Kia Niro vs Skoda Elroq
What's the difference?

Kia Niro

$28,990 - $54,990

2023 price

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Skoda Elroq

$47,990 - $64,990

2026 price

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Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2023 Kia Niro

2026 Skoda Elroq

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Thoughtful practicality
Quality design
Efficiency

Dislikes

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

Firm ride
Modest road feel
No physical spare wheel

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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2026 Skoda Elroq Summary

It’s a new, premium, pure-electric, mid-size SUV, but unlike every second market arrival CarsGuide has been looking at lately, it doesn’t come from China.

This is Skoda’s Elroq, the Czech manufacturer’s second electric SUV, following the larger Enyaq which launched here just on 12 months ago.

Effectively an electric counterpart to the Karoq, it’s a single-motor, rear-wheel drive, five-seater with healthy performance and range claims as well as sharp pricing and generous spec to challenge its ever-expanding competitive set.

After a brief preview drive earlier this year, we’re back behind the wheel for a fuller examination. So, read on to see if this sleek newcomer could be part of your family EV future.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Niro 2026 Skoda Elroq

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 Skoda Elroq is a niche option in a boiling hot small SUV segment, but it makes sense as the next plank in Skoda’s multi-model EV strategy. It has the value, quality and performance to cut through. We think it’s a worthy newcomer.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with accommodation and meals provided.

Kia Niro vs Skoda Elroq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Niro vs Skoda Elroq
What's the difference?