The 2023 Kia Niro, available in both Hybrid and plug-in Hybrid is a great SUV available in Orange County. The fuel economy is excellent, it’s fun to drive, and the Niro fits up to 5 passengers. The infotainment system is simple to use and there is a respectable amount of passenger space in the 2 rows. The interior and exterior have a new sleek design. The ride is smooth and quiet, making it enjoyable for all persons inside the car.
Comfort
The Niro’s cabin is quiet and when driving at city speeds it is extremely pleasant to be within. The suspension is tuned nicely and the bumps on the road are comfy and pleasant. The seats are supportive and are easy to adjust. There is a standard dual-zone climate control feature that is great to have. According to Edmunds’ testing, “the system worked effectively during our testing”.
Interior
Kia has put in lots of effort to make the 2023 Niro Hybrid’s interior feel fresh and uplifting at the affordable price this Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid crossover SUV is available. This latest generation has a whole new look compared to the previous version. All of the controls are close to the driver’s side and easy to reach. The center touchscreen is high on the dash and is easy to reach. The 2023 Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a small look from the outside, but on the inside is generously roomy. The view is great from the front and the driver has a clear view of everything.
Technology
As Kia has shown in the past, the technology in their cars is easy to use and advanced. The Niro Hybrid is no exception. The twin-screen housing for the digital instrument panel and 10.25-inch center touchscreen looks premium. The infotainment system is easy to use. There is an onboard navigation system as well as voice controls.
Storage
There is a 22.8 cubic foot cargo space that is easy to access. The floor of that space is multi-level and is convenient for adding stuff. The rear seats can fold almost completely flat, allowing for long objects to fit. The center console upfront is a decent size and is big enough for you to hold your everyday items. Accessing anchor points for the car seats of the children is an easy and simple task.
Fuel Economy
For the Kia Niro Hybrid, the EPA has rated it at 53/54/53 mpg city/highway/combined, but the numbers will fluctuate if you choose to purchase an EX Touring or SX Touring due to 18-inch wheels. Your Orange County Kia dealer can help explain all of this to you, if you’d like to set up a Kia test drive. We’re also more than happy to answer questions over the phone if you’re curious!
Engine
The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid has a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to give 139 horsepower. The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is available in both in EX and SX Touring trims. Both of them have a plug-in hybrid system with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a 62-kW electric motor when combined give 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Front wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard.
Safety
- Forward collision warning: This system will warn and brake automatically to help avoid mitigating accidents.
- Forward automatic emergency braking: This system detects potential collisions with a vehicle ahead by autonomous braking and stopping the car.
- Pedestrian detection: This system ensures that the Forward Collision system will work on people and not just vehicles.
- Blind-spot monitoring: A driving assistance system that notifies the driver that another vehicle has appeared within their blind spot and is at risk for a crash.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: This system informs the driver if another vehicle is approaching from either direction when the vehicle is in reverse and is backing out of a parking space.
- Lane-keep assist: This system uses sensors to detect whether or not the driver is driving within their lane. If they stray from your lane, the system will use auditory or visual cues to alert the driver.
- Driver-attention warning: This system monitors the usual driving habits and behavior of the driver. By understanding the driver’s usual tendencies and habits, the DAW detects regularities in the driver that indicate they may be distracted or tired.
- Traffic-sign recognition: This system will recognize the traffic signs and relay the information displayed on the signs through the infotainment screen.
- Automatic high-beam headlights: This is a function that automatically adjusts the headlamp range.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization that works to reduce injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes. They frequently test vehicles and give them ratings based on how well the car and crash dummies fared in system crashes. For the “Crashworthiness” category, the Niro received the highest rating in all categories which includes:
- Small overlap front: driver-side
- Small overlap front: passenger-side
- Moderate overlap front: original test
- Side: original test
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
All of the Niro’s other ratings were good as well, giving buyers a reliable source of whether or not the Niro is safe or not.
Kia Connect
Depending on the model and trim of the 2023 Niro Hybrid, the car may come with Kia Connect. Kia Connect is a useful tool that owners of Kia cars can use. Remotely, from their smartphone or smartwatch owners are able to control their car. From their smartwatch or phone, they can start the car remotely. If you forgot where you parked, your phone will locate the car and give you directions. If it is too cold or too hot outside, you have the option to heat or cool your car so it is the perfect temperature when you enter. If you happen to leave a child or pet in the car, sensors detect movement after the car is locked. You will be alerted on your phone that there is movement in your car. And for those people who often lock their keys in their car or can never find where they placed them, Kia Connect allows you to lock and unlock your car from your smartphone.
Conclusion
The 2023 Niro Hybrid and Niro Hybrid Plug-in are great crossovers for a great price. It comes with a number of standard features and buyers can upgrade certain components. All-wheel drive is not available and all models have front-wheel drive only. Mission Viejo Kia sells the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid, and plug-in Hybrid and is a great place for Orange County Niro fans to shop if you are in the market for one.