Abstract
- Surprisingly spacious compact crossover, filled with know-how and reasonably priced.
- Wonderful gasoline financial system, however pay attention to sluggish EV battery recharge.
- Lack of sensible cabin storage and design flaws could also be bothersome to some patrons.
For those who’re searching for a brand new automotive with loads of house, however don’t desire an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid could possibly be the right match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gasoline pump, and is extra reasonably priced than you would possibly assume. 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 often charging.
2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is a compact crossover with an surprising quantity of house for occupants and storage. It is reasonably priced, filled with know-how, and very environment friendly, however the electrical battery drains loads faster than it recharges.
- Engine
-
1.6-liter fuel
- Battery dimension
-
11.1 kWh
- Horsepower
-
180 hp
- Torque
-
195 lb-ft
- 0-60mph
-
9.8 seconds
- Transsmission
-
computerized
- Drive Structure
-
Entrance-wheel drive
- High Pace
-
100 mph
- Surprisingly spacious
- Spectacular commonplace know-how
- Wonderful gasoline financial system
- Pointless drive modes
- Gradual EV battery recharge
- Lacks sensible cabin storage
Associated
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Worth, availability, and specs
The brand new Kia Niro stays one of the reasonably priced hybrid crossovers in the marketplace. There is a alternative of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a formidable e book of options as commonplace, a few of that are often non-obligatory extras on dearer fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many least expensive plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the least expensive EV you should buy 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
Because the Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it isn’t overly thrilling, however there are plenty of features to like about it. Having an electrical motor to help the engine provides 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 problem 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 |
| Worth | $34,490 |
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What I favored in regards to 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 it’s best to maintain within the automotive.
The Niro will get 17 helpful commonplace options, corresponding to enhanced auto emergency braking know-how, good cruise management, and a wi-fi charging pad. In addition to these, an intuitive built-in navigation displays EV battery vary, and suggests close by charging stations when working low.
Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system
In line 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 in regards to the Kia Niro hybrid
There are a number of annoying design flaws
I would not hassle navigating to a cost level, until you may have 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 sincere, I am not satisfied the time and value to recharge is well worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.
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 — ultimate 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 concern is with the dearth of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin crammed with potential, foolish designs waste plenty 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 just good for some tissues or cellphone 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 gasoline. Nevertheless, I am combating the three-hour recharge interval to get a number of further miles of vary. Except you may have a strategy to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you may really maintain it charged up. Certain, the engine always gives some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.
That stated, the Niro is an effective automotive. It drives nicely, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than related vehicles. For those who love the distinctive design, plethora of normal know-how, and considerable house, I might advocate the marginally inexpensive Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.
2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
