I Think The 2023 Kia Niro Is The Most Interesting Hybrid of The Moment

The second generation of the 2023 Kia Niro is set to make its mark, with an updated exterior and interior design, improved technology, and a focus on preserving the main values of its first generation - to be the most competitive hybrid in its segment. Torque News reviewed the 2023 Kia Niro HEV and we think this is perhaps the most interesting hybrid vehicle of the moment.

The 2023 Kia Niro marks a significant redesign for the small SUV, not just in terms of its exterior and interior design, but also in its powertrain hierarchy. The Niro has been completely redesigned for 2023, taking inspiration from the HabaNiro concept from 2019.

While the Niro still offers hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants, the 2023 model now clearly positions them in terms of performance. The hybrid variant, in particular, is the most interesting of the bunch, as it delivers top-notch fuel efficiency and great overall value.

The 2023 Niro HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with an electric motor, which together produce 139 horsepower. This powertrain configuration allows the Niro HEV to achieve a fuel economy rating of 49 MPG, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. Additionally, the Niro HEV has a 53/45 PM city/highway rating respectively.

Its consumption is extraordinarily low. It is a piece of cake to see figures on the computer, when you accumulate. The Niro Hybrid's hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a 32 kW electric motor. This combination enables the Niro to achieve up to an EPA-estimated 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. With 11.1 gallons of fuel and an average mpg of 50.5, the total estimated range for the Niro Hybrid is 562 miles. This range makes it an ideal vehicle for long trips and commutes.

The car is basically petrol driven, but while braking, the battery is recharged and the car uses the electric engine to support the gas engine so the car doesn't get as thirsty as the 100% ICEl driven one. However, it seems that the hybrid battery is more charged when driving in the Sports mode.

The Niro also features a cool interior design and quality, with two rows of roomy seating, making it a comfortable option for families. Another advantage is its low price for a hybrid SUV, which makes it an attractive option for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle.

The 2023 Niro lineup is offered in the following trims: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, EX PHEV, SX Touring and SX PHEV. The starting LX trim comes with a $27,915 MSRP, while the top SX PHEV is offered at $40,915. Torque News test-drove the SX Touring trim, which came with $36,438 MSRP.

Exterior Design of The 2023 Kia Niro

The basic formula of the Kia Niro has not changed since its renewal in 2022, but how much and how it has improved. Three good and efficient propulsion technologies, one for each need, magnificent use of space in the passenger compartment, versions with fairly complete standard equipment, clear options policy... And the most interesting for many: efficiency, good driving feel, solvent engines and competitive prices for everything they offer.

The 2023 Hybrid Niro shines with a unique exterior design. For example, in the case of the 2023 Niro EV the grille gets a blue accent that matches the wheels, while the logo is surrounded by a 3D holographic pattern. Niro EV also has a slightly more aerodynamic shape due to its shorter overhangs and the absence of a conventional grille. The side profile is more muscular and dynamic, thanks to the squarish wheel arches, as well as the black side skirts and the plastic body cladding.

The Niro Hybrid boasts an extravagant exterior design due to the chrome-finished grille and the black bezel around the fog lights. Meanwhile, the roof-mounted spoiler adds to the sporty flair of the car. The rear bumper is dominated by the trapezoidal-shaped diffuser and the dual exhaust pipes, making the Niro Hybrid look more aggressive than the regular hybrid version. Finally, the Niro Hybrid also gets exclusive 17-inch wheels with a unique "Y" spoke design.

It is not as bulky and heavy as an SUV and, therefore, it is less sensitive to aerodynamic noise and allows better use of the engine, for example, but in exchange, it offers a dingo interior relief of a larger car.

Inside

The new Niro has also given a radical change from inside. The design is clearly more modern, the quality has gone up entirely, it has more than satisfactory multimedia equipment due to its good ergonomics or ease of operation as soon as you spend a quarter of an hour in the car to learn the basic functions. And as if that were not enough, for its external size, it is a car that is well used from the inside out and offers a more than satisfactory trunk volume, one of the best among models with an equivalent propulsion system.

Driving

The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid has an impressive driving experience. The chassis is designed to be comfortable, so you can expect a smooth ride and a balanced feel. The Niro gives you a sense of security with its driving aid systems, which are designed to help you stay safe on the road. The brakes are surprisingly natural and responsive, giving you the confidence you need to drive confidently.

The Niro also offers a poise and confidence that make it a pleasure to drive. The hybrid powertrain gives you the power and efficiency you'd expect from a hybrid vehicle, while the clean and efficient engine helps you keep emissions to a minimum. With its intuitive and user-friendly control systems, the Niro Hybrid is an enjoyable and easy to drive car.

Overall, the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid is an impressive driving experience that offers a great balance of power, efficiency, comfort and safety.

Is The Niro Hybrid a Good SUV?

The Niro also offers a comfortable and quiet ride, along with a cabin that’s relatively well-equipped. Its 8-inch touchscreen is easy to use and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Niro’s fuel-sipping powertrain also earns it an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 52 mpg, which is among the highest of any hybrid SUV.

Safety is also a strong point for the Niro. Kia offers several driver-assistance features as standard equipment, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trim levels.

The 2023 Kia Niro offers a lot of bang for your buck, making it a great option in the hybrid SUV segment. It offers an impressive list of standard features, a comfortable cabin and an excellent fuel economy rating. It also comes with plenty of driver-assistance features, making it a great choice for commuters and families. If you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV and don’t want to break the bank, the Niro is definitely worth considering.

The 2023 Kia Niro is a great option for those looking for a hybrid SUV that offers both style and performance. With its redesigned exterior, cool interior, and fuel-efficient powertrain, the Niro is set to remain competitive in the growing hybrid SUV segment. The vehicle has a great price point and fuel economy making it the most interesting hybrid at the moment, Kia has done a great job in rethinking the powertrain hierarchy of Niro that makes it stand out in the market.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.