Why switch from Hyundai Ioniq 5 to Kia Niro EV?

Let's get one thing straight – the Hyundai Ioniq 5, or HI5 for short, outshines in most areas. It didn't win 'Car of the Year' in multiple countries for nothing. It's a dream to drive and it's certainly earned plenty of praise from my taxi customers.

Warranty. No warranty.

The hiccup with taxi cars is that they eventually start showing minor or major faults. The question then becomes whether you'd rather pay the bank or the mechanic.

I've usually sold my taxis with a warranty to the next owner. It gives me peace of mind, and it offers the new owner the same.

Initially, the HI5 comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, but for taxis, it's only 100,000 km. As my HI5 was closing in on this limit, I had to decide whether to continue without a warranty or to buy a new car. I chose the latter.

The big question was whether to buy the same car again or try something different. I opted for the Kia Niro EV for several reasons.

It's significantly cheaper. The price for the HI5 RWD has climbed, making the Kia around 60,000 NOK cheaper.

The doors on the HI5, or rather, opening them, have been a source of irritation since day one. Many taxi customers, especially the older ones, can't figure out how to work them.

Other issues have been the missing rear window wiper, a boot lid that's been rickety from the get-go, and seat belts that have been less than reliable. And let's just say I'm far from thrilled with the service at Birger N. Haug – to put it mildly.

The biggest difference between the two cars is probably the interior space. The HI5 is wider – for better or worse – and has a longer cabin. It's noticeable.

The HI5 has fast charging, but as I charge at home, that's not a big deal for me.

The range for both vehicles will be pretty similar, even though the Kia has an 8 kWh smaller battery than the HI5.

The Kia comes with a 150,000 km warranty, so I can drive it for three years without losing the warranty.

Kia now offers 30,000 km service intervals, and hopefully cheaper service too.