All-New 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in // Crazy good fuel economy!

#KiaNiroHEV
$KiaNiroPHEV
#CoupleCarReview
This is a Motormouth couple car review of the all-new 2023 Kia Niro HEV or hybrid and the PHEV or plug-in hybrid subcompact crossovers. The Kia Niro hybrid has a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, a 6-speed dual clutch transmission, 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It gets 4.5L/100 km, 52 MPG city and 4.4L/100 km, 53 MPG highway. We were averaging 58.9 MPG which is fantastic. The Kia Niro Hybrid starts at $29,995 CAD, EX $31,995 CAD, EX Premium $34,695 CAD SX $38,695 CAD. In the US, $26,490 USD, EX $29,090 USD, EX Touring $31,390 USD, SX $32,490 USD and SX Touring $34,790 USD. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain adds a more powerful electric motor for a combined 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It gets 55 km/33 miles of EV range and has an 11.1 kWh battery. There is only one Kia Niro PHEV trim in Canada, it’s priced at $37,995 CAD. In the US, it starts at $33,740 USD, SX Touring $39,490 USD. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gets a combined 2.1Le/100 km, 108 MPGe. When the battery is depleted 4.8L/100 km, 49 MPG combined. All Niro models are FWD only.Technology, comfort, fuel efficiency and a bit of luxury in this sub-compact SUV. It even has an available power tailgate which not many crossovers have in this class. The interior is modern and clean with improved tech giving it an upscale feel for this sub-compact segment. The hybrid comes standard with an 8” touchscreen, available 10.25”, the PHEV gets the larger 10.25” touchscreen as a standard feature. It also comes standard with cloth upholstery, available cloth and leatherette as well as leatherette on the top trim. There’s also an available 10.25” digital driver display. Kia says, the interior includes materials that are recycled and animal-free. The infotainment and HVAC controls are conveniently packaged on one touchscreen.

At Canada Drives you can buy your car 100% online and have it delivered straight to your doorstep. Once delivered, you have a full 7 days to love it or return it.

[WayneKeen]

Some notes from a long term driver of a Hybrid Niro (mine is a 2018 LE). I drive for mileage (not quite a hyper miler, but close). Most of my driving is city and "highway with significant traffic", so my average speed is about 30 MPH. Here in the Florida panhandle, it is warm most of the year. That said, in the dead of winter, I get about 60 MPG. In warmer weather, that goes up to about 65 MPG. Now, most people don't drive like me, but if you do aim for high fuel efficiency, this is what can be done.

[amberheywood]

Team PHEV. As a mom in the drops off, pick up lanes at school 5 days a week all on electric. Plug in at home and go. A few longer trips a month means gas will be used enough to not go stale.

[gregkramer]

This car seems so nice for the niche it serves! I also like your points about the PHEV is about reducing gas consumption not trying to mimic an EV. I wonder if it rides close to as well as the Sportage for road trips.

[whenhungerstrikes]

Very detailed and helpful review. This will definitely help alot of people who are looking to purchase their first HEV or PHEV. Your as tested fuel economy even more impressive for the HEV at 3.9L/100 km. Thank you for answering my heat pump question. Keep up the great work. 👍

[tylovsims]

Great video! I’m team hybrid as I do a lot of highway driving, the fuel economy is amazing and offers more features.

[paulredlake]

I got a 2024 niro phev in northern Ontario and it’s great as a daily driver as I can plug it in at work or at home. And having the gas engine makes it great for the long trips out of town particularly as charging infrastructure is basically nonexistent in northern Ontario. Thought they had a great review and would recommend this car.

[TorstenBioMedic]

The Kia Niro is the 7th best selling car this year in the UK. That is a great achievement - well done Kia. In the UK all Kia cars come with a 7 year warranty or 100, 000 miles.

[chudson]

My sister has the hybrid version and this exact spec. She absolutely loves it. She can't get over how much equipment she gets for the price.

[frh-freerangehuman]

I’m digging the design of those front seats/ headrests

Oh, and I’m a big fan of Paisley print 🙌🏼

[coy]

Dealership markups are exactly why id rather do without them and order straight from factory. Also freight and delivery. It would be cheaper to fly to the factory and drive them home

[sylvainlaurin]

In Quebec province they get an additional 2, 500$ rebate for the PHEV and it's forbidden (by law) to sell at a higher price than the MSRP.

For people driving less than 40 km per day (considering winter time), the PHEV is the one to get...as long as home recharging is possible.

[anthonypjay]

I have a 2018 Niro Hybrid. It seems the drivetrain is essentially the same in the new models. Fuel efficiency has been fantastic, reliability has been a none issue, and it's a comfortable car to drive. Sport mode breathes some life to performance when needed. Not a a great option when you have lots of cargo, but otherwise highly recommended.

[PamenterDoug]

I was blessed to buy a used 2021 PHEV that had just been traded in. SX Touring… so much better than the new ones. I like having more (enough functional) buttons. I like the full leather seats (heated & cooling). I like the normal non-pano sunroof. I like older non-boxy styling. As for the piano black… I wrapped the chrome dask in Matt black vinyl bought from Amazon. Such a fantastic car!!!

[Steve_in_NJ]

Great review. Glad to see one video compare both HEV and PHEV. I'm seriously considering the 2024 PHEV top-trim over a Kona EV or Niro EV, only because I don't have to worry about range anxiety for those few trips a year where I cannot charge the batteries while parked overnight (like at the airport). Best reason to get the PHEV version? As someone who leases, I would STILL be eligible for Federal and State tax credits off the MSRP, lowering my monthly lease payments. Plus, hiring an electrician to install a Level 2 charger in my garage would qualify for a nice rebate to cover the costs from my local utility company (thank you NJ for being a Blue State).

[danhall]

So nice to have so many choices for the Koreans! Zack's comment about PHEV & apartments -- and all those who park on the street for whatever reason - is right on. Also is a huge factor for EVs which the US Govt doesn't seem to consider at all 😵😲.
I have a 2019 Niro PHEV & average 125 mpg over 16, 000 miles. At the time I bought mine, the US Niro PHEV had a tax credit which nullified the cost difference. Today, without that tax credit, the HEV would probably make the most sense.

[JohnByron-lkxg]

Thank You so very much ! I how know what one to get (HEV) . You both can come for a ride when I pick one up . Bless You Both .

[eganfo]

I have the Sportage hybrid and use the HVAC/radio toggle. I also set my default to radio since there are 4 dedicated HVAC buttons on the left side. I really like this Niro and its fuel efficiency.

[got_to_roll]

You two have topped yourselves, excellent review and perspectives. Don't think I'd own either but that blue paint on the phev looks great. Thanks for continuing to post concise and pertinent automotive info. 🙏

[tomdrummy]

I like it except for the Starsky and Hutch black stripe on back. I would get it without that ……..Love San Diego ! ❤️

[cloudrdr]

Retired guy here. I live in a town of 250, 000, so small. My guess is that I normally go, on average, about 15 miles per day. Except now I have granddaughter exactly 10 miles from the house. So, my 20 mile commute 3-4 times a week would be Fully EV. My garage has 120v of course, but ALSO has a 240 outlet doing absolutely nothing...so, that become an option.

This little car looks great, exterior and passenger compartment are almost identical to ford escape i currently drive. Only the hatched storage is a compromise from the Escape...but that means fewer requests from friends to schlep stuff around for them.

Thanks for great review.

I wonder how much of the bells and whistles are sacrificed if I go for a used one from 2020 or so? It actually looks like not that much, really.