4 - Electric vehicle: The Kia Niro EV/Kia Soul EV tandem
It would have been entirely appropriate to return the Hyundai Kona Electric to this spot on our list this year, but Hyundai’s Korean close cousin Kia now has two solid arguments for attracting consumers interested in electric power.
The range of Kia's two compact EVs is slightly less than that of the Kona Electric (415 km versus 385 km for the Niro EV and 383 km for the Soul EV). It remains to be seen, moreover, whether the novelty effect will be enough to convince electric power enthusiasts.
Honourable mention goes to the Chevrolet Bolt, which has seen its range boosted somewhat for the current year – see our recent review of the 2020 Bolt. In this category, things change quickly!
“The Kia Soul EV is what you show to demonstrate that a vehicle can be mindful of the environment while dressing itself up in style and with bold self-confidence. Now, its look isn’t for everyone, but it has the virtue of looking totally distinct from all the other little crossovers in our present vehicle fleet.”
- Derek Boshouwers, Auto123
“Kia has done its best to attenuate EV-phobia by producing use-friendly EVs that look and drive like “real” cars, for instance the 2019 Kia Niro EV, the electric powertrain of which is geared for ease of use and of comprehension. This crossover is convivial and winningly respectful of the environment, and it makes the transition to electric vehicles less stressful for EV-phobes.”
- Derek Boshouwers, Auto123
Our review of the 2020 Kia Soul EV
Our review of the 2019 Kia Niro EV
