Second-generation Kia Niro to be offered in all 50 states

Editor's note: This article has been corrected to note that the current generation Niro EV became available nationwide in model year 2022.

The second-generation 2023 Kia Niro electric crossover, one of three available electrified variants, will go on sale in the U.S. this summer in all 50 states, the automaker said last week. The current-generation EV was sold only in certain states when it was introduced, but was expanded to all 50 states in model year 2022.

"Part of our electrification strategy is to sell electric cars everywhere, not just to comply with regulations and the exempt states, or the California standard states," said Steve Center, Kia America's COO. "People want electric cars all over the country."

Center called the gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric Niro, built on what the automaker calls its K3 chassis, "the trifecta of electrification."

The all-electric model's range increases 14 miles to 253 miles. Recharging time from 10 to 80 percent on a Level 3 charger will drop below 45 minutes, compared with the previous charge time of more than an hour.

The plug-in hybrid version also gets a boost in all-electric range, up 7 miles to 33 miles, with a larger 11.1-kilowatt-hour battery, up from 8.9 kWh. The electric motor — paired with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine — is now 62 kilowatts vs. 59kW, and combined system output increases from 139 to 180 hp. The longer range makes the plug-in hybrid now eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit. Kia said pricing will be released closer to launch.

The hybrid Niro uses the same engine as the plug-in hybrid paired with an electric motor for combined output of 139 hp. Fuel economy improves slightly, returning 53 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Niro is larger. The wheelbase expands to 107.1 inches, pushing overall length to 174 inches.

Cargo capacity behind the rear seats increases to 22.8 cubic feet.

The Niro EV will have the same vehicle-to-load capability as Kia's new EV6 electric crossover, which means it will be able to power small appliances at a campsite or worksite or necessities during a power outage.

Kia previously released details about the Niro's latest styling, which borrows cues from the HabaNiro concept revealed in 2019.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are distinguished by black door cladding and wheel arches, and the electric model has dark gray or black exterior trim, depending on the body color.