Kia Niro Touring Hybrid
Kia Niro Touring Hybrid
Kia Niro Touring Hybrid

2020 Kia Niro Hybrid

Pros: Hybrid fuel efficiency; EV zero emissions; crossover versatility

Cons: All-wheel-drive is not available; fuel economy of Touring models is significantly lower than base models

CG Says: The 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) have revised styling inside and out. A Niro EV was added midyear for 2019. The Niro EV is powered by a 201-horsepower electric motor and has an estimated range of 239 miles. The EV is only available in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Niro is a compact crossover SUV that comes as a gas/electric hybrid, a plug-in gas/electric hybrid, or a full-electric EV. Niro does not offer a conventional gas-powered version. Unlike most SUVs, the Niro is offered only with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not available. The hybrid’s lone powertrain is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 139 horsepower. A six-speed automated-manual is the only transmission. The plug-in hybrid has an estimated 26-miles of all-electric range. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Keyless access and starting, heated/ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel are among the available comfort features. An Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System) helps achieve maximum fuel economy. A coasting guide tells the driver the best times to coast and brake, while Predictive Energy Control anticipates topographical changes to road ahead to optimize hybrid efficiency. The Kia Niro combines either hybrid fuel efficiency or electric zero emissions with SUV practicality in a stylish package. It should appeal to environmentally conscious buyers who want a vehicle with good interior room that doesn’t scream “EV” or “hybrid.”

The Facts
Class Compact SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Kia
Nation of Manufacture South Korea
Base Prices Hybrid LX: $25,710
Hybrid LXS: $27,110
Hybrid Touring: $29,410
Hybrid Touring Special Edition: $31,910
Hybrid EX Premium: $33,830
Plug-in Hybrid LXS: $30,610
Plug-in Hybrid EX: $34,410
Plug-in Hybrid EX Premium: $37,510
EV EX: $40,210
EV EX Premium: $45,710

Base Engine
1.6-liter 4-cylinder/electric
Horsepower
139
Std. Transmission
6-speed automated manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
46-52
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
40-49

Optional Engine
1.6-liter 4-cylinder/electric (Plug-in Hybrid)
Horsepower
139
Std. Transmission
6-speed automated manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg)
46
EPA Electric Engine Combined (MPGe)
105

Optional Engine
electric motor (EV)
Horsepower
201
Std. Transmission
single-speed
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (MPGe)
123
EPA Highway Range (MPGe)
102

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