Is the Kia Niro the very best price range hybrid c...

In the event you’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 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 their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an efficient option to get used to frequently charging.

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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 powerful ebook of options as normal, a few of that are normally optionally available 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

For the reason that Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it isn’t overly thrilling, however there are lots of elements to like about it. Having an electrical motor to help the engine offers the Niro a much-needed increase, 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 observed with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

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What I preferred 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 area all through. In truth, 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 some other necessities it’s best to hold within the automotive.

The Niro will get 17 helpful normal options, resembling enhanced auto emergency braking know-how, sensible 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 financial system

In keeping 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 couple of annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, until you’ve got 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 trouble. To be sincere, I am not satisfied the time and price 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 — superb for brief, low-speed journeys round city — however it’s solely useful 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 would not do a lot for efficiency, however it 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 lots of area. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cell phones, 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 barely good for some tissues or telephone 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 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 battling the three-hour recharge interval to get a couple of additional miles of vary. Until you’ve got a option to cost at residence, it is unlikely you will truly hold it charged up. Certain, 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 automotive. It drives nicely, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than comparable vehicles. In the event you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary know-how, and ample area, I would suggest the marginally inexpensive Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid