2023 Kia Niro vs. 2023 Nissan Leaf

The Kia Niro was already a solid car when it arrived on the market in 2017, but since then, things have changed. The next-generation model will hit dealerships later this year and will be even better. It will also compete directly with the Nissan Leaf, which also got its new version earlier this year. But if you're going to get one of these EVs, why not get the best? That's what we're here to help you figure out as we compare two all-new EVs: the Kia Niro and Nissan Leaf.

Design & Style

• Exterior Design

The 2023 Kia Niro and the 2023 Nissan Leaf are both compact electric vehicles. They have similar looks, but there are some differences when choosing between them.

The 2023 Kia Niro has a more traditional design than the Leaf, with a large grille up front and round headlights on either side. It also has a lower stance than its competitor, which makes it look bolder and more aggressive overall.

The 2023 Nissan Leaf might be more familiar to you because it was first released in 2010—but if you want something that stands out from all the other EVs on the road today, this is your best option!

• Interior Design

The 2023 Kia Niro is a sharp contrast to its predecessor, but it could be a better place to be for the people inside. Its interior design is elegant and modern, with soft materials and high-quality craftsmanship. The dash looks like it was pulled straight from a luxury car, while the steering wheel has been designed with comfort in mind (a rarity in electric vehicles).

The 2023 Nissan Leaf's interior is also quite appealing—though not as luxurious as its rival. Its seats are comfortable enough, but they could use some extra bolstering on their sides to keep you feeling secure when driving fast or over rough terrain. Though there are only two rows of seats instead of three like in other cars, there's plenty of space in both rows for passengers' legs and heads—and if necessary, room for two more people to sit behind them!

Technology & Safety

The 2023 Kia Niro beats the 2023 Nissan Leaf in this category thanks to its many innovative features and safety technologies.

The Kia Niro has a number of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and more. The Niro also offers folding side mirrors that can be adjusted remotely from inside the vehicle or via the smartphone app.

The Leaf is not quite as technologically advanced—it does only offer standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) and rear parking sensors on the base model. However, it does come standard with a backup camera which makes backing up easier than ever before!

Performance

The powertrain for the 2023 Kia Niro is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor that offers up to 131 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission (with no option for manual), which is controlled by the Drive Mode Select system that allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport, Eco, and Paddle Shift modes.

The 2023 Nissan Leaf uses a 1.6L 4 cylinder engine coupled with one of two electric motors: either 107 hp combined output or 192 hp combined output – depending on what options you get when ordering this new model year car (standard features include DC fast charging capability).

The Bottom Line

As we've established, the 2023 Kia Niro is the better car in each category. It has a more powerful engine, a longer range, and better driving experience. It is the best choice if you're looking for an affordable electric vehicle that can get you from point A to point B comfortably and safely.

Ready to Schedule Your 2023 Kia Niro Test Drive Today?

Are you in the market for a new 2023 Kia Niro? If so, we welcome you to South Shore Kia! We have an incredible selection of new 2023 Kia models for you to choose from. Schedule your appointment today and come see us at South Shore Kia! We can't wait to help you get behind the wheel!