Used 2023 Kia Niro

The re-imagined Niro is a small car with outsized interior space, better fuel economy than before, almost-luxury technology, and dramatic styling. Based on Kia’s latest styling concept, the exterior displays attitude, as well as more than just a nod to aerodynamics. This forward-looking styling is matched by Niro’s efficient, high-end cabin.

Kia infuses Niro with all of its current thoughts on future mobility. Niro reflects the brand’s commitment to a sustainable future. That may sound like so much claptrap; however, the core idea is evident in Niro’s fuel efficiency, driving manners, advanced technology, and sustainable interior materials. Furthermore, they manage all of that while delivering a capable, roomy, and comfortable crossover.

The wider Niro range also includes plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) forms of propulsion. This proper name for the Niro we review here is the Niro HEV, denoting a hybrid electric vehicle. We review the Niro PHEV and Niro EV elsewhere.

One advantage the Niro HEV has over its PHEV and EV siblings; you don’t need to worry about electric range or charging times. The HEV regenerates its own battery charge.

Direct rivals are few and far between. About as close as you can get is the Toyota Prius.

In our testing, we found the updated Kia Niro hybrid delivers a pleasant ride with responsive steering. Given the Niro’s modest price, the experience is neither sporty nor luxurious but much better than expected. Its acceleration didn’t blow our socks off but, hey, hybrids are about mileage after all, right? The Niro scores big in that regard, returning up to 53 mpg in combined city-highway driving.

We like the way the Niro delivers its power to the front wheels. Kia chose a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission rather than the CVT (continuously variable transmission) you often find in a hybrid. For example, the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight feature CVTs. A conventional 6-speed makes for a quieter ride overall, too.

Over the driver’s shoulder, the Niro’s striking “Aeroblade” rear quarter panel creates a noteworthy blind spot. Thankfully, Niro’s standard blind-spot monitoring minimizes the drama when changing lanes.

All in all, the Niro hybrid is roomy for its class and is a pleasant place to be for a few hours.

Yet again, Kia creates an interior that looks like it should be in a luxury car. The dashboard and steering wheel are especially stylish. Moreover, dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment systems are available.

Despite this uptown appearance, many parts use recycled materials. The paint on the door panels gets made without using various toxic substances. The headliner is made of recycled wallpaper, and the seats are covered with a polyurethane made from eucalyptus leaves.

Kia lays claim to the most interior and cargo space in its class. In our testing, we found the cabin quite roomy with plenty of head and legroom. Far and away, the Niro provides more front- and rear-seat legroom. Luggage space behind the rear seats is increased slightly over the first generation, from 22.4 to 22.8 cubic feet. Prius provides a little more space behind the second-row seat, but at 63.7 cubic feet with the second-row folder, the Niro outshines the Prius.

Kia calls its new Niro a crossover SUV. It might also be considered a high-riding hatchback or a small SUV at a push. For our money, we are smitten with it no matter how you classify it.

In penning the Niro’s lines, Kia relied heavily on its “Opposites United” styling philosophy, which it describes as infusing inspiration from nature with aerodynamic refinement. We’ll leave it to you to figure out what that means. In our book, the Niro’s outer wrapper is sleek and modern.

Although Niro retains its “compact” classification, its exterior is larger (2.5 inches longer) than that of its predecessor. Even with the extra length, the Niro is a couple of inches shorter than the Ioniq Hybrid and 6 inches shorter than the Prius.

Behind (and slightly ahead of) the front wheels are what SUV cladding might look like if it were created by a civilization more advanced than ours. In our driving, we did find the Aero Blade D-pillar to be somewhat intrusive, hindering visibility. However, from outside the Niro, we can appreciate the styling it adds. Moreover, they aid airflow underneath and can be painted in contrasting colors on the SX and SX Touring trims while providing a location for the taillights. There’s nothing else like them.

Hybrid drivetrain
This makes the “base” 2023 Niro different from the other two Niro variants. It’s the Niro drivetrain that doesn’t need any special attention, but can still enable a range of 588 miles (Kia’s estimate) on a single tank of gas.

Dual-screen display
Available in higher trims, this type of display appears more often in much pricier vehicles. It features two 10.25-inch screens, one for driver information and the other for the infotainment system. The cool factor is high.

Drive Wise
Standard on all trims, this bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies contains some systems not usually found on rivals. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and lane-keeping assist are all included.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
You don’t need to drag along a cable when interfacing your smartphone with the Niro’s infotainment system. Whether you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can connect your smartphone wirelessly. This is standard on all Niro grades.

Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard in the EX and higher trims, this advanced cruise control system will, when engaged, maintain a preset speed while keeping a safe distance from the vehicles ahead. As the preceding traffic slow, so does your vehicle, even to a complete stop. As the vehicles in front gain speed, the Niro accelerates, as well.

Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
Standard in the EX and higher trims, this 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat includes 2-way power lumbar adjustments.

The gasoline/electric drivetrain in the 2023 Niro hybrid features a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor running off a lithium-ion battery. Total output is 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This is more than the Prius.

Front-wheel drive is the sole configuration, and the transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch unit (which works like any other automatic transmission, but more efficiently).

This is the same setup as the first generation, but Kia reckons the 2023 Niro HEV can achieve 53 miles per gallon in a combination of city and highway driving, which is between 3 and 4 mpg better than before.

Gas-electric hybrid with 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine
139 combined horsepower
195 lb-ft combined torque
Fuel economy: 53 mpg (53 city, 54 highway) EX Touring and SX Touring: 49 mpg (53 city, 49 highway)

More Niro fuel economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

Many Safety Features

The Kia Niro is well-equipped with standard safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-following assist. Visit the IIHS and the NHTSA to see the latest safety scores for the 2023 Niro.

Outstanding Warranty

The 2023 Kia Niro is covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This beats the warranties of most other hybrid SUVs.