The Kia Niro is a compact five-passenger crossover that was first introduced in 2016. It received a major overhaul for its second generation that offers unique styling cues and more power. It's offered with three distinct powertrain configurations: the Niro HEV hybrid, the Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric Niro EV. All Niro models are front-wheel-drive, which provides advantages in adverse weather. A 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard in HEV and PHEV. This five-passenger crossover delivers a range of 139 - 180 horsepower depending on its configuration. The Niro hybrid is available in five different trims known as LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX touring. PHEV models are available in EX or SX Touring trims. And NIro EV models come in a Wind or Wave trim. Prices for the Niro start at $26,590 for an LX HEV and climb to $44,550 for the all-electric Wave model. I spent a week in the Niro SX Touring hybrid model and here's what stood out...
Exterior Styling (+)
The second-generation Niro is unique in its design with identifiable lighting signatures, stylish wheels, and its contrasting Aero Blade D-pillar (optional). Up front is the signature 'tiger nose' Kia grille that is flanked by large new lights that have a very defined daytime running light signature. LED projector headlights and fog lights are only available on the SX Touring while the rest of the lineup gets standard halogen bulbs. The side profile is accentuated by the Aero Blade, a highly distinctive shape that also aids airflow underneath the D-pillar. The Aero Blade can be painted in body color or in a variety of contrasting colors. Niro HEV and Niro PHEV can be identified by black door cladding and wheel arches, while Niro EV is distinguished by Steel Grey or black exterior trim, depending on body color. At the rear, boomerang-shaped LED taillights sit alongside uncomplicated surface treatments for a concise and aerodynamic styling combination. The earth tone color palette complements the design and the CityScape Green on my test model looked great.
Wheel Designs (+)
Wheel sizes range from 16" five-star silver alloys on the LX, EX, SX to 18" open machine-faced/black sporty wheels on the Touring models. The 18" alloys fill the wheel arches well and give the Niro a sporty and more expensive look. EV models get their own silver and mostly black 17" alloys.
Hybrid Powertrain (+/-)
The hybrid is equipped with a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that pairs with a 32kW electric motor to deliver a combined 139 horsepower and 195-pound feet of torque. It pairs with a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and is front wheel drive. It offers a well-balanced ride around town with a slight pop of liveliness. It's not an enthusiast type of car as it gets from 0-60 in a meek 10.4 seconds. However, the ride is much more refined than its predecessor as it feels solid and planted to the pavement. Handling is sufficient, but not athletic. The suspension is fairly smooth, but not as refined as others in the class. It's available with three drive modes that include Eco, Sport, and a new Green Zone. Green Zone automatically transfers Niro HEV and Niro PHEV into EV drive mode in residential areas, and nearby schools and hospitals. The Niro automatically uses electric power based on navigation cues and driving history data, and recognizes favorite places, such as home and office set in the navigation system. Overall, the ride is comfortable and pleasant as it serves its basic needs of the class.
Range (+)
When it first arrived with a full 11.1-gallon tank, the Niro HEV had an impressive range that exceeded 550 miles. The Niro HEV is rated at a combined 53 MPG when equipped with 16" wheels or a combined 49 MPG with 18" wheels. I was very impressed with the hybrid version's range in such a small tank. Plug-in hybrids are rated at 108 MPG-equivalent combined with an all-electric driving range of 33 miles. The Niro EV has an estimated range of 253 miles and can replenish 10-80% of charge in under 45 minutes.
Interior (+)
Hopping inside, an all-new interior complements the exterior with a modern design and materials. The parametric design borrows cues and materials from the higher-priced Kia EV6. Drivers will face an extended dual screen display with a digital cluster and either an 8" or 10.25" infotainment touchscreen. Textured surfaces and a glossy black trim give it a more upscale feel inside. However, be warned that the piano black finish shows every fingerprint possible on the surface. You'll want to keep a microfiber cloth close by. A traditional T-shaped gear selector is well placed with room for a wireless phone charger in front of it.
Cloth trimmed seats are standard on the LX, a cloth and leather combination come on the EX models, and the SX models get a vegan leather seat. All but the LX come standard with a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and three levels of heated front seats. SX models also add ventilated front seats. The seats are comfortable and supportive with good head and legroom up front. Back seats also proved to be sufficient for three kids or two taller adults. For installing child safety seats, the Niro has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.
Cargo (-)
The Niro offers 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which is subpar for the class. The second row does fold down to deliver 63.7 cubic feet of space, but also has a higher load floor. The Niro PHEV has even less space. Comparatively, the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek both offer slightly more space. While other competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Nissan Rogue offer significantly more space with over 34 cubic feet each.
Technology (+/-)
The touchscreens integrate with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless connection is available on the base LX with an 8" display, while the 10.25" screen requires a cord for functionality. The touchscreens are pretty intuitive for operation with clear graphics and easy navigation. Underneath the screens though is a row of controls that doubles as both the climate and audio controls (it's the same unit found in the EV6). While it offers a cleaner display, it can be frustrating if you forget to hit the button to switch it from audio to climate. Quite often I found myself cranking up the heat instead of the volume or vice-versa. It takes time to get used to and one week wasn't enough. An optional Harman Kardon sound system with clari-fi technology and eight speakers is standard on SX models. A wireless phone charger is also standard on all models except the base LX.
Safety (+)
Despite its lower price point, the Niro comes loaded with standard safety technology that includes:
* Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian detection capability: Warns if there is risk of a collision with a pedestrian in front of the vehicle while driving and may automatically assist with braking.
* Lane Keeping Assist: Helps detect lane markings and provides steering inputs to help prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane while driving.
* Lane Following Assist: Helps detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and provides steering inputs to help center the vehicle in the lane.
* Driver Attention Warning: Analyzes the driver attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. It may also provide a leading vehicle departure alert if the leading vehicle departs from a stop and the driver does not react within a certain time period
* Blind Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit: May help avoid collisions with rear-side vehicles when exiting a parallel parking spot by automatically assisting with braking
* Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist: Helps detect approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and may apply brakes.
* Safe Exit Warning: Provides a warning when a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side while someone is exiting the vehicle.
* Rear Occupant Alert: Provides a warning to the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle.
Final Statement:
I really enjoyed my week in the new Kia Niro and was very impressed with its range as a traditional hybrid. The new design is fresh and looks more expensive than it is. The overall ride was comfortable and appropriate for the class. Interior design and comfort are good as is the technology. There are a few quirks in the technology that will be personal preferences, but overall, it's a solid car to consider in the segment. There's good value with its range of prices and all of them come equipped with an impressive list of safety features.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Kia Niro SX Touring
Exterior Color: Cityscape Green
Interior Color: Charcoal
Notable Options: Black C-Pillar Trim ($195)
MSRP as tested: $36,435 (with destination)