2018 Kia Niro in Asheville, NC - $10,698

Kia Motors America introduced the all-new 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. A no-compromise vehicle that combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, functional utility and hybrid efficiency, the all-new Niro strikes the perfect balance for today’s consumers and stakes claim to a unique position between the hybrid-electric vehicle and CUV segments.

The new Kia hybrid demonstrates that owners don’t have to sacrifice emotionally engaging design or functional utility in the name of efficiency. The HUV’s design language is atypical of a hybrid, appearing strong and confident with subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. The Niro sports wide and low proportions with a long roofline and short overhangs that give it an overall athletic profile. Up front, the Niro bears a familiar front fascia highlighted by Kia’s signature grille and flanked by aggressively shaped headlights that accentuate the Niro’s strong shoulders.

Available in FE, LX, EX, Touring Launch, and Touring trim levels, power for the Niro is generated by an all-new, state-of-the-art Kappa 1.6L GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. The new engine marks the first combination of the Atkinson Cycle, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), GDI and a long-stroke-narrow-bore specification to maximize efficiency. An electric tractive motor, known as the transmission-mounted electric device (TMED), works in tandem with the gasoline engine. Bringing the whole system together is a compact and lightweight Lithium Ion Polymer battery located underneath the rear seat. Because the high-voltage battery is both power and energy dense, engineers were able to use the downsized gasoline engine to maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions.

Torque is communicated to the street through a newly developed, second-generation six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which not only boosts efficiency but is also a key factor to the Niro’s great driving experience. The transmission delivers smooth, quick shifts for a natural and spirited feel in stark contrast to that of other hybrids equipped with continuously variable transmissions.

The Niro’s parallel and simplified hybrid system creates seamless transitions of power delivered to the front wheels, resulting in a very un-hybrid-like driving experience. The hybrid system is neither intrusive nor obvious. The Niro accelerates quickly off the line and continues its smooth power delivery, inspiring driver confidence in everyday driving maneuvers like merging onto the highway. Special attention was also paid to brake feel. Applying lessons learned through development of two generations of Optima Hybrids as well as the fully electric Soul EV, Kia engineers designed the Niro’s regenerative system to seamlessly blend in hydraulic friction braking. Consequently, deceleration feels more consistent and linear than other hybrids.

Inside the passenger cabin reveals an inviting, modern, and high-tech interior. Glossy white or black accents underline the HUV’s straightforward theme. The instrument panel is uncluttered and clean, with colorful and informative gauges at the forefront and perfectly positioned primary and secondary controls falling readily to hand. Interior roominess comes by way of the Niro’s long wheelbase, body height, and wide stance, which affords ample leg-, head- and shoulder-room. Seats with increased pad density in the cushions ensure a comfortable ride, helping to prevent fatigue on longer trips. With its crossover-like proportions, the Niro boasts an elevated seating position much like the Kia Soul, providing drivers with a more commanding view of the road as well as easy ingress and egress. While the clever packaging of the high voltage battery assists in delivering a desirable driving experience, its location underneath the rear seats also increases cabin and cargo space and allows a flat load floor.

In addition to spaciousness and comfort, ensuring a quiet interior environment was also a key development focus for engineers. Copious insulation in the Niro’s front structure, optimized suspension bushing stiffness, careful body sealing, and application of expanding foam inside the A- and B-pillars all prevent road and tire noise from entering the cabin. Furthermore, acoustic windshield glass and carefully shaped side mirrors mitigate wind noise.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.3; overall length: 171.5; width: 71.1; height: 60.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder gasoline – 104 hp at 5700 rpm and 109 lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm; AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor – 43 hp at 125 lbs-ft of torque; Lithium-Ion polymer battery – 42 kW/240 volts.
Transmission: six-speed dual clutch automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 52 city/49 hwy. (FE); 51 city/46 hwy. (LX/EX); 46 city/40 hwy. (Touring Launch/Touring)
Cargo capacity: 97.1 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, rollover sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist system, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, vehicle stability management, engine immobilizer, automatic power door locks, rear-view camera, tire mobility kit, tire pressure monitoring system, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. LX adds Smart Key with push-button start, Smart Trunk and panic alarm. EX adds front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, blind spot detection system, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert. Touring adds front/rear park assist system.

Optional safety features include: high intensity discharge headlamps with anti-fog function, forward collision warning system, lane departure warning system, smart cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking system.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Kia Niro starts from $22,890 for the FE up to $29,650 for the Touring. Destination charges add $895.