Kia Niro vs Lexus NX300H
What's the difference?

Kia Niro

$24,990 - $42,888

2023 price

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Lexus NX300H

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2022 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2023 Kia Niro

2022 Lexus NX300H

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Inline 4, 2.5L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

455 km

6.9L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

64.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Powertrain choice
Cabin presentation
Design

Dislikes

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

Still some road noise
Some fiddly dashboard switchgear remain
Australian road tuning would make it even better

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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2022 Lexus NX300H Summary

One of the great, unsung success stories over the last few years has been the Lexus NX.

Out since 2014, it turned Toyota's ailing luxury brand around, connecting with buyers gravitating towards luxury midsized SUVs like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60. Today, no school run is complete without them!

Now there's an all-new one. And, as Lexus' bestseller by far, any new NX is a big deal. The recipe is much the same – including petrol, turbo and hybrid versions – but with fresher and better ingredients. Plus, there's also a new plug-in hybrid flagship to really shake things up.

Is it time to cancel your order for that German, British or Swedish luxury midsized SUV? Keep reading to find out...

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Niro 2022 Lexus NX300H

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.

Verdict

The all-new NX is a massive step forward over its popular predecessor.

In every way, it is an improvement, with better refinement, comfort, performance, efficiency, safety and choice.

Indeed, look out, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo: the NX has finally come of age. If we were in the market for a luxury medium-sized SUV, we'd definitely have the Lexus on our shortlist, especially the incredibly efficient hybrids.

Europe, you've been warned.

Kia Niro vs Lexus NX300H What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Niro vs Lexus NX300H
What's the difference?