For most buyers, yes, though it's a genuinely close call on price. Hyundai simplified the Kona Electric to a single SE trim for 2026 with a smaller battery, and the Niro EV now leads it on EPA-estimated range (253 miles vs 200), trim choice (Wind and Wave vs one SE), and screen configuration (dual 10.25-inch displays vs one 12.3-inch screen). Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty matches Hyundai's own factory term, making warranty a genuine tie. The Kona Electric's likely advantage is a lower starting price - though Hyundai hadn't confirmed 2026 pricing as of publication.

The Niro EV, and it's not particularly close this year. Hyundai cut the Kona Electric's lineup for 2026 down to a single SE trim with a 48.6 kWh Standard Range battery, EPA-estimated at 200 miles - dropping the longer-range 64.8 kWh battery and 261-mile rating that were available on higher trims in prior years. The Kia Niro EV, by contrast, is EPA-estimated at 253 miles of range on both its Wind and Wave trims.

Likely not, though this is one to double-check before you buy. Hyundai had not officially confirmed 2026 Kona Electric SE pricing as of publication; based on the prior model year, it's expected to start somewhere near $32,975, versus $39,700 for the Niro EV Wind (both before destination). If that estimate holds, the Kona Electric would start meaningfully lower - but with a smaller battery and 53 fewer miles of EPA-estimated range.

Less than you'd expect - both brands back their EVs with genuinely comparable factory coverage: a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. On coverage, these two are essentially a tie.

Just one. Hyundai simplified the 2026 Kona Electric down to a single SE trim with the Standard Range battery, discontinuing the SEL and Limited trims and the longer-range battery option that were available in prior years. The Kia Niro EV offers two trims, Wind and Wave, both sharing the same 253-mile EPA-estimated range.

Its likely strength is starting price - Hyundai hadn't confirmed 2026 pricing as of publication, but if it carries over near the prior year's roughly $32,975, it would undercut the Niro EV Wind by a meaningful margin. The Kona Electric also carries Hyundai SmartSense driver-assist standard and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. If a lower entry price is your top priority, it's worth a look and a pricing double-check when you're ready to buy. For range and trim choice, the Niro EV leads.

Dean McCrary Kia at 1733 E I-65 Service Rd S in Mobile stocks the Niro EV lineup and serves Daphne, Spanish Fort, Saraland, Fairhope, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. Come drive a Niro EV and see the difference in person.