Hybrids at their greatest: Kia’s 2023 family-friendly, $29Okay Niro will get 53 mpg

A green Kia Niro next to a midcentury modern building and a blossoming cherry tree

Enlarge / It is not quick, costly, or notably luxurious, however we maintain being very impressed with the Kia Niro. (credit score: Jonathan Gitlin)

The Kia Niro is a type of automobiles that simply continues to impress us. It is now in its second technology, with barely bolder—undoubtedly extra angular—styling however nonetheless the identical extremely environment friendly powertrain choices. There is a absolutely electrical model, and a plug-in hybrid, too, however at this time’s evaluate is of the parallel hybrid variant. Ars spent an hour or two driving one final October, however we have now had every week of residing with a 2023 Niro at residence, and if something, our respect for this strong little hybrid has solely grown.

Kia calls the Niro a crossover however parked subsequent to a neighbor’s Volvo XC40, it is apparent how a lot decrease the Niro rides. For all intents and functions, you possibly can consider it as a household hatchback, the type of automotive that conquered Europe within the ’80s however at all times struggled right here within the US. Kia’s design group opted for extra straight strains for his or her second tackle the Niro, however it’s not a design that appears or feels threatening, not like a lot of the metallic that comes from Detroit lately.

It's 174 inches (4,420 mm) long, 71.8 inches (1,824 mm) wide, and 60.8 inches (1,544 mm) high if you count the roof rails. The wheelbase is 107 inches (2,720 mm) long.

It is 174 inches (4,420 mm) lengthy, 71.eight inches (1,824 mm) large, and 60.eight inches (1,544 mm) excessive if you happen to depend the roof rails. The wheelbase is 107 inches (2,720 mm) lengthy. (credit score: Jonathan Gitlin)

There are some attention-grabbing design particulars that saved catching my eye. The headlight cluster has some slightly intricate detailing, as does the flip sign embedded in the long run of both aspect mirror. Our check automotive got here with a contrasting coloration on the bodywork behind the rear doorways—extra than simply cladding, this additionally homes a useful aeroblade that sends air by means of it to scrub up the movement on the rear of the automotive. I’ve began seeing Niros round city with body-colored aeroblades now, so that you at all times have that choice if you happen to’re not into two-tone automobiles.

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