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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What is it?
The Kia Niro is a respectable (though rather uninteresting) family-sized crossover in both its “self-charging” hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. But the e-Niro is a totally different animal. If you completely give up internal combustion today, are you still an early adopter? Most likely not, but every time someone asks what vehicle you drive, you’ll have the chance to pull the “I’m doing my part, are you smug face.”
Even if the cosmetic differences from the conventional Niro may not appear significant, they at least give the e-Niro a distinct personality. The blue accents and closed-off grille are both chic additions, and the Midnight Black paint option makes them stand out even more.
If someone were to sit down and create such a thing, the Kia has consistently been at the top of the zero emission ranking for the past couple of years, making it one of the most popular EVs. The e-Niro is the approachable face of the future, giving you the ability to incorporate innovative technology into your life without having to put it in your face in the way that other more ostentatious competitors do. It is an electric vehicle, yes, but that is not what makes it special. Additionally, it does a fantastic job of serving as a useful family wagon.
Fans of facts, it only has front-wheel drive and comes with Kia’s first-ever rotary gear selector and single-speed automatic transmission. Inside, there is plenty of room for five adults, according to Kia, and the Niro was made to be the size in-between the Sportage SUV and the Ceed hatchback.
The e-Niro range offers a straightforward selection of “2,” “3,” or “4+” trims; the only choices are whether to choose finer paint (which costs about 600 more) and whether to enroll in one of Kia’s generously priced fixed service plans up to five years.
The entry-level 2 has a 39kWh battery that is brand-new for 2021 and a motor that has 134bhp of power, but you can upgrade to the 64kWh battery and 201bhp motor that come standard with the 3 and 4+.
The Hyundai Kona Electric, the e-main Niro’s opponent, has a far more fascinating appearance with its Stormtrooper style and wider color selection, but the e-Niro excels in pricing and utility. The 64kWh e-Niro offers a massive 6k (almost) saving on its cousin thanks to careful price list manipulation following the government’s plug-in grant restriction to cars under 35k. The 39kWh version may only be a few hundred pounds less expensive than the equivalent Kona, but it does offer a larger saving. The Kia’s shorter range of 282 miles as opposed to the Kona’s longer range is the only trade-off.
Going for the smaller battery will save you around 2,000, but it will cost you two seconds on the way to 60 mph and about 100 miles of range. The 3 and 4+ can go 282 miles in 7.5 seconds, compared to the 2’s 180 miles and 9.5 seconds.
Nothing else will go you as far for the price as the e-Niron, with the possible exception of a Volkswagen ID.3 or the aforementioned Kona. Before you get as far, you’ll have to consider more expensive competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mach E to equal the mileage, then move on to more expensive rivals like Porsche and the like.
Has Kia got 4×4?
The Kia SUV and 4×4 Car Range. Introducing the line of Kia SUVs and 4×4 vehicles. They are strong, cozy, and lively, offering functionality without compromising design. Maybe you’ll be seduced by our small crossover, the Kia Stonic.
Which Kia vehicles are 4WD?
Visit our Kia showroom in Kenner, Louisiana to learn more about the AWD cars for sale nearby New Orleans. There are many Kia AWD models available for purchase here. When looking for an AWD vehicle from Kia, crossovers and SUVs are common selections.
The following recent Kia models come with AWD:
- Seltos
- Sportage
- Sorento
- Telluride
- Stinger
- K900
The innovative DynamaxTM AWD system from Kia uses electrical sensors to intelligently distribute power among the four wheels. No matter your driving style or the state of the roads, this intelligent system is continually working to improve performance and efficiency. The Center Lock option, available on Kia AWD vehicles like the new Telluride and Seltos, locks the torque arrangement to 50/50 front and rear, making it perfect for more challenging conditions such negotiating minor off-roading or heavy snow.
Does Niro Phev have four wheels?
Overview of the 2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Depending on the engine type, the 1.6 L-liter plug-in hybrid engine in the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid variants can provide up to 139 horsepower. The front wheels of the 2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid are driven. You can choose from a 6-speed automatic manual transmission.
The Kia e-Niro just got even more attractive as one of the best mass-market EVs around with the introduction of an expanded range. Importantly, for the first time a 39kWh entry-level car is being made available in the UK meaning better affordability without sacrificing too much of what makes the e-Niro such a great car.
When we tested the Kia e-Niro First Edition during the winter, we described it as “just what an EV should be. Even in the single e-Niro ‘4’ standard that we were provided at the time, which came in at 34k, it represented good value for money with a realistic range of roughly 250 miles, a high level of kit, solid build quality, and plenty of space for a family.
With the addition of three additional parameters, Kia has addressed one of the few complaints we had about the e-Niro. The Kia e-Niro 2 is at the low end of the spectrum and introduces a 39kWh battery and a motor with less power to the UK market for the first time, enabling the on-the-road pricing to drop to $29,595. This lower-spec vehicle has previously only been accessible abroad. The “3,” which has a larger 64kWh battery and a more powerful motor, is further up the line, followed by the “4+,” which has the highest level of equipment.
New powertrain
Even though losing 25kWh from the battery capacity looks like a significant reduction, the new Kia e-Niro 2 is still an alluring package. With a battery capacity of 39 kWh, it has a range of up to 180 miles, which is longer than that of the upcoming Mazda MX-30, the larger-battery MG ZS EV, and not too distant from the 50 kWh Vauxhall Mokka-e. According to the WLTP cycle, the e-Niro 2 can travel up to 251 miles in an urban setting with much lower battery depletion.
The e-Niro 2’s motor produces 134 horsepower instead of the 201 that was previously offered, but it still accelerates the vehicle to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 96 mph with the same 291 lb-ft of torque. To put that in perspective, the 64kWh ‘3’ and ‘4+’ standard cars with the 201bhp motor exceed 104 mph and reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.
The performance offered by the base spec car is what we’d consider “ample” for the majority of people, although there will undoubtedly be a visible difference on the road, especially when accelerating at higher speeds.
Due to how each battery is handled during the charging cycle, charging is handled at up to 100kW DC for both battery sizes, requiring 54 minutes to reach 80% on either. The smaller battery attains 80% at 50kW DC in 57 minutes compared to 75 minutes for the bigger version. The “4+” model now supports lower powered AC charging at up to 11kW thanks to a redesigned on-board charger.
Three different spec levels
The “+” that has been added to the Kia e-“4” Niro’s specification car is there to indicate that it now comes standard with an AC 11kW three-phase charger, a first for the Kia e-Niro.
The Kia e-Niro comes equipped with a respectable level of equipment even in its base “2” configuration. A 7-inch TFT display cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen in the center console with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and MP3 compatibility are all within the vehicle. A reverse camera and USB connections, including a rapid charger, allow wired phone connectivity. Automatic air conditioning keeps things cool, while other features like an electronic parking brake with auto hold, smart cruise control with stop and go, automatic headlights and windshield wipers, and LED lights up front and back make driving a breeze.
All models come equipped with a wide range of safety features as standard, including as forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and driver attention warnings that warn of possible driver fatigue. Seven airbags keep occupants safe should the worst happen. ABS, stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, emergency stop signaling, and smart cruise help prevent collisions.
And those are only the highlights, so it’s obvious that the Kia e-Niro 2 is well-equipped.
If you upgrade to the e-Niro 3, you’ll also get heated front seats and a steering wheel in addition to leather upholstery. Wireless phone charging is possible, and the infotainment system has far greater specifications. The 10.25 inch touchscreen with an excellent sat-nav system is obviously included. The e-Niro 3 now has access to TomTom Live, which includes traffic, speed cameras, local search, and weather, as part of Kia Connected Services, in addition to full European mapping and a traffic messaging channel.
Drivers can easily access extra information, such as charging details, charger locations, and their availability, thanks to UVO CONNECT. A smartphone app that also provides remote access to a number of car features can be used to administer UVO CONNECT.
A one-touch tilt and slide sunroof, LED headlights with bi-function projection, heated outer rear seats, and ventilated front seats are included in the Kia e-Niro 4+, which sits at the top of the range. The cabin is made even more comfortable with ambient lighting, an eight-speaker, 320 watt JBL sound system, and to top it all off, front parking sensors and intelligent speed limit warning are featured.
Price and availability
You can order a Kia right now with any of the new specs by visiting a Kia store or ordering online. There are fewer reports of long wait periods for the e-Niro now that production has been increased, allowing the Korean company to complete orders much more quickly than it could at launch.
Price-wise, the e-Niro ‘2’ will cost you 29,595 after the PiCG, the ‘3’ will cost you 33,850, and the ‘4+’ will cost you 36,145.
A SUV is the Kia Niro?
- Highs Excellent fuel economy, PHEV option, and budget-friendly price.
- Lows Could be quicker, folding the back seats causes the cargo floor to be uneven, and the transition from gas to electric power needs some work.
- Verdict The Niro is a small SUV for thrifty shoppers with a low pricing and an effective hybrid powertrain, but it isn’t particularly thrilling to drive.
What 4×4 vehicle is the least expensive?
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer’s true starting price is a little bit lower than what is stated below, but all-wheel drive is only available with the ES trim level or higher. The high-performance Evolution model of this small, five-passenger sedan is no longer offered, but the all-wheel drive Lancer nevertheless provides commendable driver-focused dynamics. In spite of the fact that the Lancer is one of the least expensive 4-wheel drive vehicles, some passengers may be surprised by its ability to make sharp turns and take rough corners.
What Kia SUVs are AWD?
An SUV is a great option for your next vehicle if you value utility and want a model that will handle any task you face. All-wheel drive SUVs and crossovers are designed specifically to handle challenging driving conditions. The following SUV models are available with all-wheel drive from Kia:
- Kia Sorento: The Kia Sorento is a spacious, cost-effective midsize SUV that has received numerous safety awards. The Sorento has a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in addition to receiving the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation. All-wheel drive is a feature that is available on the Sorento LX, S, EX, and SX grades. The Sorento sports a V-6 engine that is also an option, seats seven passengers, and has plenty of storage space.
- The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with seating for up to five people. The NHTSA awarded this model a 5-star overall safety rating. The Kia Sportage is a great option for any driving excursion thanks to that mix. You’ll like driving this car because to its array of standard technologies and two available engines, one of which is turbocharged. AWD is an option for all four Sportage grades (LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo).
- Kia Telluride: The Kia Telluride combines SUV dependability and luxury. To discover the ideal match for you, choose from a choice of AWD models and settings. The Telluride stands out from other SUVs thanks to its cutting-edge technology, excellent power and handling, and the greatest interior passenger space in its class. The Telluride has a naturally aspirated V-6 engine that generates 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
What distinguishes 4WD and AWD from each other?
In contrast to AWD, 4WD locks the front and rear driveshafts together while still sending power to both the front and rear axles. This indicates that the power applied to the two axles is equal. As a result, the car has more traction when driving off-road in muddy, snowy, or sandy conditions.
What makes four-wheel drive superior to all-wheel drive?
The Function of Four-Wheel Drive Similar to AWD systems, 4WD is made to distribute torque to all four wheels of a vehicle to improve traction as necessary. However, 4WD systems are typically more durable and capable of navigating more difficult terrain than AWD systems. They also come in full-time and part-time varieties.
Do Kias handle snow well?
The Kia Sportage is a reliable option for winter travel, with the all-wheel-drive model being the best. The Sportage performs admirably in the winter thanks to its traction control, stability control, ABS, and Driver Assist Technology features, but its 6.4-inch ground clearance places some restrictions on it.