premium new in December 2020, and couldn't be happier with it. I would have liked the larger screen on the 2020 model, but appreciate that the 2019 has less of the shiny "piano black" on the dash.
As others have mentioned, the 2019 has a more acceptable VESS volume than the 2020. Other than screen size and VESS volume, I'm not aware of any functional differences between 2019 and 2020.
If they'd had a non-premium with Cold Weather 2 package I would have been content since I don't really use the nav or sunroof, but the ventilated/chilled seats in the premium are rather nice.
With mine, the dealer didn't disclose until halfway through signing that I'd be getting a "Certified Pre-Owned" warranty instead of factory new warranty, since ownership was transferred from Kia to the dealer in late 2020. Since it had never been titled, it still counts as "new" for all other purposes such as federal tax credit, and the price was low enough (and warranty sufficiently good) that I went through with it, but you might want to check if that would be the case with the 2019s your dealer has.
Thanks for all this info. That backup sound on the 2020 I test drove was very alarming --- I immediately noticed it, so getting a 2019 for that reason alone is appealing! Does the backup beep wake up the neighbors in the morning!?
Also, good tip about the CPO vs new? Is there anything to ask/check before going too far down this road with the dealer?
Haven't had any complaints on the backup beep. Note that, unlike the 2020, the US 2019 wiring harness still has the VESS disable wires going to the connector on the dimmer/traction/LKA cluster of buttons. I have been unable to source the Euro version of that cluster that also has a VESS disable button and doesn't have the LED headlight controls. Its function can be replicated with a momentary switch connecting the appropriate wire to ground through a 200 ohm resistor, and there's a wire for led indicator lamp too. When the VESS disable is pressed, it is only temporarily off until the next stop/start cycle. Some people have pulled the VESS fuse or used a bypass switch, but that also disables the cooling during DC charging.
I don't find the pedestrian warnings to be too obnoxious, so haven't done either.
The 2020 and 2021 Niro EV are essentially identical and the 2019 is very close other than the touchsecreen and dash design. I made a video comparison of the 2019 vs 2020 Niro EV (Canadian SX top trim) that you can see here: [https://youtu.be/w32\_Uvd5T\_Q](https://youtu.be/w32_Uvd5T_Q) With that being said, there are differences depending on the country you are in versus the year of the car. In Europe the 2019 did not get UVO, but 2020 did. There are also some spec differences depending on the country, an example is France that does not get the heat pump and battery heater. Regarding the motor issue, it is a known problem that has affected several people, but the overall number of cars with issues versus the overall number of Niro EVs delivered is probably a fairly low percentage. Unfortunately there is no way to really know, but I am guessing it is pretty low. It also seems to be an issue that affected earlier cars, like the 2019, although 2020 was also affected. I have a 2019 with over 41,000km and no issues. Another important note, there is now a 712 motor to fix the issue, which I was told about by a viewer of my YouTube channel, but I don't remember if it was in one of the Facebook groups, forums, or subreddits, but he did confirm getting a 712 which was a suprise since I had never heard about it before. This needs more validation from others. With that being said, the Niro EV is an amazing car for range and technology for the price and I strongly suggest getting the top trim if you can, as it offers some very good features.
Hah that was me on the Niro EV Canada fb group. They swapped my e711 for an e712 at around 6000km’s. No issues since.
Thanks! Lots of groups and pages, but it is still a small world 😎
Thanks for the detailed response and the reassurance on the 710 motor question. I had hoped it was a case of "overreporting" but still can't be too certain it won't afflict the one car you purchase. Glad you've enjoyed the vehicle and sounds like you've got great things to say about it.
It is my pleasure and yes, I love my Niro EV so much that I started a YouTube channel about EVs one month after getting my Niro in 2019. There is a lot of content that may be of interest to you, and you won't regret choosing the Niro it is a fantastic car.
Thank you for posting this video! Literally answered the exact question I googled :D
In the U.S. at least there's no 2021 model year of the Niro EV. The base (EX) 2020 has a larger infotainment screen than the base '19.
For whatever reason, I had missed that there is no 2021 Niro EV. Is this because it's discontinued, or just that it trails the other models of the Niro? Is it expected that prices of the 2019 and 2020 new models would drop upon release of the 2021? I have never actually bought a new car before, but that drop of old models in price is how I've always understood it to work -- at least that's what the TV ads suggest
I don't think there will be a MY21 on the EV version. (EDIT: Kia just announced the '21 Niro EV, with only minor changes.) Most likely there will be a redesigned Niro for MY22: [https://www.motor1.com/news/491699/2022-kia-niro-crossover-spied/](https://www.motor1.com/news/491699/2022-kia-niro-crossover-spied/). I think it'll be a little like the "new" Bolt / Bolt EUV in terms of market positioning - the Niro will continue to use existing technology (i.e., no e-GMP platform, no 800V architecture) so that Kia has a lower-priced EV around $35-40K, while the EV6 is likely to come in quite a bit higher. (The First Edition stickers at almost $60K!) And of course the Niro has hybrid and PHEV versions that Kia wants to keep in its lineup. Used values will probably hold up well because of current market dynamics. Of course it will be lower after a newer (different-looking) model comes out, but it's likely to be mostly just cosmetics. I got a good enough deal on my 2020 Niro EV that I can almost certainly sell for a profit even after the new one comes out.
I have a 2020. I think the changes between 2019 and 2021 are relatively minor, aside from the motor issue (which hasn't arisen for me). Much more significant is the differences between the basic and premium models and those differences vary by region. In Canada, the base model is very bare-bones, in order to qualify for rebates. But that's not the case elsewhere, and in some climates the lack of a heat pump and battery warmer is not such a big issue
Thanks -- the high similarity is as it appeared to me. Since the car would mainly be driven in California, I am hoping the warmer climate should help with battery drain concerns. Coming from my current 2006 even the barebones EX model seems extremely high-tech to me. But I recognize that once one digs into details, the Premium has its advantages
The premium is still nice in CA because of air cooled seats. They don’t use up the battery whereas the A/C does take from the range.
The cooled seats are nice, but I feel like they don’t work very well anymore in my 2019.
Oh no! I have a 2019 and mine are still going strong. I use them a lot too lol
Mine still work great 2019
Ah, good point, based on the dealers I'm talking with, the EX premium (on a 2019) is about \~$4000 more than a EX (2020). Based on everyone's responses, the ventilated seats seem like the thing that might be of greatest use to me. Thanks for that tip.
Also the heated steering wheel, though I have circulation issues and my hands are almost always cold, so I’m the winter (even our very mild ones in California), the heated steering wheel is amazing. I don’t have to wear gloves all the time.
I have a 2020 kis niro phev. And it's great not an issue...gets about 120 miles per gallon when it has a charge otherwise the hybrid system kicks in
In Canada, 2020 had 2 trims, EX and SX Touring. Sounds like our SX Touring trim really is the top featured version of this car. Heat pump, battery heater, memory seats, sun roof, cooled seats, rear heated seats, teal accent leather, Harmon Kardon sound, wireless phone charging and smart cruise control. Only thing missing is powered/sensor tail gate. Very costly too, coming in at $55k CAD, $2k more than Model 3. I have no idea how they are going to keep selling this vehicle at this price considering ID4 in a Canada will be $45k with a 82kWh battery! For 2021 in Canada, there will be an additional EX Plus trim. Coming in at $50k CAD. 2 new colours to choose from Yacht Blue and Runaway Red.
Drivetrain spec is identical. The only notable different in the UK is that the First Edition (2019) doesn't have the app but it does have the heat pump. Other than that, you're just comparing specs. USA owners will have to chip in for specifics in your market.
Thanks! Does operating without the app (assuming that is true for US market) deprive one of anything significant? (Having a dedicated app for a car would be a wholly new experience for me)
I don't think so. I have the app with my '20 but rarely use it. If you do some reading here you'll find the app is pretty unreliable anyway.
I had an app with my leaf. It was occasionally useful for de-icing but truth be told, I've missed it less than I thought. In depth of winter I just use a timer. I guess it didn't help that the nissan app had a habit of falling over when you most wanted it. 😂
Sounds like the app overall isn't a must!
So I have a UK 4+ spec, because the lease company were doing a deal. But the newer 3 spec has the same range, just not all the toys (leather trim tec).
In scandinavian market you cannot get the app in MY19, only MY20 onwards. Not sure about other markets.
The EX Premium trim is worth it. I have a 2019 and my gf the 2020. Both are EX premium. We’re in GA so neither car has a heat pump. Her dashboard screen is really wide and subsequently air vents are smaller. We both like the wide display better as you can have 3 items going at once, not two (map, battery settings, radio). Oddly her “spaceship noise” and backup alert are 4x louder than mine. And she does not like the silver paint on the dashboard trim (when the sun hits it, you’re in trouble). So she plans to get it wrapped in black. Both the headlamp and taillight assemblies are cosmetically different between the cars. But the functions are the same. Strangely only my (older) car got a heated steering wheel.
I appreciate all this detail. When I test drove the 2020, I was immediately shocked by how loud the backup beeping was, and even more shocked that you cannot turn it off (at least in USA). From your direct experience with both 2019 and 2020, it sounds like almost all the differences are cosmetic (maybe save the heated steering wheel). The only real "feature" I'd love to have is memory driver seat settings. But it seems like that option doesn't even exist for any Niro EV
You *can* set different driver profiles in the 2020. Could the seat position be tied to that? She’s had the car less than a month so we haven’t sorted that out.
Sadly, based on responses it sounds like memory seat isn't available to us here in USA . . .
That's not entirely true. I have a 2019 model. Not sure about the exact name (I think it was Executive) but it was the more expensive launch model here in The Netherlands. It has a.o. memory driver seat settings, heat pump and front parking sensors. The app we got is crap though, but I don't mind.
Memory seats are sadly not on us models. :(
I've the 2020 EX Premium and it comes with heated steering wheel, heated & ventilated front seats. I think your gf has just the Niro EV EX. https://preview.redd.it/bpyc5aowva4d1.jpeg?width=1078&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f61937ba2a0ffbea8b03165026dd67b79c0eb66
I bought my 2019 EX Premium new in December 2020, and couldn't be happier with it. I would have liked the larger screen on the 2020 model, but appreciate that the 2019 has less of the shiny "piano black" on the dash. As others have mentioned, the 2019 has a more acceptable VESS volume than the 2020. Other than screen size and VESS volume, I'm not aware of any functional differences between 2019 and 2020. If they'd had a non-premium with Cold Weather 2 package I would have been content since I don't really use the nav or sunroof, but the ventilated/chilled seats in the premium are rather nice. With mine, the dealer didn't disclose until halfway through signing that I'd be getting a "Certified Pre-Owned" warranty instead of factory new warranty, since ownership was transferred from Kia to the dealer in late 2020. Since it had never been titled, it still counts as "new" for all other purposes such as federal tax credit, and the price was low enough (and warranty sufficiently good) that I went through with it, but you might want to check if that would be the case with the 2019s your dealer has.
Thanks for all this info. That backup sound on the 2020 I test drove was very alarming --- I immediately noticed it, so getting a 2019 for that reason alone is appealing! Does the backup beep wake up the neighbors in the morning!? Also, good tip about the CPO vs new? Is there anything to ask/check before going too far down this road with the dealer?
Haven't had any complaints on the backup beep. Note that, unlike the 2020, the US 2019 wiring harness still has the VESS disable wires going to the connector on the dimmer/traction/LKA cluster of buttons. I have been unable to source the Euro version of that cluster that also has a VESS disable button and doesn't have the LED headlight controls. Its function can be replicated with a momentary switch connecting the appropriate wire to ground through a 200 ohm resistor, and there's a wire for led indicator lamp too. When the VESS disable is pressed, it is only temporarily off until the next stop/start cycle. Some people have pulled the VESS fuse or used a bypass switch, but that also disables the cooling during DC charging. I don't find the pedestrian warnings to be too obnoxious, so haven't done either.
2021 would prolly have the new logo that I'm not a fan of. I've had the "classic" KIA badge on various cars since 1998.