2017 Kia Niro Is a Hybrid Hit

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Posted By: David Goodspeed

Given its utility and space, the Kia Niro would most closely be compared with the Toyota Prius V, the family wagon variant of that storied hybrid family. Niro features similar sizing and volume as Prius V as well as aerodynamics and creature comforts. Niro is offered on one of four trim levels – FE, LX, EX, and Touring. The Touring trim level – that our recent tester arrived in – adds weight to the package as well as decreased coefficiency of drag due to roof rails so its combined EPA rating drops to 43 mpg.

2017 Kia Niro Is a Hybrid Hit

In the Niro Touring we enjoyed leather seating with heat and ventilation up front, Harman/Kardon premium audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, UVO connected car infotainment services, 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment display with rear camera and navigation, push-button start with smart key technology, front/rear parking assist system, blind spot detection system, rear cross traffic alert, and power sunroof.

2017 Kia Niro Is a Hybrid Hit

Pricing for the 2017 Kia Niro begins at $22,890, a very good bargain for any hybrid vehicle on the market today. Our Touring tester arrived with a final window sticker of $30,545 with fuel economy ratings of 46 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Kia also offers an advanced technology package for Niro that includes smart cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning system.

2017 Kia Niro Is a Hybrid Hit

The new Kia Niro points the automaker in a very good direction as it offers a hybrid vehicle perfect for family activity and family budgets. Niro rides and drives quite well remembering, of course, is no rally vehicle, and I would not use it to tow any small trailers or watercraft. A plug-in hybrid variant will make this vehicle only more attractive. The fuel-friendly tires do get a bit loud on rougher road surfaces but overall the new Niro is a recommended vehicle for the urban and/or green family and is equally well-suited for those with active lifestyles.

2017 Kia Niro Is a Hybrid Hit

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.

2 Comments on "2017 Kia Niro Is a Hybrid Hit"

  1. Dave | July 6, 2017 at 3:35 pm |

    Ev on short distances under no load is a completely false statement. I’ve driven over 2 miles on battery power at city speeds while under load.

  2. Grady | July 6, 2017 at 6:55 pm |

    I like the car – and have been a KIA fan for some time (I’ve owned a 2000 Sephia and 3 Souls: 2010, 2013, and 2016)
    However, naming the car a homophone for a well-known Roman tyrant is just repugnant: a little more thought should have been put into the naming!

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