The Niro faces competition from compact crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek to specialized hybrids like the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.
Though you should think about your practical requirements, there’s a good chance that the Niro will be a good fit for your way of life.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a fully electric vehicle with a great range and a reasonable price to consider if you’re looking for one.
In This Article...
Is the Kia Niro categorized as an SUV?
The Kia Niro: An Excellent SUV The Kia Niro is a capable compact SUV for 2022. Each of the three Niro configurationshybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and all-electric (EV)offers excellent fuel efficiency.
A midsize SUV is the Kia Niro.
The 2022 Niro, Kia’s smallest SUV, offers functionality and value in a compact design. However, the Niro’s hybrid powertrains set it apart from competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona, which don’t have such a choice. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor produces 139 horsepower as the base powertrain. Another option is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which can travel up to 26 miles on electric power before starting its gasoline engine. Although the Niro is less enjoyable to drive than some of its rivals, there are few options better than a Niro hybrid for buyers looking for an SUV with exceptional fuel efficiency. Kia also offers the Niro EV, which we separately review, if you’re interested in going completely electric.
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 Kia Niro going out of production?
The Kia Niro is a carryover vehicle with no significant revisions for the 2022 model year. This model year of the Niro is the last for this generation, according to Kia.
Kia Niro dependability
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.
A Kia Niro is cozy, right?
The Niro has a more luxurious and roomier cabin than the majority of its competing hybrid competitors. Although it doesn’t have the same level of fuel efficiency as the market leaders like the Toyota Prius, it makes up for it with enticing technological features including some of the most cutting-edge driving aids available.
Parallel Hybrid System
The advanced Full Parallel Hybrid System in the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is largely responsible for the vehicle’s ground-breaking economy and dynamic performance. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers a 26-mile all-electric range rating** along with up to 46 combined MPG** by combining a hybrid-optimized Atkinson cycle engine with a highly efficient electric motor. The car uses regenerative braking to store kinetic energy for battery recharging. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers a sporty ride not found in its rivals thanks to a highly responsive, smooth-shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCT), in contrast to other hybrids that typically provide a continuous variable transmission (CVT). Even better, it qualifies for federal and tax rebates***, as well as a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) decal in several jurisdictions.
Hybrid Technology and Charging Capabilities
Directly in front of the driver is a Supervision Instrument Cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT LCD screen that makes it simple to see critical vehicle data like speed, fuel, and distance in a flash. It is situated between recessed gauges. Thanks to Kia’s UVO connection system, you may communicate with your Niro Plug-In Hybrid directly from your smartphone. Utilize features like Off-Peak Charge Scheduling to schedule charging during off-peak electricity hours or Find Charging Stations to locate charging stations while you’re on the go in order to maximize your savings. Before you get to your car, you’ll be able to lock and unlock doors, turn on your engine, and regulate the temperature inside with heated accessories or air conditioning.
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers drivers a variety of charging choices. For convenient overnight charging, its high-capacity battery system recharges in less than 2.5 hours using a 240V power outlet and in less than 9 hours using a typical domestic electrical outlet. To find the closest charging station, you may even utilize the voice-command navigation system that is available and offers turn-by-turn directions.
Driver-Centric Interior
The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid has an interior that is filled with thoughtfully designed comfort and convenience features, which is the ideal companion to its attractive outward appearance. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is designed to allow you to make the most of every square inch of inside space and provide you complete freedom when setting up your cargo. You may discover your ideal seating position using the available 10-way power driver’s seat, and the Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) technology will allow you to maintain it. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has logical standard equipment like an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-zone air conditioning. Bright contrast stitching that is an option for leather seats offers the interior a unique touch.
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.
Does the Kia Niro resemble the Hyundai Kona?
Both the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Niro are small SUVs with hybrid or electric drivetrains. The Niro provides a fully electric model in addition to the hybrid engine that is included as standard. The Kona has an internal combustion engine as standard equipment, however model years 2019 and beyond also come with a totally electric option.
Is Toyota superior to Kia?
According to a J.D. Power research from 2019, Kia has the highest initial quality in the non-premium segment in the United States. The 2016 Kia Soul, 2016 Toyota Corolla, Prius, and Prius V were all rated as being among the most dependable vehicles on the road by J.D. Power.
Styling and Presence
Hyundai and Kia have extremely comparable vehicle lineups. Though it’s important to note that Hyundai has established a luxury branch named Genesis that largely addresses those gaps, Kia does provide a few vehicles that Hyundai doesn’t. Hyundai’s aesthetic is generally much more restrained and understated, with slender curves and unobtrusive round forms making up the majority of the design elements. However, compared to their Hyundai cousins, Kia vehicles have sportier style that gives them a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. In a similar vein, compared to the Hyundai model, Kia SUV vehicles have a more robust, off-road oriented look. In general, Hyundai automobiles are more likely to blend in with the crowd, but Kia styling is more angular and futuristic, designed to grab attention and make a statement.
Performance and Handling
Although Hyundai and Kia share platforms and drivetrains, we already established that each company maintains its own independent engineering divisions. This is significant because it enables individual ride and handling characteristics to be tuned for each brand of car. It’s risky to generalize given the large range of vehicles available, including hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and vans. In contrast, a comparable Hyundai vehicle is probably going to prioritize a smoother, but disconnected-feeling ride, whilst you will probably find that Kia vehicles provide more dynamic, engaging handling qualities. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but in our opinion, Kia automobiles’ special chassis tuning significantly increases fun.
Price and Value
Kia automobiles are typically less priced than their Hyundai counterparts. The comparable Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,850, while the Kia Forte starts at $17,890. Although the Forte is less priced, Kia didn’t scrimp on quality or features. Like Hyundai, Kia provides one of the best warranties in the industry, which is ten years and 100,000 miles. Both companies offer quality that is unmatched in the industry and stand behind their products. In the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study*, Kia placed third for 2021, ahead of brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, and even Mercedes-Benz. Even Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, ended behind Kia. Only Porsche and Lexus were ranked higher among mass market brands in terms of quality than Kia. At the top of that list, Kia is, in our opinion, in good company. It’s also important to note that J.D. Power named the Kia Optima, Sorento, and Sportage as the top models in each of their respective classes.
The Kia Advantage
In conclusion, Kia cars offer greater value and better quality, with bolder style and a more dynamic driving experience, even though Kia and Hyundai offer comparable vehicles. Simply put, no matter what you value most in a car, Kia automobiles are better overall. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide. We recognize that purchasing a new car is a significant investment. We advise you to test drive both brands since we are certain that you will ultimately decide on a Kia. Any way you look at it, it’s unquestionably the better option. Please forgive me, Hyundai.