Abstract
- Surprisingly spacious compact crossover, filled with expertise and reasonably priced.
- Wonderful gas economic system, however concentrate on gradual EV battery recharge.
- Lack of sensible cabin storage and design flaws could also be bothersome to some consumers.
When you’re in search of a brand new automotive with loads of house, however don’t need an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid may very well be the right match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gas pump, and is extra reasonably priced than you may suppose. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas
EVs wait for his or her Mannequin T second
, a plug-in hybrid is an effective strategy to get used to commonly charging.
2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is a compact crossover with an sudden quantity of house for occupants and storage. It is reasonably priced, filled with expertise, and very environment friendly, however the electrical battery drains quite a bit faster than it recharges.
- Engine
-
1.6-liter fuel
- Battery measurement
-
11.1 kWh
- Horsepower
-
180 hp
- Torque
-
195 lb-ft
- 0-60mph
-
9.8 seconds
- Transsmission
-
automated
- Drive Format
-
Entrance-wheel drive
- High Pace
-
100 mph
- Surprisingly spacious
- Spectacular commonplace expertise
- Wonderful gas economic system
- Pointless drive modes
- Gradual EV battery recharge
- Lacks sensible cabin storage
Associated
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Value, availability, and specs
The brand new Kia Niro stays one of the crucial reasonably priced hybrid crossovers available on the market. There is a selection of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a formidable guide of options as commonplace, a few of that are often elective extras on costlier fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many most cost-effective plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the most cost-effective EV you should purchase proper now.
Kia Niro key options
- Rear privateness glass
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10.25-inch touchscreen show with navigation
- Reverse parking sensor
- Heated entrance seats
For the reason that Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it isn’t overly thrilling, however there are a whole lot of facets to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine offers the Niro a much-needed enhance, particularly when choosing up velocity. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a difficulty I’ve seen with different hybrids with smaller engines.
Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs
|
Engine |
1.6-liter fuel |
|
Battery |
11.1 kWh |
|
Horsepower |
180 hp |
|
Torque |
195 lb-ft |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
|
0-62 mph |
9.8 seconds |
|
All-electric vary |
as much as 38 miles |
|
Value |
$34,490 |
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What I favored concerning the Kia Niro hybrid
Is that this Dr. Who’s tardis?
Though the Kia Niro is classed as a compact crossover, its boxy design creates copious quantities of house all through. In actual fact, there’s extra rear legroom than a
Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s extra storage for charging cables, first assist kits, and another necessities you need to hold within the automotive.
The Niro will get 17 helpful commonplace options, akin to enhanced auto emergency braking expertise, sensible cruise management, and a wi-fi charging pad. In addition to these, an intuitive built-in navigation screens EV battery vary, and suggests close by charging stations when operating low.
Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gas economic system
In accordance with Kia, the Niro PHEV returns as much as 313 MPG. That is a wild determine, factoring within the electrical energy and vary. In actuality, I nonetheless achieved a good 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.
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What I did not like concerning the Kia Niro hybrid
There are a number of annoying design flaws
I would not hassle navigating to a cost level, except you’ve gotten three hours to spare. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid solely has a small electrical battery. Whereas it returns a excessive MPG determine, it depletes rapidly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not hassle. To be trustworthy, I am not satisfied the time and price to recharge is definitely worth the potential financial savings on gas.
The latter does not do a lot for efficiency, but it surely drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.
This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — very best for brief, low-speed journeys round city — but it surely’s solely helpful if the battery has a cost. In any other case, your solely choices are eco, which I spent most of my time in, or sport mode. The latter does not do a lot for efficiency, but it surely drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.
My final subject is with the shortage of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin full of potential, foolish designs waste a whole lot of house. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cellphones, the not-so-ergonomic built-in cupholders take over half of the center space, with push buttons leaving a bizarre form when folded away. The armrest covers the remaining house, and a tiny cubby beneath is barely good for some tissues or telephone charging cables.
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Do you have to purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?
I do not hate it, I simply do not get it
After spending per week with the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid, I used to be unmoved. I can see how its spacious inside would profit households, and the EV-only mode helps drivers save on gas. Nonetheless, I am combating the three-hour recharge interval to get a number of additional miles of vary. Except you’ve gotten a strategy to cost at residence, it is unlikely you may truly hold it charged up. Certain, the engine continuously offers some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.
That mentioned, the Niro is an effective automotive. It drives nicely, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than related vehicles. When you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary expertise, and plentiful house, I might advocate the marginally cheaper Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.
2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
