The all-new 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid was designed from the ground up to be a gas-electric hybrid rather than an adaptation of an existing model. Its attractive styling doesn't shout "hybrid" from the rooftops. The Niro's strength is that it offers crossover SUV-like utility and hybrid efficiency while meeting the needs of the many shoppers who simply need an affordable, practical around-town vehicle.
For ease of entry, it sits lower than an SUV. For better visibility, it's higher than a sedan. The Niro is, essentially, a wagon with better ground clearance and the ability to haul slightly taller cargo. It shares a platform with the new Hyundai Ioniq lineup — which is composed of hatchback hybrid, plug-in and electric models — but possesses a slightly muscular stance that marks it as a sleekly styled crossover.
The heart of the Niro's hybrid system is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that pairs with a lightweight electric motor for a combined 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. And, unlike many hybrid powertrains that mate to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), Kia opted for a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which it says provides a more engaging driving experience. An 11.4-gallon fuel tank and an 8.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery provide a total claimed range of up to 560 miles, or up to 26 miles on electric power alone.
The EPA rates fuel economy for the Niro PHEV at 105 miles per gallon equivalent or a combined 46 mpg when under combustion power alone. The numbers are nearly identical to those for the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, though the Volt gets more than double the Niro PHEV's electric-only range.
The Niro has been designed to deliver an understated, conventional ride, and it accomplishes that mission admirably. The hybrid system is generally unobtrusive and delivers decent acceleration, although selecting Eco mode causes a noticeable reduction in zip. Conversely, shifting to Sport mode can pep things up a bit at the expense of a few mpg. And with its low center of gravity and well-balanced suspension system, the Niro handles well on the highway and in the city.
Although set up for five passengers, the Niro is best able to transport four in comfort. Though not exactly luxurious, the interior is well-designed with good-quality materials and solid-feeling controls. And even tall drivers will find the multi-adjustable seats easy to live with. Cargo capacity with the rear seats in place is 19.4 cubic feet, and with the seats folded that expands to 54.5 cubic feet. What that means is that the Niro can haul more than the average sedan but less than many competing small SUVs.
The base Niro LX PHEV comes very well-equipped with such niceties as automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The midlevel EX trim adds more safety, comfort and convenience features. The top-of-the-line EX Premium model brings on more appearance and comfort features. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2018 Kia Niro that best meets your needs.
2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Overview
The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: SUV. Available styles include EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). Niro Plug-In Hybrid models are available with a 0-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 Niro Plug-In Hybrid comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed automated manual. The 2018 Niro Plug-In Hybrid comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2018 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 $32440. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $1793 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1793 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30647.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 5.5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2018 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 $32705. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $1000 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $31705.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 3.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2018 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 $32575. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $1000 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $31575.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 3.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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 All of our reviews are 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.
How can Edmunds help? 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
MPG
2018 kia niro-plug-in-hybrid EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), 6-speed automated manual, regular unleaded 46 combined MPG 48 city MPG/44 highway MPG
2018 kia niro-plug-in-hybrid LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), 6-speed automated manual, regular unleaded 46 combined MPG 48 city MPG/44 highway MPG
2018 kia niro-plug-in-hybrid EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), 6-speed automated manual, regular unleaded 46 combined MPG 48 city MPG/44 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
Available Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid 2018 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid 2018 Trims: EX
Exterior Colors: Aurora Black Pearl
Interior Colors: Charcoal leather/cloth
Popular Features: Adaptive Cruise Control, Alarm, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Back-up camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Bluetooth, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Lane Departure Warning, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Pre-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
