Kia Niro embodies Hyundai Motor Group’s mission to provide electric vehicle choice. Almost the only variant not equipped with one is one that is powered solely by gasoline. There are hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niros, both with a small four-cylinder engine with supplemental battery power, and the all-electric Niro EV.
The well-equipped Niro was redesigned last year and still sells at an affordable price, but with all the bells and whistles, the Niro is now approaching luxury territory.
The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid is the most budget-friendly model, with a starting price just under $27,000. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid (Niro PHEV) tested here costs about $35,000, up about $8,000, while the EV tops out at $39,600 before options.
The 2024 Niro is largely unchanged from the 2023 version. It features extensive daytime running lights and a skid plate garnish that surrounds the front end like a new generation visor. Its side view is dominated by the Aeroblade behind the doors, which can be painted in body color or in a variety of contrasting colors. The rear is equipped with Kia’s boomerang-shaped LED taillights.
The non-EV Niro has black door cladding and wheel arches, while the Niro EV features gray or black trim.
The second-generation Niro is larger than its predecessor, with 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 8 more cubic feet of passenger space. It still has 6.3 inches of ground clearance, which is slightly higher than the average compact SUV, but it’s no off-roader.
kia america corporation
kia america corporation
The 2024 Kia Niro PHEV combines a 1.6-liter engine with a 62 kW electric motor for a total system output of 180 horsepower (hp) and 195 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. When connected to a Level 2 charger, the Niro PHEV can charge the battery within 3 hours. All-electric range is 53 miles, but it uses a hybrid power system to exceed that.
The biggest advantage of plug-in hybrids is that it still makes sense to plug them into a standard 110-volt outlet. It may take a long time to charge, but the Niro takes 2.5 days if you charge it diligently. You don’t need to fully charge your all-electric range every time you leave the house. Buyers do not necessarily have to install a home charger in their garage. .
The Niro PHEV is vaguely fun to drive. Like many modern hybrids and plug-ins (and EVs), starting from a traffic light is a breeze with electric propulsion. Overall system power isn’t overwhelming, but it’s never frustratingly slow, even when passing on the highway.
Sport and Eco drive modes allow buyers to conserve energy or use more energy as needed, but the Niro also allows you to keep the battery full for later use. There is no charge mode or save mode.
There are several levels of battery regeneration, which are changed by paddles on the steering wheel. In Eco mode, the driver can achieve the highest level of regeneration at any time by squeezing the left-hand paddle. With a little practice, you can use it as a de facto brake pedal when traffic conditions just require you to slow down.
Mechanical brakes rarely need to be used and are not as sturdy as conventional vehicle brakes, but they have plenty of power for a vehicle of this size.
The ride is firmer than expected, which makes the Niro feel a bit sportier than some of its competitors, but the suspension is fixed and doesn’t change between modes.
The cabin features animal-free textiles, a recycled wallpaper headliner, and dark, slim seats with plenty of adjustment for the right driving position. The front seats are heated and cooled, and there are USB ports on the sides so rear seat passengers can easily charge their devices.
kia america corporation
kia america corporation
The 2024 Niro PHEV has dual 10.25-inch screens, one for touchscreen infotainment and one for the digital instrument cluster. An eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system and a heads-up display (HUD) that projects direction, active safety warnings, vehicle speed, and other information onto the windshield are also options.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is standard. Wireless phone charger is optional.
Thanks to the use of a rotary shifter instead of a traditional stick shifter, the Niro’s front cabin feels spacious despite the vehicle’s size. Metallic accents are featured on various surfaces, from the pedals to the vents.
Most of these looks are perfect for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. However, the Merc has more authentic metal surfaces.
Like some other Kias, the Niro has a panel below the screen that toggles between the climate control area and the regular volume/mode area. Useful except when the driver presses the swap button. Two knobs serve as volume and tuning, as well as dual-zone climate control.
While frustrating in operation, it’s a feature that brings the Niro closer to premium territory. Luxury brands are increasingly going buttonless.
Visibility from the front and rear is good, and the pillars are well placed, with few blind spots. The back seat felt spacious for a car of this size, and the kids had easy access to the rear seatbelts.
The 2024 Niro PHEV comes standard with a number of safety features including emergency braking, lane keeping and following, driver attention warning, blind spot sensors, and rear cross traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is available, as is Highway Driving Assist II, which controls steering and brakes but requires your hands on the wheel.
Like previous generation models, the Niro has few natural competitors. It’s smaller than the Ford Escape (from US$29,495) and Toyota RAV4 (from US$28,675), both of which come in PHEV form and outsell the Niro. However, the Niro’s price is much lower than both Fords and Toyotas, especially if you upgrade to their respective hybrid models.
It also competes price-wise with some small SUVs from high-end retailers (the Niro PHEV starts at about $35,000). However, even there, there are no small SUVs equipped with plug-in electric powertrains.
Kia Niro has top-of-the-line technical looks, great efficiency, and great features. If you plan on using your Niro as a commuter car around town, rather than hauling around teenagers in the second row, it’s a great choice.
