2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

　　

2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Within the 2022 Kia Niro lineup, the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) fills the gap between the standard hybrid and fully electric variants. As a result, it delivers a functional 26 miles of estimated electric-only range and an admirable 46 mpg when running on the hybrid system. For shorter commutes, visits to the gas station may be mercifully rare, yet you won't be suffering range anxiety on longer trips.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid PHEV Insights

Trim:Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS

　　LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM) - $29,590 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM) (Most Popular) - $33,390 MSRPEX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM) - $36,490 MSRP

　　

All Electric Range

　　26 miles

　　EPA Estimated Electric Range

　　The Niro Plug-In Hybrid will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

Hybrid Parts Warranty

　　10 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.

　　

Charging at Home

　　2.3 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　See All PHEV incentives

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$74/mo

　　Niro Plug-In Hybrid

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　See All PHEV Insights

　　The powertrain is fairly weak, however, and its small size makes it more of a big hatchback than a crossover SUV. In fact, in cargo capacity, it's closer to your typical family sedan. In the growing class of plug-in hybrids, these drawbacks could steer shoppers toward larger and more efficient SUVs, as pointed out in the Expert Rating below. Alternatives include the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid. It's also important to note that an all-new Niro is on the way for 2023 and it promises 33 miles of EV range and 53 mpg in hybrid mode.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.0/10

　　How does the Niro Plug-In Hybrid drive? The Niro has accurate steering and confident handling, but its powertrain lacks power and smoothness. There's decent enough power around town, but the Niro feels sluggish on the highway or in fast-moving traffic. The engine comes on frequently in EV mode, indicating the system isn't sophisticated or powerful enough to run without it, hurting the Niro's overall economy.

　　We'd prefer stronger regenerative braking too. Coming to a complete stop can feel abrupt since the brakes lack some refinement. That makes low-speed city driving more annoying than it should be. The Niro also lacks the smoothness of other EVs because of its slow-shifting transmission.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Niro Plug-In Hybrid? The Niro's soft seats and smooth ride provide a good amount of comfort for daily commuting. Adjustable lumbar support is available on higher trims (along with leather, heating and ventilation). The Niro absorbs most bumps on rough roads, smoothing out the ride.

　　The standard dual-zone climate control is effective. But the Niro regularly starts its engine to power the system, which can be surprising when you're in EV mode. The amount of wind and road noise is typical for a small non-luxury car.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below