My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Kia Niro

The last time I encountered the Kia Niro, I thought it was quite fine.

You had an unassuming design that faded into the background. Yet, you also had a very efficient and practical package that turned good fuel economy figures.

No, it was uninspiring. But, for sustainable basic transportation – the Niro proved its worth.

For 2023, Kia decided to shake up its Niro. It still follows the same formula, by offering a parallel hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a full electric vehicle. Where it shook up its unassuming crossover will become evident when you first see it. 

Without a doubt, this is a future-forward, clean sheet exterior design that takes inspiration from Kia’s latest models. The headlamp units are now lower on the front clip, combined with the lightning units, daytime running lights, and turn signals. 

The profile is upright, but the Niro loses the C-pillar glass from the previous generation. Instead, our SX Touring tester has a contrasting paint scheme that envelopes the C-pillar. The taillights frame the upper part of the rear pillar, matching with the liftgate’s glass.

My top-of-the-line SX Touring tester adds 18-inch alloy wheels to finish out the overall look. The Niro is a very clean look overall, if not distinctive from any such vehicle in its class. 

Stepping inside, I’ve already noticed how much the EV6 has influenced Kia’s design language. In most respects, this adds to the Niro’s newly found cool factor. The piano black treatment seen immediately with the wide dashboard screen set-up and the center console is a definite cue from the EV6. There are some marked differences. Instead of a transmission dial., there’s an actual shifter! Stop the press!

The full screen digital instrument cluster has a clean and luminescent look, while you can slide over to the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. All controls are tactile and logical to use. 

Seating is for up to five people. The SynTex front seats are rather comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments, along with heating and cooling. Rear seat room is pretty decent for two adults. Behind the rear seats, you can load up to 22.8 cubic feet space. By folding down the rear seatbacks, that space expands to 63.7 cubic feet.

My SX Touring tester came with the full parallel hybrid system that starts with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Total combined performance is rated at 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This system goes through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels. This is more of an in-town hopper than a long-distance cruiser. But, that’s not to say it would do long commutes and an out-of-town trip. That driveline is quite solid and don’t let the numbers fool you!  

Here's another number you’ll love. I observed a fuel economy average of 45.6 MPG.

The ride quality is fine. Rougher road surfaces put the Niro’s suspension system at work by absorbing ruts and potholes. Handling was very good. Tending towards the softer side, yet it can manage tight maneuvers quite easily due to its smaller size. 

Being a smaller vehicle, the Niro’s steering system has a nice turning radius. While it offers a lighter feeling, it does a decent job keeping the Niro on-center. The brakes were also very good – nothing hybrid-like about the stopping power. Brake pedal feel is good, enabling good stops in normal, panic, and winter situations. 

One thing that will attract consumers to this new look Kia Niro is its value. My SX Touring ester came with a sticker price of $36,435. There are five trim levels for the Niro Hybrid alone. Add two more Plug-In Hybrid trim levels and two additional EV trims! This entire lineup starts at $26,590.

What we have is an honest value among electrified vehicles. How does one quantify that? Remember when they were a bit on the expensive side? For some, that remains true. However, a good cost analysis may be a way to see whether a vehicle, such as Kia Niro, would your transportation solution in an increasingly electrified world.

Consider that Niro owners would most likely drive within their communities and region. That’s fine, but a vehicle should be driven further afield. There is nothing that indicates that the Niro would not do that. Quite the contrary – it will do road trips.

In all, Kia’s push towards an electrified future that includes propulsion choices and a design language that speaks to the future can be found at a reasonable price point with the Niro. So what if it’s different – it’s supposed to be!

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Kia America

All photos by Randy Stern