Is the Kia Niro the most effective finances hybrid crossover you should purchase in 2025?

Should you’re in search of a brand new car with loads of house, 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 assume. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

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

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Value, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays one of the reasonably priced hybrid crossovers available on the market. 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 normal, a few of that are often non-compulsory extras on costlier 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 is not overly thrilling, however there are plenty of facets to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine offers the Niro a much-needed enhance, particularly when selecting up velocity. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a difficulty I’ve observed with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

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What I favored 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 house 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 help kits, and every other necessities you need to preserve within the automobile.

The Niro will get 17 helpful normal options, resembling 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 accordance 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 decent 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

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

There are just a few annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, except you’ve gotten 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 shortly, 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 gas.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — supreme for brief, low-speed journeys round city — nevertheless it’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 would not do a lot for efficiency, nevertheless it 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 stuffed with potential, foolish designs waste plenty of house. 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 house, and a tiny cubby beneath is simply 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 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. Nonetheless, I am scuffling with the three-hour recharge interval to get just a few further miles of vary. Until you’ve gotten a technique to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you will truly preserve it charged up. Certain, the engine continually gives 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 vehicles. Should you love the distinctive design, plethora of normal expertise, and considerable house, I would suggest the marginally cheaper Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid