Is the Kia Niro one of the best funds hy...

For those who’re in search of a brand new car with loads of area, however don’t desire an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid may very well be the proper 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 their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an efficient technique to get used to commonly charging.

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Value, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays one of the reasonably priced hybrid crossovers in the marketplace. There is a selection of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a powerful e book 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 cheapest plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the cheapest EV you can 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 quite a lot of elements to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine provides the Niro a much-needed increase, particularly when selecting up pace. 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

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What I appreciated 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 area all through. The truth is, there’s extra rear legroom than a

Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s further storage for charging cables, first assist kits, and another necessities you need to maintain within the automobile.

The Niro will get 17 helpful commonplace options, equivalent 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 operating low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline economic system

Based on 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 couple of annoying design flaws

I would not trouble 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 shortly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not trouble. To be trustworthy, I am not satisfied the time and value to recharge is definitely worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — preferrred for brief, low-speed journeys round city — nevertheless it’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, nevertheless it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final situation is with the shortage of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin stuffed with potential, foolish designs waste quite a lot of area. 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 area, and a tiny cubby beneath is simply good for some tissues or cellphone charging cables.

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Must you purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

I do not hate it, I simply do not get it

After spending every 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 couple of additional miles of vary. Until you may have a technique to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you will really maintain it charged up. Positive, the engine continually supplies some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That mentioned, the Niro is an efficient automobile. It drives properly, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than comparable automobiles. For those who love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary know-how, and plentiful area, 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