2022 Kia Niro: The best plug-in hybrid family car?

The all-new Kia Niro is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric forms. Here we are testing the plug-in hybrid version in entry-level 2 specification.

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The Kia Niro is back for 2022 and uses an all-new platform and what is some eye-catching styling in an attempt to win over buyers. Not only that, but it has some of the most efficient powertrains in the business, whether you opt for the hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric Niro EV.

In this case of our plug-in hybrid test car, Kia pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an 11.1kWh battery and an electric motor to deliver a pure EV range of up to 40 miles, and the possibility of returning around 50mpg even once the battery has depleted. This powertrain sits inside a family car that's easily roomy enough for four, and has a boot that is usefully bigger than you'll find in an Audi A3 e-tron or VW Golf GTE.

In this CarGurus UK review, Chris Knapman is your guide to all things Niro.

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 – Introducing the 2022 Kia Niro
01:36 – Styling
02:57 – Practicality
04:45 – Interior and infotainment
06:38 – Driving impressions
11:14 – Verdict
11:54 – Let us know what you think

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#cargurusuk #2022kianiro #kianiro

[anthonystevens]

A good review Chris, it's certainly an interesting car to look at but at least it's not just a clone of what some other cars have been. The 2 model should be fine for most driving but I think I'd consider the 3 version given the difference from the 2. I'll wait for the E-Nero review for now. Thanks for sharing.

[PamenterDoug]

I have a 2021 model PHEV SX in Canada and I love it. Well done Kia.

[cokeandtwirl]

We’ve just ordered a 3 spec HEV to replace our 2020 similar model (would have loved the PHEV but too expensive plus the price of electricity might make it less attractive??). I’ve watched several reviews and this is the best and most informative one and the first to confirm that the 3 spec gets the regen adjustment on the paddles - cheers!! Liked and subscribed!

[valtairluciano]

Thank you very much. A comparison on PHEV small SUV consumption would be fantastic. Thanks

[Bob]

I would have chosen the 3 over the 2 but as a company lease car it’s almost 50% more cash per month !!!

[richardwilliams]

Surprised by low mpg as I have the old phev and I get 50 to 60 mpg all day long with battery depleted and in hev mode with mixed and motorway driving.

[UltraJaff]

From experience from the new hybrid, we got over 55MPG

[mra]

With eyes on the road i prefer the feedback of physical bottoms, you can feel it.. i don't understand why manufacturers are moving away from this..apart from cost. I also like resting my hand on gear stick.. like daddy:)

[mars]

I have just purchased the 3 spec I couldn’t justify the 15k extra for the full ev it’s just not good value for the extra £15k worth of fuel gets me a hell of a lot of mileage

[alisonb]

I have the 2 spec coming in march and apparently the one thing it has over the others is wireless android which the higher spec ones lose.

[joess]

Looking at trim 3 in full hybrid not plug in hybrid for me.

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. I would choose the Plug In Hybrid In top spec 4 Trim

[chasf]

Prefer the smaller estate car type design of my previous model Niro rather than this boxy SUV look, so I won't be changing.

[ryanlaffan]

If you are going on a long journey would you put it in hybrid mode or just use up you battery the first 30 miles or so?

[keithmehrer]

Perhaps a silly question but why does the PHEV have such a reduction when only driven in hybrid mode vs. the hybrid model?

[harryadam]

We aren't an American colony yet. Can we spell litre correctly, please?

[jonathanmellish]

Good to see you testing the model 2 variant. I am also glad you aren’t as enthusiastic as other reviewers because i don’t find it pretty. The old one was ok. The back looks like a mix of Focus or Mitsubishi and the front reminds me of the old Sportage.

[majinbuu]

This would be terrible to drive on Uber, because some passengers from the airport have 2 to 4 luggage an that trunk is a milk crate.

[MrGMawson]

I'm not sure what plug in Hibrid is trying to do

[colinlambert]

Weird shaped dashboard. Don't like it, but will reserve judgement until I see it in the flesh.