2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Review
- High fuel economy and respectable all-electric range
- One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment
- Plenty of standard and optional features
- Less cargo volume than a typical SUV
- Sluggish acceleration, often requiring use of the engine
- Despite crossover styling, all-wheel drive is not available
- Rear-seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle) is now standard
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available
- Available remote engine start
- Minor changes to navigation and adaptive cruise control systems
- Part of the first Niro Plug-In Hybrid generation introduced for 2018
Kia offers three versions of its Niro, and all are meant to provide fuel-efficient driving and lots of features at a low cost. There's the regular Niro, which is a hybrid, and the Niro Plug-In Hybrid — which is, as its name suggests, a plug-in hybrid — and then the full-electric Niro EV.
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid can be a nice introduction to the electrified world. It has a bigger hybrid battery than the regular Niro and is capable of driving the vehicle under full electric power for a short distance. After that, the Niro Plug-In switches over to the gasoline engine for normal hybrid operation. It offers an EPA-estimated 26 miles of electric range, can be recharged at home on a 110- or 240-volt outlet, and still gets 46 mpg even if you never use the all-electric power.
To learn more about the ins and outs of the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, check out our Expert Rating below. And if you're interested in other relatively inexpensive plug-in hybrids, be sure to look into the efficient Prius Prime or the new Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid that can go 37 miles on a charge. Subaru also makes a plug-in version of its Crosstrek SUV that has standard all-wheel drive and extra ground clearance and increased off-road capability.
Our verdict | |
The plug-in hybrid Niro boasts 26 miles of EV range. That's pretty good as plug-ins go. Just know you're paying significantly more for this model compared to a regular hybrid Niro. How often you can recharge it will make a big difference. Overall we like the Niro Plug-In Hybrid, but rival models are more refined and enjoyable to drive. | |
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. | |
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. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The tall roof from the SUV-style shape brings a range of benefits. There's plenty of headroom, for instance, and visibility is great. The tall doors open wide enough to make it easy to get in and out but aren't so large to make tight parking spaces an issue. The opening is easy to step into for most adults, and you only have to sit down slightly to find the seat. Rear legroom is adequate for adults. The Niro's interior layout is straightforward, and all major controls are clearly labeled and easy to find. The touchscreen interface has a short learning curve, and the digital display in the gauge cluster is easy to read. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The standard entertainment display isn't big, but it does come with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. A larger screen is optional and includes integrated navigation. For the most part, the Niro's driver safety systems work well. The traffic-adaptive cruise control system does a good job of maintaining distance from the car ahead. The lane-keeping assist system, however, can be a little intrusive when it nudges the steering to keep you in your lane. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Niro doesn't have the same amount of space or storage solutions as the small SUVs it's trying to emulate. Still, it fares well against traditional plug-in hybrid sedans and has enough space for typical shopping needs or short road trips. Planning on using child safety seats? The lower car seat anchors are hidden between the rear seat cushions. Some connectors might be more difficult to secure than others with this setup. The seatback tether anchors are pretty easy to reach. As for space, you'll probably have to slide the front seats forward if you want to install a bulky rear-facing seat. | |
How economical is the Niro Plug-In Hybrid? | |
Our Niro test car consistently delivered 26 miles of EV range and surpassed its 46 mpg EPA combined city/highway estimate. We averaged 56 mpg over the course of 300-plus miles. But Niro Plug-In Hybrid's reliance on the engine to drive the climate controls means you'll probably see dramatically lower numbers if you live in a region with extreme temperatures. | |
Is the Niro Plug-In Hybrid a good value? | |
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid costs more than the standard Niro. Even with the higher fuel economy, it'll take a long time to make up the difference in price between the two models in gas savings alone. The interior is a bit bland and many of the plastics look and feel cheap, though it all fits together well. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is among the industry's best. | |
Wildcard | |
Eking out the last few miles of all-electric power can make the drive a little more interesting, but there's little else to entertain you. The driving experience isn't bad, just unmemorable. The weak engine means it's not quite as fun or peppy around town as other vehicles in this class. Though the SUV-style design is functional, the wannabe SUV designation leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It lacks any real benefit you'll find in a proper SUV such as ground clearance or all-wheel drive. It feels a bit disingenuous. | |
Which Niro Plug-In Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid models
The 2021 Niro Plug-In Hybrid is available in three trim levels: LXS, EX and EX Premium. All three trims come with a plug-in hybrid system that's good for 139 horsepower. The EPA estimates it'll be good for 26 miles of electric range and 46 mpg in combined driving once the hybrid battery is depleted. Feature highlights include:
2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid pricing
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Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $29,590
- MPG & Fuel
- 48 City / 44 Hwy / 46 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.4 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 139 hp @ 5700 rpm
- Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 171.5 in. / Height: 60.8 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 3384 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 19.4 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Niro Plug-In Hybrid safety features:
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Detects and alerts you with visual and audio warnings when a vehicle in the adjacent lane is in your blind spot.
- Smart Cruise Control
- Maintains a set speed and distance behind the car ahead and will bring the car to a stop briefly before relinquishing control.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Identifies lane markings and alerts you if you begin to drift out of your lane.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs. the competition
2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
2021 Toyota Prius Prime
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs. Toyota Prius Prime
If you're buying a plug-in hybrid for the sole purpose of excellent efficiency, it's hard to beat the Prius Prime. Even after you exhaust its 25 miles of electric only range, the Prime still delivers 54 mpg. Comfortable front seats are another plus, but the engine can be on the noisy side and the interior design can be polarizing.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offers all the adventure of the standard Crosstrek but with better fuel economy. More ground clearance and all-wheel drive ensure the Subaru can go much farther off the beaten path than the Kia, but the Niro offers 26 miles of all-electric driving range to the Subaru's 17 miles. Both vehicles need to work their gas engines hard to keep up with traffic.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs. Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid is a little larger than the Niro but can be had for about the same money. That extra size gets you extra legroom, cargo capacity and a larger battery for more EV range. But the larger size of the Escape means it's less efficient when relying on its gas engine and returns only 40 mpg to the Niro's 46 mpg.
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FAQ
Is the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid:
- Rear-seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle) is now standard
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available
- Available remote engine start
- Minor changes to navigation and adaptive cruise control systems
- Part of the first Niro Plug-In Hybrid generation introduced for 2018
Is the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid reliable?
Is the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,590.
Other versions include:
- EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $33,390
- EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $36,550
- LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $29,590