My lease on the 2021 EX is ending next month, and I’m torn on what to do. I’ve really enjoyed this car. The only thing I wish was better is the charging speed—something like the EV6 would be ideal. But apart from that, I prefer the Niro.
The buyout price for my lease is $20,300, and the car only has 9,300 miles on it. When I checked the market, I found a few 2023 and 2024 models (a Wind and some Waves) priced between $25,000 and $28,000. Most of these are clean CARFAX, one-owner cars (some were taxis or commercial vehicles) with mileage around 20k. A few are even Kia CPO.
What I’d gain with the newer models are slightly improved driving assist features and safety tech. The warranty would also last longer. Features like ventilated seats, a sunroof, and smart parking seem nice but aren’t deal-breakers.
To those who’ve owned or tried both the 2019-2022 models and the 2023-2025 models, is it worth paying $5,000-$8,000 more for the newer ones? Am I missing anything important here?
By the way, both my current car and the ones I’m looking at have the cold weather package, so that’s not a factor. Thanks in advance!
EDIT: Forgot to mention that the tax credit for my current car was already rolled into my lease deal when I got it.
I’ve got the first-gen (2020), and I’ve been inside the second-gen a few times since it’s a popular Uber or Lyft car in my area. I’ve also looked up reviews on the gen2.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s worth spending an extra $5,000 to $8,000. There’s no major improvement in range, charging, or features. The interior design is a bit more modern, but I think the material quality took a step down—there’s more cheap plastic compared to the first-gen.
If I were you, I’d save the money and wait for the EV3, which is supposed to come out next year. The early reviews for it are really positive. It’s around the same size as the Niro but uses a better EV platform. Plus, it looks great inside and out.
@Jagger
The EV3 does look amazing, kind of like an upgraded version of the Soul EV we didn’t get here. I wish it were coming out sooner, though. I could manage without a car for a few months, but waiting over a year feels impossible.
Pace said:
If your car is working well, stick with it. The newer gen doesn’t bring much to the table. The V2L feature is the only thing I find interesting.
By the way, do you get any kind of rebate if you buy out your lease? Or was that already applied when you first signed the lease?
Murphy said:
I’ve owned both a 1st-gen and now a 2nd-gen. Save your $5k-$8k and keep your current car. Like others said, you’re not missing much with the 1st-gen.
Thanks, that’s kind of what I was leaning towards. It helps to hear it from someone with experience. My local dealerships don’t even have the newer Niros to test out, so I’ve been relying on what I see online.
I’ve compared the gen1 and gen2, and I honestly preferred the gen1 for things like AC and music controls. It also handles better and has a sportier look. The gen2 does have a frunk and V2L, but I added a frunk to my gen1 and use a 12v inverter to power things like my fridge. Gen1 insurance is cheaper, and parts are easier to find too.
I test-drove both with the intention of buying the gen2 but ended up sticking with the gen1. The seats in the gen2 felt thinner and had more plastic. Also, the info cluster was at a weird angle and felt too close to the steering wheel for me.
One major downside for me was the drop in torque—from 291 lb-ft in the gen1 to 188 lb-ft in the gen2. That made a noticeable difference in how it drove. The handling might be slightly better in the gen2, but it didn’t make up for the lack of power.
Does your current car still qualify for the original owner warranty? That’s a great benefit if you keep it.
I had a 2020 and thought about this exact choice. I decided to lease a 2024 Wind instead, and I love it. The annoying backup noise is gone, and it doesn’t slip on wet hills. It feels like it charges faster too, though that might just be me.
If you can test-drive the newer models, that might help you decide. For me, the test drive made all the difference. But if you’re only looking at the numbers, keeping your current car might be the smarter choice.
Atlas said:
I heard the acceleration on the gen2 isn’t as good. A quick search says the 2020 does 0-60 in about 6.2-6.8 seconds, but the 2024 takes 7.1 seconds.
I’ve got a 2020, and it feels much quicker than its official numbers. I used to drive a 328i, which should have a similar time, but the Niro feels faster to me.