Is the Kia Niro the most effective price range hybrid crossover you should purchase in 2025?

Abstract

Surprisingly spacious compact crossover, filled with expertise and reasonably priced.
Glorious gasoline financial system, however concentrate on sluggish EV battery recharge.
Lack of sensible cabin storage and design flaws could also be bothersome to some consumers.

Should you’re on the lookout for a brand new car with loads of house, however don’t need an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid might be the right match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gasoline pump, and is extra reasonably priced than you may assume. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

EVs wait for their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an efficient method to get used to usually charging.

Front quarter view of the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is a compact crossover with an sudden quantity of house for occupants and storage. It is reasonably priced, filled with expertise, and intensely environment friendly, however the electrical battery drains loads faster than it recharges.

Engine: 1.6-liter fuel
Battery dimension: 11.1 kWh
Horsepower: 180 hp
Torque: 195 lb-ft
0-60mph: 9.8 seconds
Transsmission: automated
Drive Format: Entrance-wheel drive
High Velocity: 100 mph

Professionals & Cons

Surprisingly spacious
Spectacular normal expertise
Glorious gasoline financial system

Pointless drive modes
Gradual EV battery recharge
Lacks sensible cabin storage

Associated

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We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and take a look at our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have truly reviewed.

Worth, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays one of the crucial reasonably priced hybrid crossovers in the marketplace. There is a selection of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a formidable e-book of options as normal, a few of that are often non-obligatory extras on costlier fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many cheapest plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the cheapest EV you can buy proper now.

Kia Niro key options

Rear privateness glass
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
10.25-inch touchscreen show with navigation
Reverse parking sensor
Heated entrance seats

For the reason that Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it is not overly thrilling, however there are a number of features to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine offers the Niro a much-needed increase, particularly when choosing up pace. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a problem I’ve seen with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Photo of the engine in the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

Engine	1.6-liter fuel
Battery	11.1 kWh
Horsepower	180 hp
Torque	195 lb-ft
Drivetrain	FWD
0-62 mph	9.8 seconds
All-electric vary	as much as 38 miles
Worth	$34,490

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What I preferred concerning the Kia Niro hybrid

Is that this Dr. Who’s tardis?

Though the Kia Niro is classed as a compact crossover, its boxy design creates copious quantities of house all through. In actual fact, there’s extra rear legroom than a

Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s further storage for charging cables, first support kits, and some other necessities it’s best to maintain within the automotive.

The Niro will get 17 helpful normal options, reminiscent of enhanced auto emergency braking expertise, sensible cruise management, and a wi-fi charging pad. In addition to these, an intuitive built-in navigation screens EV battery vary, and suggests close by charging stations when working low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system

Photo of the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid fuel economy.

In line with Kia, the Niro PHEV returns as much as 313 MPG. That is a wild determine, factoring within the electrical energy and vary. In actuality, I nonetheless achieved a good 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

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What I did not like concerning the Kia Niro hybrid

There are just a few annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, until you will have three hours to spare. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid solely has a small electrical battery. Whereas it returns a excessive MPG determine, it depletes rapidly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not trouble. To be trustworthy, I am not satisfied the time and value to recharge is definitely worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.

The latter would not do a lot for efficiency, however it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — preferrred for brief, low-speed journeys round city — however it’s solely helpful if the battery has a cost. In any other case, your solely choices are eco, which I spent most of my time in, or sport mode. The latter would not do a lot for efficiency, however it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final difficulty is with the shortage of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin full of potential, foolish designs waste a number of house. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cellphones, the not-so-ergonomic built-in cupholders take over half of the center space, with push buttons leaving a bizarre form when folded away. The armrest covers the remaining house, and a tiny cubby beneath is just good for some tissues or cellphone charging cables.

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Do you have to purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

I do not hate it, I simply do not get it

After spending per week with the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid, I used to be unmoved. I can see how its spacious inside would profit households, and the EV-only mode helps drivers save on gasoline. Nevertheless, I am fighting the three-hour recharge interval to get just a few additional miles of vary. Except you will have a method to cost at dwelling, it is unlikely you may truly maintain it charged up. Certain, the engine always gives some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That stated, the Niro is an efficient automotive. It drives effectively, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than related vehicles. Should you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary expertise, and plentiful house, I would suggest the marginally cheaper Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.