Despite writing off the Niro pretty quickly the last time around, I had to give it another chance just by default. I actually liked it quite a bit better the second time around; whether I was convincing myself to, due to lack of alternatives, or I was more appreciative of what it offered, it’s hard to say. See my prior review for most of my impressions. The only real update was that I figured out you could approximate one-pedal driving by holding the regen paddle which, similar to the Bolt, would bring the car all the way down to a stop. I can’t recall if it would hold it there; I think it would on flat ground or facing uphill.

But the main thing that got me to seriously consider the Niro were some deals at a local dealership. They had a couple of previous year Niros in the top trim that they were selling at a good deal. It was still high relative to my budget, but after considering the Polestar I had already pushed that boundary. And aside from a 360 camera they came very well equipped, including ventilated seats, which had not been on the table with any of my other contenders. Mostly out of desperation I ended up convincing myself that this was my best option to get an EV now and not wait 6+ months for the market to settle down. I was planning to pay cash again, but since I wouldn’t get the tax credit until next year I did not have enough to purchase it outright. They were offering 0% APR and I knew I would pay it off as soon as I got the tax credit, so, without any preparation, I applied for financing. Fortunately (in retrospect), my credit score was not good enough for me to qualify and I ended up abandoning the deal. I am now very grateful I did not go through with it. I’m sure the Niro would have served me well but I would have regretted paying so much for that car.