2017 Kia Niro EX - POV Driving Impressions (Binaural Audio)

Horsepower, Combined: 139hp at 5,700 rpm. 104hp 1.6 liter engine, 43 hp electric motor
Torque, Combined: 195 lb.-ft at 4,000 rpm 109 lb.-ft 1.6 liter engine, 125 lb.-ft electric motor
Battery: Lithium-Ion Polymer 1.56 kWh
Transmission: Dual Clutch 6-speed automatic with sportmatic
Minimum Curb weight (no options) 3,199 lbs

MSRP $25,700
Price as tested: $28,895

Additional options installed: Sunroof & Advanced Technology Package - $2300
Includes Sunroof, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, smart cruise control, power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar.

Warranty:
10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty
10 year/100,000 mile limited battery warranty
5 year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty
5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance

The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones. If you wear headphones, your mind won't be blown, but it will go, "woah."

I'm also the producer for the Winding Road YouTube Channel:

Here on TheTopher, I'm known for putting a camera on my face and driving cars. Whether it's about any of my personal cars or reviews on weekly test vehicles, the goal is to give you an idea of what a certain car is like to drive or live with. Most of my videos are filmed in POV, with my clothes on, and (for like the 5th time) with in-ear binaural audio. Which, if I haven't made it clear yet, is why you should wear headphones. Because of the whole "woah" factor. It's there, trust me. Try it, you'll see! Or don't. As long as you whitelist me on your adblocker I'm okay with whatever you do or don't do with regards to headphone usage. That is all. Oh and I guess you should also probably subscribe. Why are you still reading this, you should be watching the video. With headphones! Hah, had to sneak that in there one more time. Later!

[abelardoconesa]

Good video. I have to state that this is the only review video that believe that mpg is poor. The Niro set the record for highest MPG of any hybrid in a cross country trip at 70mpg. It just might be the extreme cold weather and maybe just maybe the aggressive driving.

[MessiahFS]

Out of all the car review channels I think yours is the best. What puts it really over the top is the POV.

[daviddjerf]

Heated steering wheel is standard on all Niro models in Sweden. It get hot really fast and is very nice combined with the heated seat.

[azera]

Winter temps severely affect hybrids. My Fusion hybrid basically drops 5-6 mpg in winter so I think you can get the epa numbers in more normal temperatures. The Niro's fantastic, definitely my favorite crossover/small suv by far.

[jackfishcampbell]

I have a 19 niro hybrid up here in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada and it's got good heat . I think that maybe you had the settings in auto mode ?, we ditched that on day two and put in manual mode . Our car gets very good mileage has heated and cooled seats and steering wheel and is a very good car . The winter mileage is down quite a bit but is still way better than my old car . Being as I'm not young I like the higher seating position .

[Elco]

Nice video! About the warming of the interieur; I have the 2017 Niro as well; After 10 minutes the inside reaches 21 Celsius with freezing temperatuur outside. But I always use auto climate settings. Never used the buttons of changing that. ;-)

[firstcitytraveler]

The 2017-2019 Touring has heated steering wheel. My 2019 Touring exceed the EPA mileage 40 mpg by 10+ mpg. In the cold and on highway all hybrids get less mpg as you are using then engine more often. Kia upgraded the Niro with newest AV head and fixed the climate control. And the Harman Kardon sound system is excellent. The 2019 Touring also has HID headlights and LED interior lighting. The Touring is much better than the FE when it come to extras. Unfortunately the 2020, 2021, 2022 Touring lost all the cool bells and whistles. Now you have to get the EX Premium is the only way the get most of what the 2019 Touring had at a higher price. The 2019 was the last time the Niro was a IIHS Top Safety Pick +.

[hollyblair]

When you do reviews on hybrids can you please have the energy flow displayed on the screen? just a suggestion :)

[mwwhatever]

I just got the Ioniq plug in. I really like it, but my one complaint is actually the transmission. Mainly that there is a noticeable lurch when you take off from a complete stop. I noticed that if you do California stops, it doesn't seem to go out of gear and do that.

[Surmoka]

You're doing something wrong. This car delives around 45 mpg (US) and that IS hybrid category mileage. Your 35-38 mpg is seriously imparied for some reason.

[kristindoehling]

Omg that’s what me and my husband call our Niro is Bobbie Dniro!! 😀😀😀

[flexairz]

When making turns.. keep your eyes level with the horizon..

[SN-mwhp]

How is it for very long drives. I have to drive 7 hours twice a week. Is it doable in this car? I'm hoping a small SUV or crossover car will give more comfort. I was also looking into the new VW Polo.

[thecarexpert]

Maybe those powerful heated seats are to make up for the weak HVAC

[killerlion]

3:45 you are saying that heating is weak when there is 0 degrees outside, how long does it take to heat up the car so you can sit in a sweater comfortably? This is really crucial as I am tired of diesel cars which take 10-15 minutes to heat the car to "ok" levels.
Also you said that no electric heating steering-wheel? My local dealership states that EX and TX models both have steering-wheel heating by default.

[ramirezkarpovi]

you can play some music for showing us the quality of the speakers

[roypinkney]

On the steering wheel left side there is a switch for the steering wheel and the seat heater....

[juan]

Hey TT! Have you uploaded the Rio review already? I recall you saying you'd do it after the hypermile video. Been really enjoying your content man! keep it up!

[ZackEcua]

I have a Kia Niro Ex 2017 and average around 45-50 mph.

[kenssto]

I'm suspecting your gas mileage is bad because of the cold climate. one other possibility is that you've got a defective for malfunctioning thermostat. Which could also explain why you're getting the slow Heating. every other car reviewer that has looked at this vehicle is getting the EPA mileage which is I believe High 40s.
This car is definitely high on my list for next vehicle.