Plug-in Hybrid
EV=26mi
Total=560mi
Range
Seats 5
19.4ft3 Cargo
L=171.5
W=71.1
H=60.8
8.9kWh Battery
Kia Niro received a plug in 2018. The 2021 model continues to be a standout in the EV World.
Three main factors that make the 2021 Kia Niro plug-in an excellent choice for consumers who want a Eco-friendly car that transitions them into the Next Gen Phase of EVs:
1: The base model LXS has a low MSRP of $29,590K.
2: The Niro PHEV qualifies for a $4,543 Federal tax credit, reducing the base MSRP to $25,047 before taxes and fees.
3: This plug-In gets 26 pure electric miles, averages an EPA-Estimated 105 MPGe combined, and gets a whopping EPA-Estimated 560 miles of total range! Its EPA-Estimated gas mileage is excellent as well: 48/44/46 city/highway/combined.
The Kia Niro hybrid comes in 3 trims: LXS (MSRP: $29,590), EX (MSRP: $33,390), and EX Premium (MSRP: $36,550)
The Niro Plug-in’s powertrain uses a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 104 horsepower; a 6-speed automatic transmission; and a 60-hp AC Synchronous permanent magnet motor energized by an 8.9 kWh battery. The battery – tucked under the cargo area – and the electric motor, are larger than what’s found in the standard Niro. Kia says a 240-volt Level 2 charger replenishes the battery in approximately 2.5 hours, while charging with a standard 120-volt household outlet takes nearly nine hours.
Says caranddriver.com reviewers Eric Stafford and Drew Dorian: “The 2021 Kia Niro is a gas-electric subcompact crossover in the vein of the iconic Toyota Prius. Unlike the Toyota alternatives, the Kia has lower fuel-economy ratings and isn't available with all-wheel drive like the regular Prius. But it's objectively better looking and possesses the higher seating position that makes crossovers desirable to many. Behind the wheel, the Niro is neither quick nor engaging, but its impressive fuel economy embarrasses even the thriftiest Mazda CX-30 or Hyundai Kona. Likewise, the only other plug-in hybrid currently in this class is the Subaru Crosstrek, which has all-wheel drive but worse fuel efficiency. This more than anything separates the 2021 Niro from the competition.”
All 3 trims come with: 63.2 cu. ft. of total cargo room with seats folded down, Privacy Glass, a UVO link w/ 8-inch Color Touch-Screen Display, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start and Remote Start on a Key Fob, Dual-Zone Climate Control.
The midgrade EX trim adds: Power-adjustable driver's seat, Leather seats with cloth inserts, a Cargo cover, Heated front seats, a Wireless phone charger, Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Niro and the car in front), Lane keeping system.
The EX Premium adds: LED headlights, a Sunroof, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Heated and ventilated front seats, a Heated steering wheel, an Integrated navigation system, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display (deletes the wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), an Eight-speaker premium audio system.
Standard Kia Drive Wise Technology includes: Auto Emergency Braking Technology, Blind Spot Detection Technology, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist Technology, and Driver Attention Warning.
Extensive additional safety features include:
• Dual Front Advanced Airbags
• Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
• Driver's Side Knee Airbag
• 3-Point Seat Belts for All Seating Positions
• Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/ Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Force Assist System (BAS)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• High Line Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
• Rear Child-Safety Door Locks
Caranddriver.com reviewer Bengt Halvorson says: “The best plug-in hybrids sell themselves on low running costs and not overcomplicating things, and that’s exactly what Kia has done with this Niro. The carmaker has managed to fit its battery under the back seat without encroaching on seating or cargo space. The Niro plug-in hybrid doesn’t sacrifice any livability for its additional electrons. Kia smartly pushed the stepped floor just a bit forward of the lower back-seat cushion to accommodate the larger battery pack under the floor, something that few back-seat occupants would likely ever notice. It has exactly the same hip point for the seat, the same seat cushion, and the same nearly flat seat-folding capability as the hybrid.”
Says Edmunds reviewer Calvin Kim: “With the Niro Plug-In Hybrid, you get great fuel economy and SUV-like styling at a reasonable price.” Kim gives 5 stars for the Niro Plug-In’s driving position: “The tilt-and-telescoping steering column has a lot of adjustment, and the optional power driver's seat has two-way lumbar adjustment and height adjustment. It's pretty easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to copious amounts of head and legroom to suit a wide range of drivers.”
Niro's low MSRP and excellent hybrid range, make this environmentally-friendly car a huge value.
REVISED JUNE 2021
There are currently 4 primary incentives available to the California consumer that substantially lower the cost of buying or leasing an EV. CURRENT provides all the guidance or assistance you may need to apply for these incentives.
