In recent times, there has been a surge in the popularity of compact crossovers, and among them, the Kia Niro stands out with its forward-thinking features. With its standard hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric options, there is something for everyone, regardless of what you are looking for. In this review, we will do a deep dive into what makes this vehicle unique. But before we delve into that, we need to look at what people are saying about it online.
Recent driving statistics show an increasing number of people turn to the Internet for information about cars before purchasing them. But can you really trust what you read online? Well, yes (if you are reading it here, of course), but you shouldn’t trust it entirely.
What is Kia Niro?
According to Wikipedia, Kia Niro is an electrification-focused vehicle, offering three versions: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric variants.
Also read: Kia E-Niro vs Kia Niro EV Explained
Does the Kia Niro Live up to the Hype?
There has been quite a buzz online regarding the Kia Niro, and most of the reviews have been positive. Most of the reviews are from review sites, like What Car, Car and Driver, Auto Express, and Edmunds, where testing is carried out, increasing their legitimacy.
Here are some examples of the ratings found on different websites:
- Car and Driver ranks Kia Niro 5th in the category for Best Subcompact SUVs
- WhatCar gives 4 out of 5 stars
- AutoExpress gives 4.5/5 stars
- Edmunds gives 8 out of 10 stars
The combined reviews analysed show that while there may be a few drawbacks, the Kia Niro lives up to the hype.
The Reviews
Key Findings:
1. Safety
After rigorous crash testing, Car and Driver awarded the Kia Nitro’s safety features a 4 over 5-star rating. They were particularly impressed by the standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. U.S. News & World Report also lauded the safety features of this vehicle, especially the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), providing a sense of security for you and your loved ones.
2. Performance
Most reviewers like that the Niro is easy to use, especially in tight spaces. Edmunds highlighted that even with the hybrid and electric models, this vehicle offers a smooth ride while delivering enough power for daily driving.
3. Fuel Economy
MotorTrend highlighted that the hybrid version has a notable fuel economy that outshines some of its competitors. Edmunds emphasised that while the Niro is a very fuel-efficient crossover, it is not as efficient as its major competitor, the Toyota Prius.
4. Interior
According to WhatCar, the interior is roomy, especially considering the Niro’s small size. Car and Driver highlighted the quality materials and in-built controls in the interior.
5. Value for Money
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Niro offers good value for money with its pricing, strong resale value, and minimal running costs. It also offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty, making it a very convincing sell.
6. Some Drawbacks
According to Edmunds, the acceleration is lacklustre. Some reviewers also highlighted that there is less cargo room than most of its rivals. Car Wow reviewed the hybrid and PHEV options, which have smaller boots than the electric Niro. However, it’s important to note that these drawbacks are minor and may not significantly impact the overall driving experience.
Features of the Kia Niro
At first glance, the 2024 Kia Niro will catch your eye with its shiny, modern design. It looks like a car sophisticated enough for city life while resilient enough for weekend getaways. The exterior is thoughtfully designed, with a distinctive front grille, sharp LED headlights, and clean lines that not only enhance its look but also improve its fuel efficiency. Let’s look at some of these features in detail.
· Performance and Efficiency
The Niro’s hybrid model is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. The result? A combined 139 horsepower that offers a smooth, quiet ride, perfect for city driving or highway cruising. On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid version offers the best of both worlds. You get an all-electric range of up to 26 miles, which is great for daily commutes, and when you need to go further, the gasoline engine kicks in seamlessly.
The Niro EV is where things get exciting. With a range of over 250 miles on a single charge and 201 horsepower, it’s not just about efficiency—it’s about performance as well. The electric motor’s instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the lack of engine noise adds a sense of calm to the drive.
· Safety Features
Kia has packed the Niro with a full suite of safety features. From forward collision-avoidance assist to lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring, the Niro is designed to keep you and your passengers safe. The EV and PHEV models go even further, offering features like parking collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
· Interior and Comfort
The Niro is both spacious and practical despite it being a compact crossover. The cabin also feels roomy, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The design is simple yet refined, with high-quality materials and a layout that makes everything easy to reach. Additionally, the tech in the Niro is impressive, as it comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that’s intuitive and easy to use.
With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can connect your smartphones and enjoy your favourite apps easily on the go. Plus, combined with a digital instrument cluster and optional wireless charging, the cabin feels as modern as it looks.
· Exterior Design
The Niro’s aerodynamic shape isn’t just for show. Those smooth lines and subtle curves help reduce drag, which helps fuel efficiency. The LED headlights and signature “Tiger Nose” grille add a touch of boldness to its overall appearance, making it stand out in traffic.
Why You Should Consider the Kia Niro
There are many compact crossovers on the market, so what makes the Kia Niro unique? The Kia Niro stands out with its outstanding fuel efficiency, eco-friendly options, versatility in powertrains, and competitive pricing. These unique selling points make the Niro a compelling choice for those looking for a compact crossover. So, let’s discuss some of these benefits of the Kia Niro in detail.
· Outstanding Fuel Efficiency
The Niro truly shines in the fuel efficiency department. The hybrid model can achieve an impressive combined 50 MPG, making it one of the best fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. This is particularly beneficial if you do a lot of city driving, where fuel costs can quickly add up, making you feel financially savvy.
· Eco-Friendly Options
The Niro is an excellent choice if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact and carbon footprint. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models produce fewer emissions than traditional gasoline vehicles. If you opt for the Niro EV, you can drive knowing that you’re producing zero tailpipe emissions—perfect for the eco-conscious driver.
· Versatility in Powertrains
One of the coolest things about the Niro is the variety of powertrain options it offers. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward hybrid, a plug-in hybrid that gives you some electric-only range, or a fully electric vehicle with zero emissions, the Niro has something to offer you.
· Value for Money:
Despite its impressive features, the Niro is priced competitively. It’s a smart buy when you consider the fuel savings in the plug-in hybrid and electric versions. Plus, the potential tax incentives can improve the deal even further.
· Kia’s Reliable Warranty:
An industry-leading warranty backs Kia’s reputation for reliability. The Niro comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
The Kia Niro Alternatives
If you are considering the Kia Niro but want to check out other alternatives that offer the same features, practicality, and fuel efficiency, highlighted below are a few options.
· Toyota RAV4 Hybrid/ RAV4 Prime
· Hyundai Kona Electric
· Honda CR-V Hybrid
· Ford Escape Hybrid/ plug-in Hybrid
· Subaru Crosstek hybrid
· Chevrolet Bolt EUV
· Mazda Cx-30
· Nissan Rogue Hybrid
Positive Reviews of Kia Niro
Many drivers report great reviews of Kia Niro. Here are some of them and how Kia Niro helped them have a great driving experience:
- MM11: I’ve had my EX for 2 months now. I’m really liking it. It gets super gas mileage in ECO mode which I use almost all the time. I’ve been getting about 53 mpg (using a lot of regen braking). The ride quality is pretty good considering the wheel/tire size. It could be improved if the wheel/tire size is increased but then you wouldn’t have the super mileage it gets. By comparison I believe the Prius wheels/tires are even smaller so I think this is a good compromise.
- S. Deemer: Update: August 22, 2023: 8,000 mile service on August 4, 2023. No significant issues since purchase. However, hydraulic fluid reservoir for engine actuator clutch appears to have been grossly overfilled at the factory, and was badly contaminated at 2,900 miles. I sucked out the contaminated fluid and replaced it with fresh DOT-4. Repeated at 6,000 miles. Service manager looked at my photo of contaminated vs fresh fluid, and agreed to replace and flush as part of 8,000 mile service. Calculated cumulative fuel consumption between 3,000 and 5,000 miles was 50.2 mpg. From 8000 to 16000 mile service: 51.6 mpg.
- TJ: After being a customer with Hyundai for 15 yrs I’ve decided to switch to Kia. Kia brand appears to be much more futuristic, both exterior and interior. So far I’ve enjoyed this EX touring Niro hybrid. May not look that big but it does have plenty interior space.Nice modern looking dash
Negative Reviews of Kia Niro
- Hywel.me: The car is constantly beeping and pulls the steering wheel if it thinks that my driving is not up to scratch. In the UK, with our narrow road lanes , the lane keep assist gets really annoying very quickly, and can make it harder to drive safely. It is often a relief to get into an older car without any ‘driver assistance’ technology.
- Wallohr: Got my Niro about a month ago after turning in my leaf. This car just doesn’t fit me. I find the seats uncomfortable, the entertainment controls swapping with the ac controls is maddening. The cargo space is so small for a car it’s size. The warning about upcoming red light cameras is driving me insane. The range is great but even in sport it’s not as peppy as the leaf was.
- Tetatdo: I came from a 2021 Leaf SL plus and i feel like the Niro’s more roomy and I definitely like the infotainment better. I do hate the entertainment/ac controls thing maddening to, and also how annoying long it takes for the heat to come on when you turn it on. It blows cold air for several minutes before warming up.
Wrapping Up
Now that we have reviewed the Kia Niro and its multiple online reviews, we can confidently conclude that the Niro is a well-rounded compact crossover. Its versatility appeals to a variety of drivers, and if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, it is the car for you.