Used 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) belongs to a trifecta of electrified cars. The Niro lineup includes a hybrid (HEV), an all-electric version (EV), and this — the one you can plug in and fill up. We review the 2023 Kia Niro hybrid (HEV) and the 2023 Kia Niro EV separately.

Applying to all three versions, the newest Niro is longer and wider than the outgoing model. Kia also claims bragging rights for the Niro for the largest passenger and cargo space in the class. Kia stocks every Niro with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. Even the base EX comes with some surprising standard equipment like rain-sensing wipers, proximity keyless entry, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Kia boosted the electric-only range from 26 miles on a full charge to as much as 33 miles. When the electrons run out, a 4-cylinder engine handles the propulsion. Total range is 510 miles.

With the Niro redesign, Kia streamlined the PHEV lineup to just the entry-level EX and the better-equipped SX.

We see the Niro PHEV as ideal for around-town errands. Its tidy size translates into easy parking, while the 33-mile electric-only range means many drivers can run those errands without burning a drop of gasoline.

We like the extra nudge from an electric motor when accelerating away from a standstill. And with 41 more horsepower than the first generation, the 180-horsepower 2023 Niro PHEV gets a healthy push. We also found the steering responsive and the ride surprisingly comfortable.

As impressive as the Niro PHEV’s acceleration boost is its 6-speed automatic transmission delivery system. No buzzy CVT (continuously variable transmission) spinning the front wheels for the Niro PHEV. We applaud Kia’s decision to use a traditional automatic transmission instead.

Otherwise, we found the Niro PHEV experience agreeable from behind the wheel and in the passenger seat alike.

Some of the best news is the Niro PHEV can now travel up to 33 miles on electric-only power, which is up significantly from the first-generation version.

Using the subcompact SUV class as a basis for comparison, Kia claims the 2023 Niro has the greatest passenger and cargo space in the segment. We think it has more than enough space for five adults. In our drive of the newest Niro PHEV, we were impressed with its headroom and legroom.

We’re not convinced vegan leather is a big selling point; however, we appreciate Kia’s wide use of recycled materials and toxin-free paints dressing up the cabin. The bigger story, though, is that the interior styling and tech are truly striking. There are lots of standard and available features that really gussy up the furnishings. For example, an 8-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is standard on the SX Touring.

The 2023 Niro PHEV is 2.5 inches longer than its predecessor and wider, too. At 6.3 inches, ground clearance is the same. However, size isn’t all that matters. Overall, the re-invigorated Niro makes a bigger visual splash than the first-gen model. Looks are subjective, but we think it looks way cooler than the Toyota Prius Prime.

While remaining recognizable as a contemporary Kia, the Niro PHEV has a look all its own. This stretches from the futuristic headlights all the way to the treatment at the rear corners, where the kinked taillights edge around the sides.

DriveWise safety technologies
Available on every Niro PHEV is a bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies that help keep your family safe. Among the included features are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and a lot more.

Highway Driving Assist
Optional on both Niro PHEV grades, Highway Driving Assist is a driver-assistance technology that can accelerate, brake, and steer the Niro EV under certain conditions with driver supervision.

Dual-screen display
This curved unit houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. A serious upgrade, it could easily appear in the cockpit of a German sedan costing thousands more.

Harman Kardon audio system
This is an 8-speaker audio system with Clari-Fi sound-enhancement technology and a sub-woofer. It’s standard in the SX.

Digital Key 2.0
Another feature that has trickled down from the luxury realm, it puts the lock/unlock and start functions into the smartphones and/or smartwatches of multiple users. Switching to a new driver can be done by text message. It’s standard on every Niro PHEV.

Proximity Keyless Entry
Included on every Niro EV, this feature allows you to unlock your Niro simply by touching the door handle as long as the key fob is on your person. It also includes a push-button start.

From the get-go, we were struck by the aggressiveness of the Niro PHEV accelerating off the line. The drivetrain in the second-generation Niro PHEV is definitely similar to the one in the previous Niro PHEV. There’s still a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, but it’s augmented by a beefier electric motor this time around.

Combined output is 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That’s the same torque but 41 more horses. We were happy to find Kia continues to use a more traditional 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.

Charging the 11.1-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery takes less than three hours when connected to a 240-volt supply. With 16-inch alloy wheels fitted to the 2023 Niro PHEV, Kia estimates that the maximum range using battery power alone is 33 miles, a notable improvement over the 2022 model.

1.6-liter 4-cylinder/AC permanent magnet synchronous motor
180 combined horsepower
195 lb-ft combined torque
Fuel economy: N/A
Range in EV mode: 33 miles (Kia estimated)

Modern Safety Tech

The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid comes with an impressive list of standard safety tech features like enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors. The latest safety scores are available on the IIHS and NHTSA websites.

Exceptional Warranty Coverage

The 2023 Kia Niro is covered by the automaker’s generous and reassuring 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Included in the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty is 24/7 roadside assistance. This combination of warranty protection is among the best in the industry.