Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
The Niro Plug-in Hybrid enjoys the same positive traits that make its base model, the Niro, a sales leader. They include a relatively affordable price tag and spacious (for its class) and well-equipped cabin. Adding a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain also makes it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs that money can buy. Owners of the Niro Plug-in Hybrid rate it highly for these qualities as well as its nimble handling and excellent active safety and driver assist features, many of which are standard. On the downside, some find the Niro Plug-in Hybrid lacking in power and refinement. In addition, calling it an SUV is a bit of a misnomer since its ground clearance is similar to that of a passenger car and all-wheel drive is not available.
The Niro Plug-in Hybrid enjoys the same positive traits that make its base model, the Niro, a sales leader. They include a relatively affordable price tag and spacious (for its class) and well-equipped cabin. Adding a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain also makes it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs that money can buy. Owners of the Niro Plug-in Hybrid rate it highly for these qualities as well as its nimble handling and excellent active safety and driver assist features, many of which are standard. On the downside, some find the Niro Plug-in Hybrid lacking in power and refinement. In addition, calling it an SUV is a bit of a misnomer since its ground clearance is similar to that of a passenger car and all-wheel drive is not available.
Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid Model Lineup
The Niro Plug-in Hybrid is, as you might have guessed, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of Kia’s subcompact crossover SUV, the Niro. It offers room for up to five passengers and measures about 18 inches shorter than the next larger PHEV sport-ute in the South Korean automaker’s lineup, the three-row Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid shares a platform and some components with the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, which is built by Kia’s sister company.
Motivating the Niro Plug-in Hybrid is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a small battery pack. The combination produces 139 horsepower, which is routed to the front wheels (only) via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to the EPA, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 26 miles on battery power alone and returns 46 mpg (combined) once the battery pack is depleted. Recharging the battery takes about 2.5 hours using a 240-volt at-home charger or about 9 hours via a standard 120-volt household outlet. Kia also offers an all-electric version called the Niro EV (reviewed separately).
Kia sells the Niro Plug-in Hybrid in three main trims: the entry-level LXS (which was known as the LX prior to 2020), the mid-range EX, and the fully loaded EX Premium. Standard equipment on the LXS includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an infotainment touchscreen that was enlarged from 7.0 to 8.0 inches in 2020. Forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist are standard safety features, and blind-spot monitoring was also made standard in 2021. The EX adds leather-and-cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a wireless device charger (as of 2020), and lane-centering assist (as of 2021). The range-topping EX Premium further includes LED headlights, parking sensors, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and an upgraded center touchscreen, which grew from 8.0 to 10.3 inches in 2020.