Used 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

The 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a kind of small crossover that’s big on fuel economy. There are small cars with plug-in hybrid drivetrains, and there are subcompact crossovers, but the Kia Niro is one of the few instances where the two overlap.

This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is part of a trio of Niro models, each with its own take on low emissions and economical transportation, while offering relatively spacious cabins and a crossover-like ride height. The other two are a fully electric vehicle (EV) and a regular hybrid.

Why buy a plug-in hybrid instead of a regular hybrid? Everyone is free to choose, naturally, but a plug-in version provides a useful distance running solely in EV mode. The Niro PHEV can manage 26 miles.

For short commutes, school runs, local errands, etc., and with the possibility of recharging at work, it might work out that the combustion engine is needed only on occasion. And there’s no need to worry if the battery runs down, as that onboard gasoline engine will still get the family home.

Like every other Kia, the 2021 Niro PHEV is covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid and Niro EV (electric vehicle) each have their own separate reviews.

Not that this is a subject dear to the hearts of typical plug-in hybrid owners, but the 2021 Niro PHEV can run from standstill to 60 mph in around 8.6 seconds. Please don’t bet on winning any drag races, but that’s a useful amount of thrust for most everyday driving situations.

It’s complemented by a suspension that’s quite composed and responsive. The front end is willing and able to cope with changes in direction. And the steering also enables a tight turning circle, ideal for negotiating tight city streets.

Hybrids often have continuously variable transmissions (CVT), which tend to dull the driving experience and send droning noises into the cabin. Not the 2021 Niro Plug-In Hybrid. It has a quick-acting dual-clutch transmission. For extra driver involvement whenever the whim arises, shift paddles are mounted beneath the steering wheel once we get to EX trim.

As well as a generally pleasant cabin with cool design touches on the dashboard, decent materials, comfortable seating, and a logical arrangement of controls, there are some clever details. For example, the driver-only climate function that saves some energy. And extra stowage space in the center console is liberated with the introduction of an electronic parking brake at the EX level.

There aren’t many small plug-in hybrid vehicles that can accommodate 6-footers in the back seats. At the moment, we can only think of one, this Kia Niro.

The cargo area is similarly accommodating. The rear seats split and fold in the usual 60/40 manner. Behind them is 19.4 cubic feet of luggage space. When the rear seats are folded, the maximum volume is 54.5 cubic feet. This is pretty much the same as the regular Niro hybrid, meaning there’s no particular compromise with the plug-in hybrid system.

Is the Kia Niro a crossover? Is it a hatchback? It’s definitely a hatchback with crossover leanings, as illustrated by the black plastic framing the wheel wells, the standard-issue roof rails, and the slightly raised ride height.

From an aesthetic perspective, it all works arguably well, in common with most Kia vehicles. The company clearly hasn’t intended for the Niro PHEV’s green credentials to be advertised. Casual onlookers would assume it was yet another crossover. Although they might wonder why it was so quiet.

PLUG-IN HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a method to calculate energy used for distance travelled — miles-per-gallon equivalent, or MPGe — and estimates the Niro PHEV can achieve an average of 105 MPGe. This puts the car at an advantage compared with the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, which is rated at 90 MPGe combined and with an electric-only range of 17 miles.

10.25-INCH TOUCHSCREEN
It only comes in the top EX Premium trim, but this control hub (for what is an excellent and user-friendly infotainment system) provides high-resolution graphics.

It isn’t as simple as having the same trims and equipment for all 2021 Niro variants and just fitting different drivetrains. The Niro PHEV, for example, starts out at a high trim level than its regular hybrid relative.

In LXS trim, standard equipment is generous, bringing 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/start, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, plus a set of driver aids that includes forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

Actual options are few. The LXS is eligible for a cargo cover that’s standard in the upper two trims, along with mud flaps and a few other minor items. All versions can be fitted with crossbars for the roof rails.

Otherwise, adding more features to a 2021 Niro PHEV entails going up to a higher trim. The mid-level EX adds an electronic parking brake, fog lights, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, shift paddles mounted beneath the steering wheel, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and cyclist detection.

The EX Premium comes with LED headlights, powered tilt/slide sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, self-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors, navigation-based smart cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine forms the combustion part of the 2021 Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s drivetrain. It’s complemented by an electric motor drawing its energy from a lithium-ion polymer battery. These two sources integrate to make 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

That’s the same output as the regular Niro hybrid, but the difference here is that the Niro PHEV can run for up to 26 miles on battery power alone. Using the car in electric vehicle (EV) mode and then as a regular hybrid results in a maximum range of 560 miles, at the equivalent of 105 miles per gallon. Driven as a regular hybrid, it achieves 46 mpg on the Environmental Protection Agency’s combined cycle.

A 6-speed dual-clutch automated transmission (to the driver, it’s operated like a regular automatic, with PRND settings) funnels power to the front wheels only.

A full battery recharge from a 240-volt supply takes approximately 2.5 hours. Or owners could just use a domestic outlet and let it charge overnight for nine hours.

1.6-liter inline-4 + AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor
139 horsepower total system output
195 lb-ft of torque total system output
EPA combined fuel economy: 46 mpg/105 MPGe