In addition to its city-friendly size and affordable starting price, the 2024 Kia Niro offers fashionable styling that is both attractive and classy. The entry-level Niro is powered by a 139-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that's admittedly a bit cramped, but if you want more power, there's a plug-in-hybrid version with 180 ponies and 33 miles of electric drive. -approximate range. Inside, the Niro's contemporary image continues, with a cabin that's as elegant as its exterior. Kia has used environmentally friendly materials wherever possible, including the upholstery and headliner, the latter using eucalyptus leaves. Road manners are pleasant—if forgettable—but the Niro feels at home in urban environments. If you want to go all-electric, Kia also sells the Niro EV; we review those models separately.The second-generation Niro hybrid debuts for the 2023 model year, and Kia hasn't made any significant changes to its smallest SUV for 2024. The only change to the Niro's options sheet is the removal of the Fire Orange Metallic paint for the SUV's exterior.
We think the EX Touring trim represents the best value. It comes with several interesting features not available on the base LX trim, including a sunroof, fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 18-inch wheels, and a larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen. A full EV model is also available, but we reviewed it separately.
Infotainment and Connectivity
While the Niro's standard infotainment display is an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen is included on all but the base LX trim and features in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. Both displays run the latest version of Kia's UVO infotainment system and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trims and above get a wireless smartphone charging pad, while SX and SX Touring trims ditch the standard six-speaker stereo for a seven-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Several driver assistance features come standard on all Niro models, including pedestrian detection capability, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. A more advanced adaptive cruise control system with lane centering is offered as an option. For more information on Niro crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
Standard lane departure warning with lane keep assist
Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia and its sister company, Hyundai, offer one of the most comprehensive vehicle warranties available. A 10-year powertrain warranty is the cornerstone, but they beat the competition almost across the board. The only thing missing—at least for Kia—is free scheduled maintenance.
The limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
No free scheduled maintenance
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Niro hybrid is powered by a 139-hp powertrain consisting of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard, and the Niro is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. The plug-in-hybrid powertrain adds a more powerful electric motor for a combined 180 horsepower. Neither model is particularly exciting to drive, but the plug-in hybrid offers better acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 7.3 seconds on our test track; The standard hybrid reaches 60 mph in a sluggish 8.9 seconds.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The plug-in-hybrid variant comes with an 11.1 kWh battery capable of an electric driving range of around 33 miles per charge. Kia says if the car is connected to a Level 2 charger, the battery can be recharged in less than three hours. In our testing, the Niro plug-in hybrid managed 25 miles on the highway on electric power before switching to the gas engine for additional range.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
According to the EPA, the Niro hybrid is rated up to 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway, but that only applies to the base LX trim. All others are rated for 53 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the Niro hybrid EX Touring managed just 39 mpg; The Niro plug-in hybrid returned 37 mpg in the same test. For more information on the Niro's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The sculptural interior design creates a contemporary feel inside the Niro. Kia has used recycled materials and natural fibers such as eucalyptus leaves for the headliner and seats. Passenger space is comfortable, but the Niro is a small crossover and offers enough space for four adults, and a cargo area large enough to hold a large amount of groceries. Ambient interior lighting provides an upscale touch, and the rotary shift knob is similar to what you'd find on a Genesis luxury car. In our testing, we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the Niro hybrid's rear seats and 20 suitcases with the rear seats folded. The Niro plug-in hybrid model has less capacity because the battery takes up some of the cargo space, but we were still able to fit six pieces of carry-on luggage behind the rear seats and a total of 18 pieces of luggage.
Specification
2023 Kia Niro Vehicle Type
: front-engine, front motor, front-wheel drive, 5 passengers, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $27,785/$32,685
Options: EX Touring (paddle shifters, 18-inch wheels, fog lights, folding, and heated mirrors, sunroof, LED interior lights, aluminum pedals, leather seat trim, heated front seats, second-row ventilation, 10.3-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, push-button start), $4900
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 1.6 liter inline-4, 104 hp, 106 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 11 and 43 hp, 26 and 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 0.7 -kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est)
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 11.0 inch ventilated disc/10.3-inch disc
Tires: Continental ProContact RX
225/45R-18 95V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
Length: 174.0 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Height: 60.8 inches
Passenger Volume: 102 ft. 3
Cargo Volume: 23 ft. 3
Curb Weight: 3217 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.9 seconds
1/4-Mile: 16.9 seconds @ 82 mph
100 mph: 27.4 seconds
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd): 106 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft
Road holding, 300 ft. Skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
75-mph Highway Driving: 39 mpg
75-mph Highway Distance: 700 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 49/53/45 mpg
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2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Type
: front-engine, front motor, front-wheel drive, 5 passengers, 4-door wagon
PRICING BASIS
/As Tested: $35,035/$36,225
Options: Cold Weather EX Package (heated steering wheel and outboard rear seats, heat pump), $600; Snow White Pearl paint, $395, black C-pillar trim, $195
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 1.6 liter inline-4, 104 hp, 106 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 11 and 83 hp, 26 and 150 lb-ft (combined output: 180 hp, 195 lb-ft; 8.9 -kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est)
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 11.0 inch ventilated disc/10.3-inch disc
Tires: Continental ProContact RX
225/45R-18 95V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
Length: 174.0 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Height: 60.8 inches
Passenger Volume: 102 ft. 3
Cargo Volume: 19 ft. 3
Curb Weight: 3466 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.3 seconds
1/4-Mile: 15.7 seconds @ 89 mph
100 mph: 20.0 seconds
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd): 120 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Road holding, 300 ft. Skidpad: 0.85 g
FUEL ECONOMICS C/D
75-mph Highway Driving Speed, EV/Hybrid Mode: 81 MPGe/37 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 25/360 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY ( C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 47/51/43 mpg
Gasoline + Electric Combined: 108 MPGe
EV Range: 33 miles
