![]() ![]() ![]() And when painted in one of several available contrasting colors, it will stand out from the rest of the vehicle.īut possibly the most dramatic feature is the new taillights: Shaped like a boomerang, the LED treatment makes the Niro look like a wholly different vehicle than the one it replaces-at least when viewed from the rear. It starts with an element on the rear three-quarter panel that Kia calls the “Aero Blade.” The body is lifted slightly at the C-pillar, allowing air to slip between it and the Niro’s body near the liftgate. It’s toward the rear where the Niro looks like an entirely different vehicle, though. The sides of the vehicle are still fairly smooth, but Kia gave the new Niro big chunks of aggressive, black body cladding at the base of the doors. Up front, the headlights are now much lower, about even with the grille, instead of running up the fenders as on the last model. The Niro’s same basic tall wagon/small SUV-esque silhouette remains, with a few spruced-up details. The wheelbase is longer by almost an inch and overall length is up by 2.5 inches, which Kia claims results in improved cabin space and cargo room. 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. Although the Niro’s three powertrains are largely a carryover from the previous model, all have made gains in efficiency. ![]()
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