2017 Kia Niro Touring

The Kia Niro is proof positive that hybrids don’t have to look like a science experiment. The E.P.A. rates the fuel economy at up to 50 miles per gallon. Find out what Tom Voelk got as he reviews the Kia Niro Touring model.


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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[cadsux]

Consumer Reports 2018 Reliability Survey just ranked Kia #3, just behind Toyota/Lexus, with the Niro the most reliable Kia model, & the most reliable new car for 2018. Impressive.

[crmcbrideww]

People are so afraid of the car labels but lose slight of what's practical and will make their lives better. Have some confidence people and buy whatever is best for your life

[crownryalonice]

Not a crossover. Not an SUV. It's a wagon. And I'm ok with that!

[joes.]

As always Tom, excellent series. The only car review magazine I read/watch!

[brucec]

We recently purchased a Kia Sedona for an elderly relative and were very very impressed with the quality for the price. Depreciation is steep so we got a barely used '17 for about 25% off. We are going to check out the Stinger GT for ourselves when it hits lots. They definitely have our attention now.

[dtasca]

Thanks for bringing back your evil twin. He’s been sorely missed.
Nicely done!

[tonys]

The 2018 plug-in version, with the bigger electric motor and battery pack, is a smart run-about-town car that can support the occasional long distance escape from hurricanes in Florida! The plug-in has a smoother operation of the transmission at lower speeds; the electric motor takes over for longer. I’ll return my TDI back to VW this year and fault the company for not producing a more competitive electric car sooner. My regular long distance travel will remain assigned to a different car.

[dougn]

I gotta admit, hybrid cars are becoming very attractive. Gas prices are not going to be as low as they are right now.
$2.50/gal in Missouri April 2018.

[jonshelness]

I'd take 4 good snow tires over 4-wheel drive. No problem there.

[stevewise]

Great catch on the 130 lb limit. Thank you!

[evingmadeez]

I dont understand why people fuss about all wheel drive...when or where would you need it ? Off roading?

[brandonpollard]

Also when I 1st started watching your channel YES I thought you had a twin brother honestly I was like WOW him and his brother review cars together cool

[dougn]

The folks at Hyundai/Kia admitted that AWD would have meant a big hit to fuel economy. And FWD is sufficient for winter driving in most of the US anyway. Thus the decision to skip AWD.

[cadsux]

Since the Soul is the "short version" of the Kia Rio,  Hyundai/Accent PB platform, it's a hatchback. If it was longer, and/or had 50% interior volume behind the 2nd row, then it's a wagon. The Niro too. Of course, they're called MPVs in Asia. I wish Kia would sell the Optima wagon in the U.S.

[claytonroot]

I don't understand all the hype over 4 wheel drive (actually All Wheel Drive). It costs more, both up front and in additional maintenance fees, adds weight, and reduces fuel economy. Cars have had 4 wheel brakes almost forever and people tend to forget that. Ever notice how many AWD vehicles you see spun out or in the ditch in winter because people overdrive them? There are extremely few cases where a front wheel drive with snow tires will be overly challenged. In fact Car & Driver magazine ran an experiment a few years back and concluded that the best all around winter vehicle was a front wheel drive with snow tires. The ONLY situation they mentioned where an all wheel drive excelled was if the tires on one side were on a high traction surface and the other side was on ice. They mentioned that handling of all wheel drives along with braking distances were actually poorer. If you happen to live out in the boonies in snow country, then by all means AWD can be an advantage. For those who live in the city where streets are plowed regularly, front wheel drive with snow tires should do you just fine. The Niro's slightly higher ground clearance, compared to a car, will assist in deeper snow.

[beartankoperator]

I wish he would just point out that the change in mpg is due to the difference in tires not a big deal though solid review

[morebarsmoreplaces]

I love your reviews, I just only wish the evil twin segment would have him say something “evil” like for this I would have had the evil twin say “what kind of nerd would drive a wagon?” While regular you makes the good argument “For those that want practicality, style, and car dynamics”

[TheHelghast]

I'm sure you two had an entertaining childhood lol 😎

[ltkwok]

Did the handles fall off/break when you open the door?

[venezianie]

can you tell me where this review took place? gorgeous scenery. greetings from italy :) btw thx for the review :)