The 2023 Kia Niro is a solid choice for drivers who want to jump into an electric vehicle but don’t want to make too many compromises. It is one of the most exciting new cars on the market today.
It offers several alternative powertrain options that satisfy a wide range of customers. The 2023 Kia Niro offers excellent fuel economy in an affordable package with more utility than your average hybrid.
Low ground clearance and lack of all-wheel drive mean the Niro can’t compete with other hybrid SUVs in four-season driving, but Kia’s excellent fuel efficiency sets it apart from the crowd. The cargo space is also good.
The Niro offers superior value and efficiency and rivals anything on the market. With a crossover body packed with attractive features, the Kia Niro EV is a capable vehicle you’ll love to take for a spin.
Our 2023 Kia Niro EV review dives into what makes this Kia SUV so exciting for drivers looking for the next level of the car.
New Kia Niro Hybrid Overview
Like so many other automakers, Kia is on its way to full electrification, and the new Niro will be an integral part of the brand’s plans. First unveiled 7 years ago, the compact crossover is getting a major makeover for 2023, and the numbers tell a compelling story.
The 2023 Kia Niro is the only model in the United States that can be purchased in three different electrified forms: hybrid electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The latter is a cheaper way to get into a zero-emission vehicle than the Korean automaker’s EV6. A completely new version of the Niro has just been launched for the 2023 model year. This compact 5-passenger crossover is also the most affordable electric vehicle in the Kia range.
2023 Kia Niro Spec
- MSRP: From $26,490
- Engine: 2.5 L/ Inline 4
- Horsepower: 139 HP
- Fuel Economy: 53 City / 54 Hwy
- Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
- Fuel tank capacity: 11.1 gals
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Drive Type: All wheel drive
- Length: 174.0 in.
- Height: 60.6 in.
- Cargo capacity: 39.6 cu.ft.
Major Updates In 2023 Kia Niro
In its second generation, the Niro Hybrid has grown in size with a host of technological features included as standard. Improved dimensions mean more space, while features include two widescreen displays and portable digital key technology.
The Niro is also packed with advanced driver-assist features, some of which include blind-spot collision warning with parallel exit and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, to name a few.
Kia add an updated design that includes a distinctive “Aero Blade” that is said to improve Niro’s aerodynamics. And lest we forget what many of today’s buyers are looking for, there’s plenty of new technology, including a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and the ability to update most onboard software via over-the-air updates in the car.
Upcoming Kia Niro Trim Levels & Price
The 2023 Kia Niro is offered in five trims: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring. The LX version starts at $26,490. And it uses a 1.6-liter petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a small battery that produces a combined output of 139 hp.
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The EX model is priced at $29,090. We’d suggest the EX trim if you can afford the extra $2,600 or so. It offers many more features and upgrades, making it a better choice for buyers looking for the bottom line.
The EX Touring ($31,390) adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, power-folding mirrors, and a sunroof. SX trim starts at $32,490 and the SX Touring sets you back $34,790, adds a premium sound system, heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, driver’s seat memory, a power liftgate, and memory side mirrors.
Kia Niro Engine Performance And Drivetrain
The 2023 Kia Niro comes standard with an upgraded 1.6-liter hybrid engine. The four-cylinder engine produces 139 horsepower, which is more than enough to get around town.
Fortunately, unlike most hybrids that use a continuously variable transmission, the Niro has a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that’s fast and enjoyable. Front-wheel drive is the only driving option. Where stainless steel shines in the pump.
The compact SUV achieves a whopping 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway. That fuel efficiency is great for any type of car.
For about $7,000 more, the Niro is available with a plug-in hybrid drive. A larger battery gives the Niro 180 hp and an electric range of 53 km.
New Kia Niro Interior Features
The new 2023 Niro has a beautifully designed cabin. The clean and simple lines give the impression that this is a relaxing car to travel with. We also like the off-center lines of the dashboard and the vibrant displays in front of the driver.
In this car, Kia uses sustainable materials for every part. That’s why the headlining is made from recycled wallpaper and the seats are made from bio-PU with Tencel made from eucalyptus leaves.
They are equipped with stylish ambient ambient lighting and an electronic shifter with a dial. The previous Niro was a little tight at the back, so we expect the new one to be an improvement in that regard.
Updated Kia Niro Exterior Design
The next Kia Niro looks nothing like its predecessor. This model is not so cool but offers a stylish exterior design that can attract any car lover.
Sporting a new tiger face and influenced by the 2019 Habanero concept, the face of the new Niro features “heartbeat” LED daytime running lights. From some angles, the headlight design is downright weird, but at least it can’t be called boring.
At the rear is a new pillar that’s extra wide, while the taillights have a distinct boomerang shape. Aside from those elongated taillights, the rear design is pretty plain.
Kia Niro Technology And Features
All Niros come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but only the base HEV LX model has it wireless. For the rest, you need to connect your phone.
Available features include a wireless charging pad, interior ambient lighting, a head-up display, a power liftgate, Kia Connect remote access services, a digital key, and eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
It also comes with navigation-based adaptive cruise control with stop-start functionality and automatic speed reduction when cornering on the road. Kia’s Highway Driving Assist II driver assistance system is also optional; expands cruise control with lane centering and lane change assistant.
Upcoming Kia Niro Fuel Efficiency
The 2023 Niro is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market, though fuel economy figures vary by trim level. Among the standard Niro models, the LX has low-rolling-resistance tires that help it get 53 cities, 48 highways, and 50 combined mpg.
This is impressive. The LXS and EX Premium drop to 51/46/49 mpg, while the larger wheels on the Touring Special Edition look great but increase drag and drop the rating to 46/40/43 mpg.
Kia Niro Safety Features And Ratings
The 2023 Kia Niro hasn’t been tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but we know it’s packed with active driver-assist safety technology.
Kia’s Drive Wise safety features come standard and include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, as well as lane departure assist.
It also features driver alertness and blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and a safe exit warning system. All but the base LX Hybrid have forward collision avoidance assist with turn-by-turn functionality, which can help avoid collisions at intersections.
Top FAQs About 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid Crossover SUV Pricing
The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid will start at $27,785 for the LX trim, which is a $1,800 price increase over the 2022 LX. The 2023 EX moves from the top to the middle, starting at $30,385.
The 2023 SX takes its place at the top of the lineup and will start at $33,785, which is $500 more than the previous 2022 Premium EX Premium model.
When will the 2023 Kia Niro be released?
After Kia first unveiled this upcoming SUV model on April 13, 2022, at the 2022 New York International Auto Show, some insiders thought a summer launch might be possible.
For now, we think the 2023 Kia Niro will hit US dealerships in fall 2022.
What is the range of a Kia Niro hybrid?
The EPA estimates a total estimated range of 588 miles for the 2023 Kia Niro. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid combines the same motor with a 62 kW electric motor for a total system output of 180 hp.
Connected to a level 2 charger, the Niro PHEV can charge its 11.1 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery in less than three hours. When fully charged, the all-electric range is estimated at 33 miles, a 25 percent improvement over the model it replaces.
How long do Kia Niro hybrid batteries last?
The Kia Niro’s battery usually lasts between 3 and 5 years. However, this can vary greatly depending on battery size, battery type, weather conditions, and driving habits. Just because your battery isn’t fully discharged doesn’t mean it’s performing optimally.
What kind of engine is in a 2023 Kia Niro?
The Niro Hybrid has a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a small electric motor that together produce up to 139 hp. It’s enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of just over 100 km/h.
In fully electric mode, the 83-hp electric motor should also be quick enough to keep up with normal traffic and even propel the Niro to highway speeds when needed.
Which is better Niro or Sportage?
Niro, As with the 2022 model year, the Niro Hybrid 2023 should be significantly cheaper than the Sportage Hybrid. According to Kia, the 2022 Niro Hybrid starts at around $24,700, while the Sportage Hybrid starts at around $27,300.
Not only is the Niro Hybrid cheaper to buy and own, but it also has a larger touchscreen. Each Niro trim option comes standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Sportage Hybrid only comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Final Thought
When it debuted, the original Kia Niro was an intriguing addition to the Korean brand’s lineup, offering buyers all the major electrified powertrain options. In 2023 things get going. It is bigger, more spacious and better equipped.
It also offers notable improvements to all three powertrain options, and that should get a lot of attention as more Americans realize the benefits of electrified powertrain technologies.
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