Overview

commencing at $27,915

The 2023 Kia Niro is slated to inject some cool into its reputation as an eco-friendly vehicle with a daring new appearance. The plug-in hybrid model is more lively and includes a more potent electric motor, increasing output to 180 horsepower over the original hybrid model's 139 horsepower four-cylinder. It sits next to the boxy Soul at the tiny end of the spectrum and has an interior made of sustainable materials that fits the aggressive outward appearance and appears surprisingly sophisticated for one of Kia's entry-level cars. Driving in neighborhoods, close to hospitals and schools, and past regularly traveled locations will automatically put the Niro into EV mode thanks to a revolutionary "Green Zone" drive mode that will be standard such as a driver's office or home.

What has changed for 2023?

The HabaNiro concept from 2019 served as inspiration for the styling of the brand-new Niro for 2023. In late 2022, we anticipate seeing the new Niro arrive in Kia stores.

Cost and Which LX Model to Purchase

$10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $27,915 EX $30,575 EX Touring $32,875 SX $33,915 EX PHEV $35,165 SX Touring $36,215 SX PHEV $40,915 0


The Niro hybrid's price has been released, and it is available in a wide range of styles and price points. The EX Touring model, in our opinion, offers the best value of the bunch. The base LX model lacks a number of desirable extras, such as a sunroof, fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch wheels, and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment display. It also comes with these characteristics. There is also a full-EV model, which we examine separately.

Performance - Engine, Transmission, and Other

The updated 2023 Niro hybrid has the same 139 horsepower powertrain as the 2022 model, which consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor. The 2023 Niro is only available with front-wheel drive and comes standard with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A more potent electric motor is added to the mix for a total of 180 horsepower in a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Both models aren't very fun to drive, but the plug-in hybrid accelerates more quickly, doing so at our test track in 7.3 seconds as opposed to the normal hybrid's leisurely 8.9 seconds.


Battery Life, Charging, and Range

The 11.1 kWh battery pack that powers the plug-in hybrid model is expected to provide about 33 miles of electric driving range on a single charge. According to Kia, the battery can be recharged in less than three hours when the vehicle is linked to a Level 2 charger. The Niro plug-in hybrid we tested was able to travel 25 miles on the highway using only electric power before switching to the gas engine for more distance.

Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy

The Niro hybrid's EPA ratings range from 53 mpg in the city to 54 mpg on the highway, but only for the base LX grade. 53 city mpg and 45 highway mpg are the ratings for the rest. The Niro hybrid EX Touring only got 39 mpg on our highway fuel economy test route traveling at 75 mph, while the Niro plug-in hybrid got 37 mpg. To learn more about the Niro's fuel efficiency,

Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior

Inside the redesigned Niro, a more sculptural interior design imparts a more modern vibe. For the headliner and upholstery, Kia employed recyclable materials and organic fibers like eucalyptus leaves. It's not the largest SUV on the market in terms of passenger space, which is around the same as the outgoing Niro, but it should provide enough for four adults and a cargo section large enough for a lengthy supermarket run. A rotary shift knob will take the place of the present model's lever-style gear selector, and ambient interior lighting adds a premium touch. In our tests, we were able to fit 20 carry-on baggage with the rear seats folded and eight carry-on suitcases behind the Niro hybrid. The Niro plug-in hybrid variant carried slightly less because its battery cannibalizes some of the storage room, but we were still able to stow 18 items overall and 6 carry-ons behind the back seats.

Connectivity and Information

While the Niro's baseline infotainment screen is an 8.0-inch touchscreen, all trim levels save the base LX offer a bigger 10.3-inch infotainment screen that includes in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. Both displays are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and run the most recent version of Kia's UVO infotainment system. While the SX and SX Touring trims replace the normal six-speaker stereo with a seven-speaker Harman/Kardon system, EX trims and higher include a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Features for Driver Assistance and Safety
All Niro models come equipped with a variety of driver-assistance functions as standard equipment, including as the ability to identify pedestrians, monitor blind spots, and provide lane-keeping assistance. There will be a choice for a more sophisticated adaptive cruise control system with a semi-autonomous driving mode. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for more details regarding the results of the Niro's crash tests. Important safety elements include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Coverage for Warranties and Maintenance
One of the most complete automotive warranties is provided by Hyundai, a sibling company of Kia. The cornerstone is the 10-year powertrain warranty, but they outperform the competition practically everywhere else as well. The only thing lacking, at least for Kia, is free planned maintenance.

Five years or 60,000 miles are covered by the limited warranty.
10 years or 100,000 miles are covered under the powertrain warranty.
There is no free scheduled maintenance