Fiat 500E vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?

Fiat 500E

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2024 price

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Kia Niro

$24,990 - $42,888

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2024 Fiat 500E

2023 Kia Niro

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

320 km

Electric range

455 km

Energy consumption

14.4 kWh/100km

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

64.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Stylish, classic looks
Thoroughly modern cabin
Electric motor improves drive experience

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

Dislikes

Limited range on offer
Expensive for a small EV
Warranty massively underwhelming

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

2024 Fiat 500E Summary

You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but this is a brand-new — as in really and truly all-new — Fiat 500.

That has got to be a big deal for fans of Fiat’s pint-sized city car, with a genuinely all-new 500 about rare as spotting Halley’s Comet soaring over Turin. The last time was way back in 2007, by the way, and that car will remain on sale alongside this new one for the foreseeable.

But that’s not the only surprise. This 500 is also entirely electric, properly modern inside, and it has actual technology in its cabin and on its safety list.

Fiat reckons this is a big reset for the 500. And that there will never be another all-new petrol model again.

So, how does this new 500e stack up against the recent flood of small EVs, predominantly from China?

Let’s go find out.

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2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Fiat 500E 2023 Kia Niro

Verdict

A fun, funky EV which will no doubt appeal to lovers of Italian style, but also one which struggles a little on the range and price front.

Still, there’s no doubt that electrification has improved the Fiat 500 formula.

Verdict

The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Fiat 500E vs Kia Niro What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Fiat 500E vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?