Is the Kia Niro the most effective funds hybrid crossover you should buy in 2025?

When you’re searching for a brand new car with loads of area, however don’t need an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid may very well be the proper match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gasoline pump, and is extra reasonably priced than you may suppose. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

EVs wait for their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an efficient option to get used to recurrently charging.

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Worth, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays some of the reasonably priced hybrid crossovers in the marketplace. There is a alternative of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a formidable e book of options as commonplace, a few of that are normally elective extras on dearer fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many cheapest plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the cheapest EV you can 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 quite a lot of facets to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine offers the Niro a much-needed increase, 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 seen with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

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What I preferred concerning 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 further storage for charging cables, first help kits, and some other necessities you must preserve within the automobile.

The Niro will get 17 helpful commonplace options, resembling enhanced auto emergency braking know-how, 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 working low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system

Based on 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 decent 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

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What I did not like concerning the Kia Niro hybrid

There are just a few annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, until you will 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 well worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.

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

My final problem is with the dearth of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin crammed with potential, foolish designs waste quite a lot 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 barely good for some tissues or cellphone 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 per 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 gasoline. Nonetheless, I am battling the three-hour recharge interval to get just a few additional miles of vary. Until you will have a option to cost at house, it is unlikely you will truly preserve it charged up. Positive, the engine consistently supplies some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That stated, the Niro is an efficient automobile. It drives nicely, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than comparable automobiles. When you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary know-how, and plentiful area, I might suggest the marginally inexpensive Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid