Is the Kia Niro one of the best funds hybrid cross...

In the event you’re searching for a brand new car with loads of house, however don’t need an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid might be the proper match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gasoline pump, and is extra inexpensive than you would possibly suppose. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

EVs wait for their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an efficient solution to get used to repeatedly charging.

Associated

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and check our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have really reviewed.

Value, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays probably the most inexpensive hybrid crossovers available on the market. There is a alternative of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a formidable e-book of options as normal, a few of that are often non-obligatory extras on costlier fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many cheapest plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the cheapest EV you can buy proper now.

Kia Niro key options

• Rear privateness glass
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch touchscreen show with navigation
• Reverse parking sensor
• Heated entrance seats

Because the Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it isn’t overly thrilling, however there are a number of facets to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine provides the Niro a much-needed enhance, particularly when choosing up velocity. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a difficulty I’ve seen with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

Associated

Kia’s new EV9 is a family-friendly SUV with no shortage of techy thrills

The Kia EV9 GT-Line S gives house, consolation and zesty all-electric efficiency topped with loads of intelligent know-how.

What I appreciated concerning the Kia Niro hybrid

Is that this Dr. Who’s tardis?

Though the Kia Niro is classed as a compact crossover, its boxy design creates copious quantities of house all through. The truth is, there’s extra rear legroom than a

Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s extra storage for charging cables, first help kits, and every other necessities it’s best to preserve within the automotive.

The Niro will get 17 helpful normal options, corresponding to enhanced auto emergency braking know-how, sensible cruise management, and a wi-fi charging pad. In addition to these, an intuitive built-in navigation screens EV battery vary, and suggests close by charging stations when operating low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system

In response to Kia, the Niro PHEV returns as much as 313 MPG. That is a wild determine, factoring within the electrical energy and vary. In actuality, I nonetheless achieved a decent 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

Associated

The Kia EV2 is the next EV I’m most excited about – here’s why

It might be a significant step in direction of a very inexpensive EV.

What I did not like concerning the Kia Niro hybrid

There are a couple of annoying design flaws

I would not hassle navigating to a cost level, until you’ve got three hours to spare. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid solely has a small electrical battery. Whereas it returns a excessive MPG determine, it depletes shortly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not hassle. To be sincere, I am not satisfied the time and price to recharge is well worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — supreme for brief, low-speed journeys round city — however it’s solely helpful if the battery has a cost. In any other case, your solely choices are eco, which I spent most of my time in, or sport mode. The latter does not do a lot for efficiency, however it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final concern is with the dearth of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin full of potential, foolish designs waste a number of house. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cell phones, the not-so-ergonomic built-in cupholders take over half of the center space, with push buttons leaving a bizarre form when folded away. The armrest covers the remaining house, and a tiny cubby beneath is simply good for some tissues or cellphone charging cables.

Associated

Kia joins growing list of automakers with Tesla Supercharger access

Kia EVs can now lastly cost at Tesla Superchargers, becoming a member of different automakers like Ford and Hyundai.

Do you have to purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

I do not hate it, I simply do not get it

After spending every week with the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid, I used to be unmoved. I can see how its spacious inside would profit households, and the EV-only mode helps drivers save on gasoline. Nonetheless, I am scuffling with the three-hour recharge interval to get a couple of further miles of vary. Except you’ve got a solution to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you may really preserve it charged up. Certain, the engine continuously gives some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That mentioned, the Niro is an efficient automotive. It drives nicely, it is environment friendly, and is extra inexpensive than comparable automobiles. In the event you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary know-how, and considerable house, I might advocate the marginally cheaper Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid