2023 Kia Niro

Overview

With a bold new look, the 2023 Kia Niro is set to add a dose of cool to its eco-friendly image. The base hybrid model comes with a 139-hp four-cylinder, while the perkier plug-in-hybrid model adds a more powerful electric motor that bumps output to 180 horsepower. The cabin, which is lined with sustainable materials, matches the extroverted exterior styling and looks fairly upscale for what will be one of Kia's entry-level models; it's positioned next to the boxy Soul at the small end of the lineup. A novel 'Green Zone' drive mode will be standard and uses navigation data to automatically switch the Niro into EV mode when driving in neighborhoods, near schools and hospitals, and by frequently visited places such as a driver's office or home.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Mazda CX-30

STARTING AT: $24,225

2

Hyundai Kona

STARTING AT: $23,475

3

Kia Soul

STARTING AT: $21,215

4

Volkswagen Taos

STARTING AT: $25,450

5

Kia Niro

STARTING AT: $27,915

6

Subaru Crosstrek

STARTING AT: $26,290

What's New for 2023?

The Niro is all new for 2023 with styling inspired by the HabaNiro concept from 2019. We expect to see the new Niro rolling into Kia showrooms in late 2022.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Pricing for the Niro hybrid has been announced and it's offered in a variety of styles for a broad range of budgets. Of those, we think the EX Touring trim represents the best value. It comes with a host of desirable features that aren't available on the base LX trim, including a sunroof, fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 18-inch wheels, and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment display. A full EV model is also available, but we review that one separately.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Like the 2022 model, the redesigned 2023 Niro hybrid is powered by a 139-hp powertrain that consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard, and the 2023 Niro is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. A plug-in hybrid powertrain adds a more powerful electric motor to the mix for a combined 180 horsepower. Neither model is particularly exciting to drive, but the plug-in hybrid offers perkier acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 7.3 seconds at our test track; the standard hybrid hit 60 mph in a languid 8.9 seconds.

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Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The plug-in-hybrid variant comes with an 11.1-kWh battery pack that is said to offer around 33 miles of electric driving range per charge. Kia says that when the car is connected to a Level 2 charger, the battery can be refilled in less than three hours. In our testing, the Niro plug-in hybrid managed to cruise for 25 miles on the highway on electric power before resorting to the gas engine for additional range.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the Niro hybrid is rated at up to 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway, but that applies only to 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 only 39 mpg; the Niro plug-in hybrid returned 37 mpg in the same test. For more information about the Niro's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A more sculptural interior design creates a more contemporary feel inside the new Niro. Kia has used recycled materials and natural fibers such as eucalyptus leaves for the headliner and upholstery. Passenger space is roughly the same as the outgoing Niro, meaning it's not the most spacious SUV on the market, but it should offer space for four adults and a cargo area big enough for a large grocery run. Ambient interior lighting lends an upscale touch, and a rotary shift knob replaces the lever-style gear selector found on the current model. In our testing, we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the Niro hybrid's rear seats and 20 with the rear seats folded. The Niro plug-in hybrid model held slightly less as its battery cannibalizes some of the cargo space, but we still fit 6 carry-ons behind the rear seats and 18 in total.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

While the Niro's standard infotainment display is an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display is included on all but the base LX trim and carries in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. Both displays run the latest version of Kia's UVO infotainment system and include both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trims and above get a wireless smartphone charging pad while the SX and SX Touring trims ditch the standard six-speaker stereo for a seven-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A host of driver-assistance features comes standard on all Niro models, including pedestrian detection capabilities, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. A more advanced adaptive cruise control system that features a semi-autonomous driving mode will be offered as an option. For more information about the Niro's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features 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

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia and its sister company, Hyundai, offer one of the most comprehensive vehicle warranties available. The 10-year powertrain warranty is the cornerstone, but they beat the competition almost across the board. The only thing that's missing—for Kia, at least—is complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs