7 Technology Features That Make the 2017 Kia Niro So Smart

Technology can have a huge impact on the way we live with our vehicles, and the benefits that technology brings can be tremendous, too. Take fuel efficiency: A vehicle with smart innovations in this area can offer impressive mileage. Technology can also help you feel more confident on the road. Driver assist features such as blind-spot warning and autonomous emergency braking are intended to help keep you alert and informed of surrounding traffic and potential hazards and, in certain situations, potentially help you avoid accidents.¹ Finally, technology brings us entertainment and convenience amenities, whether you're looking for a high-end stereo or the latest in smartphone integration.

New for 2017, the Kia Niro offers lots of cutting-edge advances at a good price. Here are seven technology features that help make the 2017 Kia Niro one of the smartest vehicles on the market.

1. A Fun-Filled Six-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission
The Niro's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers crisp shifts for a more engaging driving experience. With an EPA estimated rating of 43 mpg combined² for the Touring trim level, the Kia Niro is the most fuel-efficient crossover on the market.³

2. The Performance-Oriented Sport Mode
Speaking of driver engagement: The Kia Niro's Sport mode turns up the volume on the Niro's performance by improving its driving dynamics, enhancing the transmission's shift pattern and sharpening its steering.

3. Available Fuel-Saving Coasting Guide and Predictive Energy Control
Kia Niro crossovers that are equipped with the optional navigation system offer a Coasting Guide. This feature⁴ analyzes your driving route with the aim of helping you maximize fuel economy. Longtime hybrid drivers make use of judicious coasting, but if you've never done it, it can be difficult to know when to take your foot off the gas pedal. The Niro's Coasting Guide gives you tips on when to coast.⁵ The result, says Kia product planner Garrett Ono, is potentially better fuel efficiency.

4. Upscale Infotainment Amenities
You don't have to pay luxury-car prices to get premium amenities. The Kia Niro offers high-end infotainment features at affordable prices. Base models come standard with many premium features, such as Apple CarPlay^TM/Android Auto^TM smartphone integration and a 7-inch touchscreen. A Harman/Kardon^® audio system is available if you want top-notch sound quality.⁶

5. Advanced Driver Assist Features
The Niro is available with technology that can give you added confidence on the road. The lineup of optional technology includes smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist and lane departure warning.⁷

6. Optional User-Friendly Wireless Phone Charging and a "Don't Forget Me" Reminder
If you have a Qi-compatible smartphone, just put it in the tray, and the Niro's available wireless phone charging will power it up. Also available with optional wireless charging are a chime and display to let you know you're about to leave your phone in the car.³

7. Informative Hybrid Technology for Efficient Driving
If you want to make the most of hybrid fuel efficiency, it helps to have a view of the technology at work. The Kia Niro comes with a 4.2-inch color LCD featuring an Energy Flow screen that keeps you abreast of your Niro's real-time charge status using vibrant graphics and illustrations. It lets you know whether your energy is currently coming from the gas engine, the electric motor or a combination of the two. The charge status also displays on the Niro's available 8-inch touchscreen.⁸

Learn more about the 2017 Kia Niro.

¹ These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
² Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. Niro EPA-estimated MPG city/highway/combined FE 52/49/50, LX 51/46/49, EX 51/46/49, Touring Launch 46/40/43, Touring 46/40/43. Quantities are limited. LX and EX trims expected to arrive at dealerships Spring 2017.
³ Niro Touring EPA fuel economy estimate 46 city/40 highway/43 combined. Actual mileage will vary. Optional features shown. Comparisons based on 2016 and available 2017 crossovers as of February 2017, excluding electric and plug-in vehicles.
⁴ Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition.
⁵ Always drive safely and use caution.
⁶ Android^TM and Android Auto^TM are trademarks of Google Inc. Apple CarPlay^TM and Siri are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Harman/Kardon^® Premium Sound System with Clari-Fi^TM included on the Niro Touring Launch Edition and the Niro Touring. Harman/Kardon^® and Clari-Fi^TM are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries Incorporated.
⁷ These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
⁸ 2017 Kia Niro Touring shown with optional features. Not all optional features are available on all trims. Some features may vary.