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

For those who’re in search of a brand new car with loads of area, however don’t desire an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid might be the proper match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gas 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 effective 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 commonplace, a few of that are often non-obligatory extras on dearer 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

Because the Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it is not overly thrilling, however there are loads of features to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine offers the Niro a much-needed increase, 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 difficulty I’ve seen with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

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What I favored in regards to 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 area all through. In reality, there’s extra rear legroom than a

Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s extra storage for charging cables, first assist kits, and another necessities it is best to hold within the automobile.

The Niro will get 17 helpful commonplace options, resembling enhanced auto emergency braking expertise, sensible 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 operating low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gas economic system

Based on 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 in regards to the Kia Niro hybrid

There are a number of annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, until you’ve 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 rapidly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not trouble. To be sincere, I am not satisfied the time and value to recharge is definitely worth the potential financial savings on gas.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — best for brief, low-speed journeys round city — nevertheless 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, nevertheless it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final challenge is with the shortage of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin stuffed with potential, foolish designs waste loads of area. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cell phones, 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 area, and a tiny cubby beneath is simply good for some tissues or telephone charging cables.

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Do you have to purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

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

After spending every 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 gas. Nevertheless, I am battling the three-hour recharge interval to get a number of further miles of vary. Until you’ve a approach to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you will really hold it charged up. Positive, the engine continually supplies some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That mentioned, the Niro is an effective automobile. It drives effectively, it is environment friendly, and is extra inexpensive than related automobiles. For those who love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary expertise, and ample area, 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