Is the Kia Niro one of the best price range hybrid crossover you should buy in 2025?

If you happen to’re searching for a brand new automotive with loads of area, however don’t desire an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid could possibly be the proper match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gas pump, and is extra reasonably priced than you would possibly suppose. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

EVs wait for his or her Mannequin T second
, a plug-in hybrid is an effective option to get used to commonly charging.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is a compact crossover with an sudden quantity of area for occupants and storage. It is reasonably priced, full of expertise, and intensely environment friendly, however the electrical battery drains quite a bit faster than it recharges.

Engine

1.6-liter fuel

Battery dimension

11.1 kWh

Horsepower

180 hp

Torque

195 lb-ft

0-60mph

9.8 seconds

Transsmission

computerized

Drive Format

Entrance-wheel drive

Prime Velocity

100 mph

Execs & Cons

• Surprisingly spacious
• Spectacular normal expertise
• Glorious gas economic system

• Pointless drive modes
• Sluggish EV battery recharge
• Lacks sensible cabin storage

Develop

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Worth, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays one of the vital reasonably priced hybrid crossovers in the marketplace. There is a selection of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a powerful 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 least expensive plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the least expensive EV you should 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

For the reason that Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it isn’t overly thrilling, however there are plenty of features to like about it. Having an electrical motor to help the engine offers the Niro a much-needed enhance, particularly when choosing up pace. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a problem I’ve observed with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

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What I preferred in regards to 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 area all through. Actually, 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 assist kits, and some other necessities you need to maintain within the automotive.

The Niro will get 17 helpful normal options, comparable to enhanced auto emergency braking expertise, 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 gas economic system

In line with 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 good 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

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It could possibly be a significant step in direction of a really reasonably priced EV.

What I did not like in regards to the Kia Niro hybrid

There are a number of annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, except you may have 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 rapidly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not trouble. To be sincere, I am not satisfied the time and value to recharge is definitely worth the potential financial savings on gas.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — excellent for brief, low-speed journeys round city — nevertheless 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 would not do a lot for efficiency, nevertheless it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final situation is with the shortage of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin crammed with potential, foolish designs waste plenty of area. 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 area, and a tiny cubby beneath is simply good for some tissues or telephone charging cables.

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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 gas. Nevertheless, I am scuffling with the three-hour recharge interval to get a number of further miles of vary. Until you may have a option to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you may really maintain it charged up. Positive, the engine always supplies some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That stated, the Niro is an effective automotive. It drives effectively, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than related automobiles. If you happen to love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary expertise, and plentiful area, I would advocate the marginally cheaper Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid