2023 Kia Niro SX Touring: New Design Looks More Like A Hatchback

 

Highlight: The Niro can be outfitted with an optional navigation-based cruise control stop-and-go cruise control system

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $36,435 (Base: $27,785)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; rear view mirror; tire mobility kit; hill start assist; stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a blind spot warning system; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist system; a radar activated cruise control with stop and go system; a co-pilot assist system; a tire mobility kit; and a rear traffic cross assist system

Standard Equipment (Base LX): 16-inch wheels; 6-speed automatic transmission; automatic headlights; a rear spoiler LED headlights; manual tailgate; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; cloth seat trim; manual operated front seats with height adjuster; dual automatic climate control system; an 8-inch informational tech screen

Standard Equipment (SX Touring):18-inch wheels; paddle shifters; rain sensing wipers; power folding heated outside mirror with integrated turn signals; body color outside door handles with Satin Chrome Accent; power tailgate; power sunroof with sunshade; illuminated vanity mirrors; mood lighting; LED overhead console; rear center armrest with cupholder; automatic review mirror; leather transmission shift knob; aluminum pedals; vegan leather seat trim; 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support; memory operated driver’s seat; heated and ventilated front seats; vegan leather steering wheel; second row air vents; external amp with subwoofer in cargo area; an 8-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system; wireless phone charger; a push button ignition starter system; wireless phone charger; power passenger wind with auto down; forward collision avoidance assist – cyclist; a radar activated cruise control with a stop and go system; a parking distance reverse system;

Options: black c-pillar trim and carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

EX

EX Touring

SX

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 4-speaker AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Base Model): 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder with a 32kW electric motor/139-horsepower

Standard Fuel Mileage: 53-city/45-hwy (base model)

What’s New:  The second-generation Niro has gone through a radical change. Its literally unrecognizable.

Pros:

Fuel efficient

A peppy and fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle

Two driving modes for the gasoline model

Available as plug-in and BEV (battery electric vehicle too)

An affordable vehicle with a high level of equipment for under $35,000

Radical styling from previous model; no longer looks like a wagon

Side profile looks like BMW’s i3 with the optional black c-pillar trim

A modern interior layout

Roomier than outgoing model

Charging outlet attached to front passenger seat

Large infotainment screen

A radar-activated cruise control system available

An available highway driving system

A navigation-based radar activated cruise control system and curve control

High quality audio system

Heated and ventilated front seats

A wireless charging system

Available 18-inch wheels

One of the best warranties in the industry

Heated steering wheel available

Power driver’s seat with memory feature

Power liftgate available

A high level of safety driving aids

Brake hold feature

But: 

Controversial fascia/front end

No oversized panoramic sunroof

No all-wheel drive configuration

Verdict:  The second-generation compact crossover is all-new for the 2022 model year. The model has transitioned from embodying the design elements of a station wagon to traits that resemble a four-door hatchback. The splashy looking all-new Niro, with its controversial front fascia, is available in three powertrains: gas/hybrid; plug-in and a BEV (battery electric vehicle). 

For our test vehicle, we reviewed a hybrid model. The five- seater compact was powered by the same 4-cylinder engine that was in the first-generation Niro. While this year’s model has the same combined fuel economy, as the outgoing model, the city mpg has increased slightly, according to fueleconomy.gov. This could be due to the size of the fuel tank shrinking in the 2023 model.

And despite the overall fuel mileage of the hybrid being the same as the 2022 model, the Niro pushes the envelope in literally every other area. These noticeable changes are exhibited in the vehicle’s modern interior layout to a larger infotainment screen to a higher quality audio system to a host of safety driving aids too. In fact, the Niro now has charging outlets embedded into the seats.

Overall, like with most Kias, the Niro is a great road vehicle that provides a lot of bang for the buck, especially as the average transaction price of a new vehicle nears $50,000.

Competition: 2023 Toyota Prius