Car Reviews
Kia’s Niro Hybrid – ECONOMY OF STYLE
Kia’s Niro Hybrid
ECONOMY OF STYLE
One of the best ways to ease inflation anxiety is to spend less money at fuel pumps.
Comfortable and pleasant to drive, the 2025 Kia Niro offers a wide range of ways to do that; it’s a compact crossover that offers a winning combination of fuel efficiency, style, and advanced technology.
Kia caters to a wide range of buyers with 14 models of Niro: five ICE models run on regular unleaded; five HEV models combine a gas engine with electric power; two PHEV models add an external charger to the HEV setup; and two BEV models that run strictly on electricity.
For a nicely equipped base LX gas model, prices start at $28,400 (delivery included). ICE prices top out around $33,500. Adding a hybrid to the driveline boosts prices by less than $900. PHEV models sell for $36,000 and $42,000, and the BEVS for $41,000 and $46,000.
The most bang for the buck in this lineup are the HEVs, though that may not be immediately apparent. The EPA says the ICE model will return an average of 49 mpg, and the hybrid will average around 53, but something is wrong here.
Notoriously heavy-footed, I rarely argue with the EPA’s fuel economy standards, which are usually 2-3 mpg better than mine. However, no matter how lightly I drove our ICE tester I could not push it past 39-40 mpg. Testers at Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds all reported comparable results.
That is a 33% difference in fuel economy between the gas and hybrid models, and, for the minimal upcharge levied by Kia, it seems like an investment with a quick return, and that is just at the fuel pump.
Instant torque from the electric motor makes the car accelerate markedly quicker and smoother. At the same time, hybrids sharply reduce engine wear in two ways: They take a tremendous amount of workload off the gas engine and, because the electric motor spins up the gas one before allowing it to fire, it pre-lubricates the engine and eliminates cold starts, the source of 90% of engine wear.
Don’t believe me? Google Consumer Reports most reliable cars. For the third year running, hybrids dominate the list. This year, plug-in hybrids made the list as well.
Fuel economy on a plug-in hybrid is always better than that of a regular hybrid, but how much more depends on driving habits. The system plugs into a regular 110 outlet (no special charger needed) and gives cars 30-35 all-electric miles before seamlessly switching to the hybrid gas-electric mode.
In the 14 months with her new PHEV Escape, Blonde Beauty drove about 4,000 miles on electricity only, which increased our electric bill by less than $2 a month, and 2,000 miles on the hybrid. She is averaging 69.5 mpg, which means that in 14 months, she bought about 30 gallons of gas, or what a Tahoe owner buys every week or two.
Thus, the funny look on my face when someone complains about gas prices: The best way to make it go down is to quit buying it.
A budget-conscious way to do that is through the Niro. We have previously evaluated the Niro BEV and found it pleasant company. Still, the paucity of charging stations in East Texas made it problematic for one who frequently travels to small towns. That is slowly changing.
Comfortable cabin
The Niro’s cabin is stylish and functional, featuring high-quality materials, excellent fit and finish, and a modern design. The comfortable seating accommodates up to five passengers, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear occupants. The interior is spacious and versatile, offering 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 63.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The Niro has a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad.
Powertrain
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 105 hp and 106 ft.lb of torque powers the Niro. Acceleration is leisurely but adequate for highway driving. Those numbers leap to 185 hp and 195 ft.-lbs. in the hybrid. The hybrid powertrain seamlessly transitions between gasoline and electric power; the only way to tell what the system is doing is to watch the gauges.
Ride and handling
The Kia Niro provides a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to a well-tuned suspension and rigid chassis. Steering is responsive and well-weighted. The regenerative braking system helps recover energy during braking, which increases both braking response and pad life.
Safety
The 2024 Kia Niro earned high marks for safety, with a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-seat occupant alert. Optional safety features include a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and blind-spot cameras.
Not all driver-assist systems are equal. Kia’s works exceptionally well. The lane-keeping assist keeps the vehicle nicely balanced between lane markers.
Warranty
Kia’s impressive warranty package includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The latter is available only to the first buyer.
Competition
- 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: A smaller crossover with a starting price of $24,695 and an estimated fuel economy rating of 37 MPG combined. Strengths include Toyota’s formidable reputation for reliability, while its cargo space may be smaller than the Niro.
- 2024 Toyota Prius: A popular hybrid with a starting price of $28,545 and an estimated fuel economy rating of 52 MPG combined. Strengths include its fuel efficiency and hatchback versatility, while its polarizing design may not appeal to everyone.
- 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: A larger compact crossover with a starting price of $31,470 and an estimated fuel economy rating of 38 MPG combined. Strengths include a spacious interior and comfortable ride, while its higher starting price may be a factor.
Bottom line
The Niro is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and fuel-efficient hybrid crossover that does not compromise on practicality or comfort. The Niro stands out in the increasingly competitive hybrid market with its spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive warranty coverage.
