2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
What’s new
- Refreshed exterior design
- LXS trim replaces the LX as the entry-level model
- Part of the first Niro Plug-In Hybrid generation introduced for 2018
Pros & Cons
- 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, which often requires use of the engine
- Despite crossover styling, all-wheel drive is not available
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Review
The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is one of three Niro variants alongside the standard hybrid and fully electric Niro EV. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 26 miles of electric range with a fully charged battery. When the battery runs out of juice, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid can continue on using its gasoline engine. As with all plug-in hybrids, the more frequently you can recharge Niro — typically with a 120-volt household outlet or a 240-volt charge source — the less gasoline you'll use.
For 2020, the Niro gets updated front and rear styling as well as a new base trim level. Kia continues to market the Niro as a crossover SUV, but think of it as a tall hatchback since it lacks the ground clearance or available all-wheel drive found on most crossovers. It does come with a long list of standard and optional features, including all the latest driver safety aids Kia has to offer.
Our verdict
6.9 / 10How does it drive?
6.0We'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 show-shifting transmission.
How comfortable is it?
7.0The 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?
8.0The 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?
7.5For 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?
6.5Planning 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 it?
8.5Is it a good value?
7.5The 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
5.5Though 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 2020 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:
LXS
Standard features on this base trim level include:
- Dual-zone climate control
- 8-inch touchscreen with four-speaker sound system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Keyless entry and ignition
EX
The midgrade EX trim adds:
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Leather seats with cloth inserts
- Heated front seats
- Wireless phone charger
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Niro and the car in front)
EX Premium
The top-range EX Premium model comes with:
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 10.25-inch touchscreen display
- Premium eight-speaker audio system
Sponsored cars related to the Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Features & Specs
| EX Premium 4dr SUV 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,390 |
| MPG | 48 city / 44 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| LXS 4dr SUV 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,490 |
| MPG | 48 city / 44 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| EX 4dr SUV 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $33,290 |
| MPG | 48 city / 44 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
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
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs. Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet killed the Volt after the 2019 model year, but our former top-ranked plug-in hybrid is still well worth a look if you find one on sale. The Volt offers twice as much electric range as the Niro (53 miles versus 26) and more than most other plug-in hybrids on sale today. It's not as spacious inside as the Niro, but it's more enjoyable to drive around town thanks to quick acceleration and nimble handling.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is just like the regular Crosstrek small SUV but with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's much better at going off-road than the Niro because of its higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. The Crosstrek Hybrid's 17 miles of electric range falls short of the Niro's 26 miles, and both vehicles can feel sluggish on the highway.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs. Kia Niro EV
If you like the Niro and have access to a charger, consider taking a look at the fully-electric Niro EV. The Niro EV is our top-ranked electric vehicle, offering 239 miles of electric range while only losing a little cargo space because of the larger battery. It's better to drive than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid thanks to the peppy electric motor and is available with all the same features.
FAQ
Is the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid:
- Refreshed exterior design
- LXS trim replaces the LX as the entry-level model
- Part of the first Niro Plug-In Hybrid generation introduced for 2018
Is the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid reliable?
Is the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is the 2020 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 $29,490.
Other versions include:
- EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $36,390
- LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $29,490
- EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $33,290
What are the different models of Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
More about the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Overview
The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: Niro Plug-In Hybrid SUV. Available styles include EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM).
What do people think of the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,645. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $1,049 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,049 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $36,596.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 2.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,940. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $1,096 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,096 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $33,844.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 3.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $31,140. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $1,067 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,067 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30,073.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 3.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 13 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrids are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid for sale near. There are currently 90 new 2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrids listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $30,745 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $6,400 on a used or CPO 2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrids you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid for sale - 9 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $24,683.
Find a new Kia for sale - 9 great deals out of 12 listings starting at $13,905.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials