New 2021 KIA Niro Hybrid Review, Specs, Range
New 2021 KIA Niro Hybrid Review, Specs, Range – Niro has several toes in a crossover pool but maintains a manageable, compact footprint. It’s also very efficient, managing 52 MPG in the city in a hybrid variant and delivering EPA-Rated 239 miles of electric range in the form of EV. Is it fast? Not very. Best car driver on the block? Also nothing. But with your hard-earned money and perhaps a disturbing climate conscience on the phone, it’s an interesting option.
KIA continues to change light for the Niro mid-cycle refresh, which so far only applies to hybrids and plug-ins but not for various electricity. Outside, the new major changes the lights, the newly patterned diamond Grille, the new LED running lights in the Double-Chevron setting and the new 16-and 18-inch wheel design.
New 2021 KIA Niro Hybrid Review, Specs, Range
New 2021 KIA Niro Hybrid Review, Specs, Range
In it, KIA has updated the graphics of the drive-mode in digital cluster gauge and made the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an optional 10.3-inch unit. We are pleased about the optional steering wheel shift paddles, which will also provide driver control over the regenerative braking intensity of Niro.
Niro hybrids are the most suitable for us (and, we suspect, most drivers). It offers excellent fuel economy with very little compromise, and it’s also reasonably priced. We will choose Mid-Level LX Trim, which adds to the Spartan base of the Niro offerings of roof rails, push-button start, rear LED taillamps, and folding armrests for the second line.
2021 KIA Niro Hybrid Engine
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor team with six double-speed automatic transmission clutch on Nonhybrid Niro. The system made a Total of 139 horsepower and Niro FE motivated from zero to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds during our test, placing it in a hunt with many competitions.
Our choice-laden Touring model is tested, weighing down with 168 pounds of additional equipment, it takes 9.6 seconds to complete the same task. The Niro Plug-in uses the same basic powertrain as a hybrid model, albeit with a larger battery pack to increase the EV range. The battery adds up to 26 miles of EV operation, according to the EPA.
We have not tested any new Niro electric EV, but come standard with DC fast-charging capability that the KIA claims can refill 80 percent of the battery in just 75 minutes. Niro easily handles uneven roads, providing a controlled and stable ride.
However, we noted an unusual level of noise impact coming into the cab when driving over a bump-mastered road. Steering the response at Niro is fast and accurate. The steering wheel features no dead zones, and the car tracks directly on the highway. Steering effort, already sturdy, increases when the sport mode is involved.
Plug-In Hybrid boasts claimed only electric range of 26 miles and all-electric models come with a 64-kWh battery and up to 239 miles of total range.
The KIA improved the Niro’s aerodynamic efficiency to 2021 by attaching a lattice window that approached about 35 mph to smoothen the airflow over the short nose. Working effort: The stripped-down Fe EPA-Rated 52 MPG in the city is only 2 MPG less than the Prius slimmer. Across the ranks, Niro appeared worse at the pace of the highway than the Prius; FE delivered 42 MPG in our 200-mile highway fuel-test economy while loaded Touring successfully 39 MPG.
2021 KIA Niro Hybrid Interior
2021 KIA Niro Hybrid Features
The basic FE features an in the cumbersome interior that is heavy on plastics and fabrics. The partial leather seat Trim is a standard starting with the EX. Also, the standard across the lineup is two automatic climate control zones, with controls for drivers and front-seat passengers.
There is even a button to change passenger climate control off if the chair is empty, which can save energy in the summer months when the traditional hybrid loses efficiency due to the increased burden of air conditioning. Niro was designed from the beginning to be a hybrid, not converted from an existing petrol-powered vehicle. Consequently, the cargo chamber is not deducted with the battery pack.
Unfortunately, the back seat does not form a flat load floor when folded, and other equally sized crossovers can accommodate more cargo. We managed to fit six carry-on luggage behind the back seat and 18 with folded rear seats.
The KIA Infotainment system uses a touch screen equipped with a hard button. The system is intuitive and simple, and KIA gets a significant Goodwill by providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities as standard. Base Niros received several Infotainment items outside of smartphone connectivity and SiriusXM compatibility. The optional navigation system uses GPS data to predict energy demands, and will, for example, conserve energy in batteries in anticipation of hill climbing.
2021 KIA Niro Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested Niro, but The Insurance Agency for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The former gained Top Safety Pick + designation as doing the latter despite the headlights that scored poor goals in the IIHS test. The KIA package of driver-assistance technology is available starting with LX by means of the Advanced Technology package.
KIA and his sister company, Hyundai, offer one of the most comprehensive vehicle warranty available. The 10-year powertrain warranty is the foundation, but KIA beats competition almost across the board. The only thing missing is the free scheduled maintenance, offered in this class only by Chevrolet.
