Flash Drive

2018 KIA NIRO

October 8, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium

The 2018 Kia Niro PHEV hybrid is a handsomely styled compact wagon that looks more expensive than it is.

Engine:1.6-liter I-4 gas engine + 60 hp electric motor, 139-horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque (combined)

Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 105-mpg electric + gasoline, 46-mpg gasoline only

Base Price: $34,500

As Tested: $35,575

Performance:

Outstanding fuel economy—our best was 75.5-mpg

26-mile all-electric range

The 2018 Kia Niro is fun to drive and gets incredible fuel economy in town or out on the open road.

Pleasant highway ride

Excellent size for city driving/errands

Highly informative gauges @ driving modes, economy

Comfort:

Super stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Pointed toes still didn’t touch firewall

Great headroom

Seat height pump

Very soft headrests

Three temperature heated and ventilated seats

The rear view of the 2018 Kia Niro is crisp and attractive like the front. The hatch opens high for tall people.
All 2018 Niro models feature NBA player front legroom and the Premium models have luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats.

Very warm heated leather steering wheel

Steering wheel is thick and nicely contoured

Very good auxiliary controls

Ample range for tilt/telescopic steering column

Nice driver power lumbar support

Hard plastic seatbacks hit rear passenger knees when fronts are all back

OK rear leg/knee room if front seats are up some

Very low rear floor hump

Soft wide armrest with cupholders for rear seat

Rear seat room is good because there is so much room for adjust the front seats. The floor hump is minimal.

Utility:

Medium size console bin

Medium size, non-locking glovebox

Medium size front door bins with bottle notches

Hard plastic visors have good sliding range

Big infotainment screen

Excellent sound system and navigation

Smallish front door bins

Two rear stretchy cargo nets

Bottle notches only on rear doors

Big rear door speakers

Split, folding rear seats have upward slant

Ample hatchback head clearance

Cargo space is good with the split seats folded flat.

Medium cargo area with flat floor

WOW Factors:

Incredible fuel economy

Handsome styling

Great luxury features, especially at this price

Super roomy front row comfort

Great safety features

Superb warranty

Whines:

Interior lighting not very bright

Package space is reasonable with the seats in their up position.

Hard plastic seatbacks

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Kia Niro PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that’s attractive esthetically, environmentally, ergonomically, and economically. The Niro hybrid is a handsome wagon style compact that’s big on comfort and fuel economy.