No, the Kia Niro is exclusively available in front-wheel drive variants. If you’re looking for a hybrid or electric SUV with all-wheel drive, have a look at the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, or Volkswagen ID. 4.
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Is it wise to buy a Kia Niro?
This car may appear to be a stylish SUV, but it is actually a hybrid type that uses less gas. Don’t be fooled! It achieves approximately 50 miles per gallon when traveling on both the interstate and the city streets, according to EPA estimations. This would appear to be a decent deal to someone who has only ever driven a gas-only car. Though is it? Real-world estimations place the Niro – notably its higher trim levels, which burn more fuel – toward the bottom of the group. 50 mpg combined is actually quite low for a hybrid.
But there are some benefits to the Niro. It offers you a handling performance that is more agile than usual, a more sophisticated cruise control system that is integrated with the navigation system, and wireless smartphone app connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Niro has some fierce competition, so weigh its advantages and disadvantages before deciding if it’s the right hybrid for you.
The 2021 Kia Niro has a brand-new, more sophisticated cruise control system that is directly connected to the Niro’s GPS navigation system, as we briefly mentioned in the introduction. It is offered on both the top-of-the-line EX Premium and the Touring Special Edition. This feature is distinctive in that it enables both establishing a safe driving speed and reading traffic signs. The new wireless smartphone app integration setup for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is also included with the EX Premium. The rear occupant alert is a standard feature across the board. The only changes being made at the moment are to the tech features, even though a revamped Niro should appear in the next few years (and presumably incorporate some stylistic influences from Kia’s HabaNiro concept car).
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Kia NiroThe Pros
1. Smooth Steering from the Driver
The steering mechanism of the 2021 Kia Niro performs smoothly. The Niro has well-balanced, very direct steering, which contributes to the car’s ease of maneuverability. It may not provide as much road feedback as gas-powered cars, but it feels light and comfortable for commuting within cities and bulks up when necessary.
2. Easy-to-grasp Handles
One aspect of driving the Niro that is fun is handling. Due to the driver’s separation from the road, it is not particularly engaging, but the car drives effectively anyway. This car turns around curves more readily than other hybrids in its class and is much more maneuverable than you might think from simply looking at it.
3. Comfortable Fore and Aft Seats
The Niro is a very comfortable car to drive, thanks to Kia. The seats are extremely comfortable because they have the ideal amount of lateral and lumbar support padding. Even better, you may choose to add heated and ventilation to the front seats, which is still somewhat unusual in this class. Long excursions can be taken in reasonable comfort, even in the back seats.
4. A pleasurable ride experience
The ride quality of the Niro is also fairly good. The Niro is a hassle-free vehicle for daily commuting, gliding easily over minor road imperfections. Although the engine makes a small amount of grunting noise when pushed to full throttle, the cabin is generally quiet at all speeds.
5. A Usable and Practical Design
Kia almost always works well at giving customers a simple design that is simple for them to understand. This most definitely applies to the 2021 Kia Niro. The controls are all conveniently located and have clear labels, and the driver’s seat has a good range of adjustment. The brief learning curve you experience with the Niro’s technology involves very little guesswork. Additionally, the cabin is roomy, making it simple for the five passengers to settle into comfortable positions.
6. Generally Clear External Visibility
Outside vision is good, with the exception of the back window, which is on the tiny side. That odd rear window may be avoided with the aid of a back-up camera and blind spot monitoring system, and the actual blind spots are not that large. In general, drivers need to have unobstructed views forward, backward, and to the sides.
7. The 10.25-inch touchscreen interface, which is optional
While the 10.25-inch touchscreen interface that may be installed with higher trim levels performs admirably, the standard infotainment touchscreen also does a respectable job. High-resolution graphic readouts that are simple to view and understand are available on this larger screen. The system operates without excessive crashes or errors. In general, it is user-friendly and offers excellent visibility without glare, unlike many larger screens.
8. A Harman Kardon Premium Sound System That Is Optional
While we’re talking about tech features, another benefit of upgrading to the Touring Special Edition or EX Premium is the 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. When you turn up the volume, there is no audible distortion and the sound quality is excellent. The bass also has a strong tone. It’s a system that demonstrates how adept Harman Kardon is at creating audio technology.
9. Many Modern Driver Aids Are Included Standard
The Kia package includes a ton of cutting-edge driver aids. To receive them, you do need to go up to the LXS trim level. Rear cross-traffic warning, a feature of blind spot monitoring, alerts you if someone is in your blind zone while you are moving the Niro in reverse. The driver alert warning on the Niro will sound if it detects that you are becoming overly sleepy or preoccupied. A potential front-end collision can be prevented with the aid of forward collision warning, while lane keep assist gently guides the Niro back into its designated driving lane when straying is detected. The whole lane keep assist system and adaptive cruise control are now included with the Touring. The amazing new nav-linked adaptive cruise control, which can both read traffic signs and set the speed, is available on the Touring Special Edition. Rear parking sensors are added to the Niro by upgrading to the EX Premium.
10. The Extensive Warranty Protection
The extended warranty coverage offered by Kia is one of the Niro’s most alluring features. Both of its powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warrantiesfive years/60,000 miles eachare longer than the industry standard. Additionally, a lengthy 10-year/100,000-mile guarantee is provided for the hybrid battery. Roadside service for five years or 60,000 miles is also included as standard.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Kia NiroThe Cons
1. Using a Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission in an Unusual Way
Instead of a dual-clutch, a CVT is typically used in hybrids. In order to transfer power to the wheels smoothly, CVTs tend to match well with hybrid powertrain components and increase economy. The Niro’s dual-clutch? Not really. Although it shifts smoothly, it does so slowlymuch more slowly than other CVTs. And as you attempt to get the car to change gears, you will notice that there is a lack of rapid power delivery.
2. Panic Braking Requires Work
While the brakes are simple to operate in routine braking situations, a sudden stop from 60 mph requires considerable distance. Maybe a touch too far apart. It causes a mediocre performance and makes the driver feel insecure.
3. Less cargo room than other competitors
Other hybrid vehicles have bigger trunks. Even the Toyota Prius has more cargo capacity behind its back seats than the Niro’s 19.4 cubic feet. Although this is not necessarily a poor figure, in a highly competitive market, every little cube counts. At least the rear seats can be folded flat for more room to fit larger goods.
4. Fuel economy at the bottom of the barrel
When you are used to a gas-only engine, 50 miles per gallon in mixed driving appears to be a good deal on paper. However, in reality, the Niro cannot compete with the Honda Insight or the Prius. The lowest combined mileage for the Touring trim level is 43 mpg, and even these figures fall short of real-world estimations. This car might not be for you if you’re looking for the best hybrid fuel efficiency.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
The Toyota Prius has emerged as the benchmark for hybrid automobiles. In combined driving, the 2021 model achieves well over 50 mpg, and actual tests support these EPA predictions. Due to its size, the Prius is simple to maneuver and easy to see out of. It has an all-wheel drive option, and the cabin is quiet even while the gas engine is running. The drawbacks? Uncomfortably off to the side, out of the driver’s line of sight, is where the instrument panel is located. For the part, acceleration is a little slow, and some road surfaces give the ride a twitchy sensation. Additionally, the infotainment system has to be upgraded immediately.
One of the standout hybrids for the model year is the 2021 Honda Insight. The cabin is well-muted and should feel very familiar to anyone who has driven an Accord or Civic in the past, despite the gas engine’s occasionally harsh sound. Honda knows how to create a roomy, elegant cabin. Additionally, the Niro and the Prius can’t match your car’s quick acceleration.
If you’re fresh to the world of hybrids, the 2021 Kia Niro might be a decent starting point. However, this year’s market has better hybrid vehicles. While Kia’s warranty coverage and quantity of user-friendly technology are undoubtedly admirable, the hybrid technology itself needs to be improved before we would rank it higher than the rest of the competition.
Does the Kia Niro have four wheels?
Is All-Wheel Drive Available for the Niro? No, the Kia Niro is exclusively available in front-wheel drive variants. If you’re looking for a hybrid or electric SUV with all-wheel drive, have a look at the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, or Volkswagen ID. 4.
Are Kia Niros EV 4WD?
Delivering new EV cars is something that Kia is dedicated to doing. In fact, the company released a road map outlining its objectives to expand the market for electric vehicles. The Kia Niro EV and Kia EV6 are the only two full-EV Kia cars available right now. Additionally, only one provides all-wheel drive. This makes it perfect for rougher environments or for those who simply prefer an AWD, EV SUV. Additionally, the 2022 Kia EV6 offers a wide range of contemporary features and a chic exterior. Which is likely to be something that many customers will value.
Which issues does the Kia Niro have?
The braking system on the 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid is another model that has a flaw. Owners of Kia Niros vehicles occasionally felt no braking pedal pressure when applying the brakes. This has occasionally resulted in accidents.
An other frequent issue is a defective brake powertrain. The following powertrain problem has been confirmed by a few Kia Niro owners:
Even if it is in “park mode,” your automobile may roll back if you put it in park on a modest slope. Sometimes you have to hit the brakes to stop it from rolling back. The majority of Kia Niro owners claim to occasionally run into this issue.
Possible causes and solutions
What might be causing the brake system and powertrain is unclear. Furthermore, Kia hasn’t made any statements to refute or confirm the reports.
We advise returning it to the Kia dealer if you encounter any of those issues. They ought to examine your car to see if they can resolve the problems.
Set up a time to see your mechanic.
The issues will be examined by your mechanic. Don’t wait to take action if you notice any powertrain problems.
Transmission oil should be checked.
Every Kia owner should have the gearbox system frequently inspected for damage, according to Kia.
Verify your mileage.
It is essential to have your mechanic check or replace your transmission fluid as soon as you reach 30,000 to 60,000 miles. The frequency of your maintenance will depend on how you drive.
When driving your 2017 Kia, do not overbrake.
Transmission problems might be brought on by applying the brakes frequently or keeping your foot on the pedal.
Always keep in mind how important it is to have your brakes tested frequently. Use your engine braking system rather than your parking braking when driving on a mountainous terrain.
Is the hybrid Kia Niro dependable?
The Kia Niro is one of the best SUVs on the market in terms of dependability. In its 2018 study, Consumer Reports rated the Kia Niro as the most dependable car. The 2019 Kia Niro has a reliability rating of 78/100 from J.D. Power.
The Niro from Kia gets great gas mileage. According to Consumer Reports, the car has a 43-mile fuel-economy range (43mpg).
The warranty on the Kia Niro also has a protracted grace period. So, if a problem arises with your automobile within seven years after purchase, Kia will probably pay for the necessary repairs.
All Kia owners benefit from the “Drive now, pay later plan” when they have their vehicles serviced at a Kia-authorized repair facility. With this plan, customers can pay 25% of their maintenance fees up front and spread the remaining balance over the following three months.
What distinguishes a hybrid from a plug-in hybrid?
Standard hybrid vehicles increase fuel efficiency by switching back and forth between their gas and electric motors. Plug-in hybrids have a bigger battery that is charged in your Tampa house using a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. Additionally, they include a “backup gas engine.
What distinguishes the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia Niro?
The powertrain of the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is identical to that of the standard model. However, the main distinction is that the hybrid model provides a substantially larger battery pack, which, according to the EPA, can add up to 26 miles, enhancing the EV range.