Kia Niro EV vs Volkswagen ID.4

The 2023 Kia Niro EV was designed to blend seamlessly with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid siblings, yet it managed to stand out among entry-level EVs. Its distinctive styling included divided headlights and a unique "Tiger Nose" grille, complemented by standard LED daytime running lights. The Niro EV featured 17-inch alloy wheels, setting it apart from the hybrid and PHEV models. A notable design change was the relocation of the charge port to the centre of the front fascia, making charging more convenient. At the rear, the Niro EV sported vertical taillights and "Air Blades," contributing to a 0.29 coefficient of drag, although not as impressive as the VW ID.4's 0.25 Cd. The Niro EV's upright shape provided a refreshing contrast to the pod-like silhouettes of other small EVs.

Inside, the Niro EV showcased a creative design with a crescent-shaped dashboard and curved door panels. Kia incorporated sustainable materials, such as recycled wallpaper and eucalyptus leaves, into the interior, although the use of piano black plastic persisted. The interior was entirely vegan, aligning with Kia's commitment to sustainability. The Niro EV's platform, designated K3, accommodated hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, distinguishing it from the dedicated EV platform used by the Kia EV6 and its cousins.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 maintained a conservative yet timeless design, typical of Volkswagen vehicles. The AWD versions featured standard 20-inch wheels, an upgrade from the 19-inch wheels on other trims. The lineup included two models: ID.4 and ID.4 Pro, with the latter offering an 82-kWh battery. The ID.4 qualified for Canadian federal and provincial EV rebates and came with four years of free DC fast charging at Electrify Canada stations. The interior of the ID.4 was designed for comfort and usability, with a new transmission shift stalk, revised steering wheel controls, and available ventilated front seats. The Pro models boasted a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the user experience. While the interior was less radical than when the ID.4 first launched, it still had quirks, such as dual-function power window controls and an automatic on/off feature.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV was equipped with a 64.8-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. It was front-wheel drive and could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The Niro EV's power delivery was smoother than its hybrid and plug-in hybrid counterparts, offering a refined driving experience. However, it lacked the nimble feel of competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the refinement of the VW ID.4. While it provided a pleasant driving experience, it didn't set new standards for EV handling or ride quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new rear electric drive motor in the Pro models, delivering 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 96 km/h in 5.9 seconds, 1.3 seconds quicker than the previous model. The AWD version added a front motor, resulting in 335 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The ID.4 Pro models offered impressive driving range, with 468 kilometres for RWD and 423 kilometres for AWD. Charging was efficient, with the 82-kWh battery accepting up to 175 kW at DC fast chargers. The ID.4's acceleration was notably improved, making highway merging and mountain driving effortless. It handled well on twisty roads, with a firm but comfortable ride in the city. The brake pedal felt natural, and the regenerative braking system was effective, though not a one-pedal driving system.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV offered a blend of crossover and hatchback features, providing more headroom and legroom than the Chevy Bolt EV/EUV and Nissan Leaf. It had slightly more legroom than the VW ID.4 but less headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 645 litres with the rear seats up and 1,803 litres with them folded down. However, it fell short of the ID.4's cargo capacity. In-cabin storage was limited, with shallow door pockets and a narrow centre console. Kia included large cupholders and a phone tray, and the shift lever was replaced with a dial-like shifter for convenience.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4's interior improvements made it more user-friendly and comfortable. The transmission selector moved to a stalk on the steering wheel, and the wiper controls were relocated. The Pro models featured a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing usability. Comfort was improved with ventilated front seats in the Pro S models. The ID.4's front seats provided excellent visibility, and heated features were standard in Canada. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and footroom, with additional amenities like air conditioning vents and USB-C charging ports. The 60/40-split folding back seat offered flexibility for cargo and passengers, with a maximum cargo space of 1,818 litres.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV came with a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive and visually appealing, though it lacked wireless connectivity. The Niro EV also had a touch control panel for various functions, requiring toggling between them. Digital Key 2.0 functionality allowed drivers to use their devices as keys, but compatibility was limited to certain smartphones.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Pro models, improving the user experience. The layout included a home screen with customizable data panels and illuminated touch-sliders for volume and temperature. The navigation system featured battery preconditioning for DC fast-charging sessions. A nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in Pro S trims. The ID.4's infotainment system was easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and gesture control. It also included a four-year subscription to Car-Net connected services, offering remote access and safety features.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV offered standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and Highway Driving Assist was also standard. The Limited model added front and rear parking sensors and Advanced Highway Driving Assist with automated lane-change capability. Crash-test ratings were not available for this model.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a post-collision braking system and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist managed following distance and lane-centring, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. The ID.4 received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though IIHS evaluations were incomplete.