Compare the2025 Volvo EX30VS 2025 Kia Niro EV

The EX30 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Niro EV doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The EX30 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Niro EV doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The EX30 has standard Post-impact braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Niro EV doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The EX30 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro EV doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The EX30 Ultra has a standard 360° Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Niro EV only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the EX30 and the Niro EV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The EX30’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the Niro EV’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the EX30 for 3 years and 30,000 miles. Volvo will pay for tire rotations, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Niro EV.

The EX30’s standard electric motor produces 67 more horsepower (268 vs. 201) and 65 lbs.-ft. more torque (253 vs. 188) than the Niro EV’s electric motor. The EX30’s standard electric motors produces 221 more horsepower (422 vs. 201) and 212 lbs.-ft. more torque (400 vs. 188) than the Niro EV’s electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the EX30 RWD with its standard motor gets better mileage than the Niro EV (127 city/104 hwy vs. 126 city/101 hwy MPGe).

The EX30 can travel longer on a full charge than the Niro EV on a full charge:

For better stopping power the EX30’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Niro EV:

For better traction, the EX30 has larger standard tires than the Niro EV (225/55R18 vs. 215/55R17). The EX30’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Niro EV (245/45R19 vs. 215/55R17).

The EX30’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Niro EV’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the EX30 has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 17-inch wheels are available on the Niro EV. The EX30 offers optional 19-inch wheels.

The EX30 is 7.3 inches shorter than the Niro EV, making the EX30 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The EX30 has 1.2 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, 1 inch more front hip room and .2 inches more rear headroom than the Niro EV.

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the EX30. The Niro EV doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The EX30 has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Niro EV has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the EX30 uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Niro EV doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The EX30’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Niro EV’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the Niro EV Wave’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the EX30 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Niro EV can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The EX30’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Niro EV’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The EX30’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Niro EV offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Volvo EX30 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Niro EV Wave.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the EX30 has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Niro EV doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.