Volvo XC40 vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?

Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

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Kia Niro

$24,990 - $42,888

2023 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2024 Volvo XC40

2023 Kia Niro

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

485 km

Electric range

455 km

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

64.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

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

Dislikes

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

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

2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to 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 Volvo XC40 2023 Kia Niro

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

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.

Volvo XC40 vs Kia Niro What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC40 vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?