2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Review

Intro
The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is being promoted as an affordable choice which also offers a spacious interior and efficient performance. Now, while the overall idea of plug-in hybrids allowing you to make less frequent visits to the pump is a good one, not all models have been able to deliver. There are a lot of plug-in hybrids out there that are accompanied by sluggish performance, increased price tags, and more. These troubles lower one’s desire to be able to experience electric driving for a few miles. However, the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid seems to have found a counter to such problems. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Exterior
The overall exterior design of the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid can be described as a compact-wagon shape. The design makes it extremely easy for one to get in and out of this car. Take note that this hybrid rides a bit higher than small hatchbacks. The LED headlights have a sharp angle, pleasing to those interested in car aesthetics. The silhouette is a slipstream one, ensuring an aerodynamic performance. While it doesn’t have a sports car appeal, the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid can still hold it’s own in terms of curb appeal.
Interior
The interior of the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is about comfort and luxury. One of the things you’ll notice first is the cargo space. Even with the battery pack hidden under the car’s rear floor, there’s still a spacious cargo area for you to make use of. The rear seats are foldable, allowing you to increase storage area even further. The 10-Way Power Driver’s Seat features an Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) which is able to remember mirror and seat settings for up to two drivers. While the front seats could feel a bit small to taller occupants, the dashboard controls allow for easy access to the car’s numerous features.
Features
The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers three trims for you to choose from. There’s the LX trim, the EX, and the EX Premium trim. The Base LX models will provide you with a power driver’s seat, lane-keeping assist, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, as well as a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment interface. The infotainment center comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The EX model has all of the features of the LX base while adding rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, heated front seats, and upgraded upholstery. Furthermore, the EX Premium gives you leather seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and an 8.0-inch center touchscreen with navigation.
Specifics / Performance |
|
BASE PRICE | $28,840 |
VEHICLE LAYOUT | front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback |
ENGINE | DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 1.6-liter inline-4 |
HORSEPOWER | 104 hp |
TORQUE | 109 lb-ft |
TOP SPEED | 107 mph |
TRANSMISSION | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode |
CARGO VOLUME | 19 cu ft |
0-60 MPH | 9.0 sec. |
ON SALE IN U.S. | Q1 2018 (est.) |
Source: (Kia)