The affordable EV segment has gotten quite a lot of attention in recent months. Nissan introduced an all-new Leaf and Chevrolet launched the new Bolt, both of which start at under $30,000. But another $10,000 or so can get you something larger and more refined, such as the Kia Niro EV. Kia has finally released pricing for the 2026 model, following the launch of the Niro Hybrid last year. The good news is that the price hike is modest, but the Niro EV now finds itself facing some tough competition.
Small Price Bump But No Major Changes
2026 Niro EV
Nissan
The base Kia Niro EV starts at $39,700 for the Wind trim. The only other trim is the Wave, which has a starting price of $44,700. Both trims are only $100 more than before, but the destination charge has also increased by $100 to $1,495—the prices mentioned here exclude this fee.
The Niro EV is still Kia’s cheapest EV, as the next model up is the EV6 at $42,900. No major changes have been announced for the Niro EV, which means both trims stick with a 201-horsepower electric motor sending power to the front wheels exclusively. Kia quotes a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.8 seconds, so performance is adequate rather than exciting. Both trims have a range of 253 miles on a full charge.
Standard equipment is generous and includes 17-inch alloys, a power tailgate, a power driver’s seat, combination imitation leather/cloth seats, heated front seats, and dual 10.25-inch displays. The pricier Wave adds a Harman Kardon sound system, a vehicle-to-load inverter, and a power sunroof, among other items. However, at $44,700, the Niro EV Wave’s range and performance figures are only average, so we’d recommend sticking with the base Wind.
Related: 2025 Kia Niro EV vs. 2026 Nissan Leaf: Which Compact Economy EV is Best?
The Competition Has Moved On
Tesla Model Y Standard
Tesla
At around $40,000, the 2026 Kia Niro EV now faces some rivals it didn’t have a year ago. The Tesla Model Y Standard stands out here, as it starts at $39,990. That’s just $290 more than the base Niro EV, yet the Tesla has a range of 321 miles and a quicker 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. It’s hard to argue with those numbers.
The new Nissan Leaf costs $38,990 in its top Platinum+ trim level. A vastly improved EV over the old Leaf, the new one produces 214 hp and the Platinum+ has a 259-mile range. The Platinum+ comes with 19-inch alloys, a 14.3-inch touchscreen, a Bose sound system, a head-up display, and a heated steering wheel. That’s a solid package that beats the Niro EV in range and tech, although the Kia is more spacious if you have kids.
If you’re after more luxury, the base Volvo EX30 starts at $38,950, undercutting the Kia, yet it has more power (268 hp) and a better range (261 miles).
With these competitors around, it’s hard to see the Niro EV impacting the sales charts in any big way for the rest of 2026. Its price may have stayed steady, but Kia hasn’t improved the EV in any meaningful way, while rival options have only become more appealing. What Kia really needs is a fresh entry-level EV like the EV2, but that model is sadly forbidden fruit in the USA.
Related: America’s Cheapest New EV Is Already on Borrowed Time
