![]() The Niro is marginally larger than the outgoing model. It’s unfortunate that, as before, none of the Niro variants will be available with all-wheel drive, a serious shortcoming for buyers who live in snowy climates. We found the electric version of the previous generation Niro much more satisfying to drive than the hybrid, with quick, silent acceleration, sharper handling, and a more comfortable ride. It accomplished this feat despite the fact that the three powertrains are mostly carryovers.ĭetermining whether Kia was able to improve on the Niro hybrid’s other shortcomings-in particular, the long braking distances, choppy ride, bumpy shifts, and lack of front-seat comfort-will have to wait until we buy our own vehicles to put through Consumer Reports’ auto test program. Kia looks to have improved upon the Niro’s efficiency deficits with the new model-bringing improved fuel mileage for the hybrid, a longer electric range for the plug-in hybrid, and an increased driving range for the EV version-thanks to reduced weight and a more aerodynamic body. This was mostly due to the Niro’s extra weight and more upright, less aerodynamic body shape. But that figure was 9 mpg shy of the sleeker Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq, and 11 mpg aft of the Honda Insight, our current hybrid fuel-economy champ among cars that don’t have to be plugged in. When compared with conventional wagons and small SUVs, the 43 mpg overall that the Niro achieved in our testing is impressive. Thanks to its high stance, conservative styling, and a traditional-acting automatic transmission, we found that the previous Niro hybrid successfully combined fuel economy with versatility in our testing. Powertrain: 139-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid and 180-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission front-wheel drive 201-hp, electric motor 1-speed direct drive front-wheel drive. The striking, boomerang-like LED taillights is somewhat reminiscent of the Volvo XC40, XC60, and XC90 SUVs. This is especially the case when the “Aero Blade” element just behind the rear doors is painted in a contrasting color. What it looks like: Although the front of the Niro doesn’t look dramatically different from the outgoing model, beyond the lower, grille-height headlamps, toward the rear things look considerably different. What it competes with: Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV, Honda Insight, Hyundai Ioniq, Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Prius Prime And the Niro EV has an estimated driving range of 253 miles, up from the previous 239 miles. The plug-in hybrid (also known as a PHEV, for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) has a 7-mile-longer electric-only range, now up to an estimated 33 miles. For example, Kia estimates that the new Niro hybrid will achieve 53 mpg combined according to the EPA’s ratings-a 3 mpg improvement. KIA NIRO HYBRID FULLOn a Level 2 charger, Kia gives a full recharge time of under three hours.Īs for the gas version, it too will run at least in part on electricity, as it gets a light-hybrid system to complement the same 139-hp 1.6L 4-cylinder engine under the hood, working in tandem with a 6-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.Although the Niro’s three powertrains are largely a carryover from the previous model, all have made gains in efficiency. The Niro PHEV features a 11.1-kWh battery that delivers an all-electric range of 33 miles (just over 53 km), and a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. Like the current model, it features a 201-hp electric motor and a 64.8-kWh battery pack, and it supports DC fast-charging a recharge of its battery from 10 to 80 percent should be possible in just 45 minutes on such a connection. The latter is getting a maximum range of 253 miles, according to Kia, which works out to just over 407 km. Once again, our Niro will be available in three versions, including a gas-powered variant, a plug-in hybrid model and an all-electric version. This presentation of the North American version of the new Niro confirms the brasher styling we’d seen previously for the model launching globally. Kia has debuted the bigger, bolder 2023 Niro small SUV at the New York Auto Show. ![]()
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