Is the Kia Niro one of the best funds hybrid crossover you should buy in 2025?

In the event you’re in search of a brand new car with loads of house, however don’t desire an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid could possibly be the proper match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gasoline pump, and is extra inexpensive than you may suppose. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

EVs wait for their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an efficient approach to get used to recurrently charging.

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Value, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays some of the inexpensive hybrid crossovers available on the market. There is a alternative of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a powerful e book of options as normal, a few of that are normally non-obligatory extras on costlier fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many cheapest plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the cheapest EV you can buy proper now.

Kia Niro key options

• Rear privateness glass
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch touchscreen show with navigation
• Reverse parking sensor
• Heated entrance seats

For the reason that Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it is not overly thrilling, however there are plenty of elements to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine provides the Niro a much-needed enhance, particularly when choosing up pace. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a problem I’ve seen with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

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What I favored concerning the Kia Niro hybrid

Is that this Dr. Who’s tardis?

Though the Kia Niro is classed as a compact crossover, its boxy design creates copious quantities of house all through. In actual fact, there’s extra rear legroom than a

Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s further storage for charging cables, first assist kits, and every other necessities you need to maintain within the automotive.

The Niro will get 17 helpful normal options, reminiscent of enhanced auto emergency braking expertise, good cruise management, and a wi-fi charging pad. In addition to these, an intuitive built-in navigation displays EV battery vary, and suggests close by charging stations when working low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline economic system

In keeping with Kia, the Niro PHEV returns as much as 313 MPG. That is a wild determine, factoring within the electrical energy and vary. In actuality, I nonetheless achieved a good 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

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What I did not like concerning the Kia Niro hybrid

There are a couple of annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, except you may have three hours to spare. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid solely has a small electrical battery. Whereas it returns a excessive MPG determine, it depletes shortly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not trouble. To be trustworthy, I am not satisfied the time and value to recharge is well worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — very best for brief, low-speed journeys round city — however it’s solely helpful if the battery has a cost. In any other case, your solely choices are eco, which I spent most of my time in, or sport mode. The latter would not do a lot for efficiency, however it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final concern is with the shortage of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin crammed with potential, foolish designs waste plenty of house. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cellphones, the not-so-ergonomic built-in cupholders take over half of the center space, with push buttons leaving a bizarre form when folded away. The armrest covers the remaining house, and a tiny cubby beneath is barely good for some tissues or cellphone charging cables.

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Must you purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

I do not hate it, I simply do not get it

After spending per week with the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid, I used to be unmoved. I can see how its spacious inside would profit households, and the EV-only mode helps drivers save on gasoline. Nonetheless, I am fighting the three-hour recharge interval to get a couple of further miles of vary. Except you may have a approach to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you will really maintain it charged up. Positive, the engine continually offers some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That stated, the Niro is an efficient automotive. It drives effectively, it is environment friendly, and is extra inexpensive than comparable automobiles. In the event you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary expertise, and ample house, I might suggest the marginally cheaper Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid