2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Review

Name: 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Brand: Kia

Price Range: $19,990 - $27,998

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid SX Touring 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid makes the most of advances in batteries, electric motors and fuel efficiency to be a comfortable and frugal runabout. It's smaller than most other plug-in hybrid SUVs but gives up little practicality. It's a great option for buyers looking to add a little electric mobility to their commute without committing to a fully electric vehicle.

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Average price: $23,867

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Appraise My 2023 Kia

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid model years

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid for Sale

Pros

High fuel economy and pleasing all-electric range
Stylish and futuristic interior features and design
Smooth and easy to drive

Cons

Lacks all-wheel drive
Pricey top-trim level undermines typically strong value

What's new

The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is fully redesigned
Revised styling inside and out
Increased electric range
Kicks off the second Niro generation for 2023

Overview

Written by automotive expert Dan Frio

1/23/2023

The 2023 Kia Niro lineup returns with three updated models, including the Plug-In Hybrid with increased electric range, more space, and striking new interior and exterior style. The previous Niro was a slow seller in Kia's lineup, and drab styling didn't help matters. This new Niro won't need to contend with that problem. The new design is more streamlined and muscular, looking more like a small SUV than a confused hatchback. Even the new quasi-cherry blossom wheels look inspired. The chevron-shape integrated into the car's rear pillar won't suit everyone (Kia calls it an Aero Blade and claims it offers some aerodynamic benefits), but it can be painted in the body color to minimize its effect.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

28 listings

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2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
EX 4dr SUV
$27,998
- 17,727 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 33 mi est. electric range
- 5 Seats, 49 City / 47 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Laurel (36 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Laurel, MD
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
48 Combined MPG (49 City/47 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDCS3LF7P5060718
Stock: 28478176
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
EX 4dr SUV
$25,998
- 34,465 miles
- 33 mi est. electric range
- 5 Seats, 49 City / 47 Hwy MPG
- CarMax White Marsh (60 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in White Marsh, MD
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
48 Combined MPG (49 City/47 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDCS3LF3P5066404
Stock: 28633599
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Thanks to a slightly longer length and wheelbase (the space between front and rear wheels), there are gains in passenger room. The Niro has always felt roomier than it appears from outside, but the 2023 model does even better with a bit more rear legroom. It's all complemented by an impressive and futuristic cabin, highlighted by dual 10.25-inch digital displays. The sloping dash and door panels accentuate the clean yet tech-oriented design.

Like its predecessor, the 2023 Niro Plug-In Hybrid uses a four-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor. But an 11.1-kWh battery pack stores enough energy for an EPA-estimated 33 all-electric miles on a full charge. This actually makes the plug-in hybrid the sweet spot in the Niro lineup, with better acceleration than the standard hybrid model and greater maximum range than the electric Niro with combined gas and electric operation. The PHEV also has a nifty feature that allows you to store electric power for when it's most useful, for example on city streets at the start and end of a typical commute. Kia says the battery can fully recharge in less than three hours on a Level 2 charger.

Overall we're impressed with the new Niro Plug-In Hybrid and find it to be a compelling pick among rivals that include plug-in versions of the Subaru Crosstrek, Ford Escape, and Toyota Prius and RAV4. Check out our test team's Expert Rating for a complete evaluation of the Niro PHEV's comfort, real-world efficiency and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Great

8.1

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the Niro Plug-In Hybrid drive? The Niro Plug-In Hybrid's performance numbers aren't particularly impressive. For example, our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds at the Edmunds test track. That's noticeably slower than the Toyota Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime. But the real-world driving experience is just fine for a compact plug-in hybrid SUV. It feels snappy around town and the transmission shifts smoothly. The transition from electric to gasoline power is smooth too.

Likewise, the Niro PHEV's handling is impressive in its overall competence. The steering is fairly accurate, and the Niro maintains its composure on a twisty road and feels stable on the highway. Braking, too, is a pleasing balance of good stopping power and predictable, smooth stopping around town.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the Niro Plug-In Hybrid? The Niro Plug-In Hybrid is quiet and comfortable, with little engine or road noise at highway speeds. The ride is compliant without being overly soft or floaty. The front seats are well shaped and offer decent support, but we found the padding a bit firm. We wouldn't call it uncomfortable, but we hope the seats break in with some more use. The rear seat, too, is a bit firm and flat. Heated seats are standard for the front seats and available for the rear. Also optional: a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

The standard dual-zone automatic climate control works well, keeping the cabin at a comfortable temperature without blasting the fans the entire time. The vents are well placed, including those for rear passengers. The climate control panel is easy to reach, though you might have to take your eyes off the road to do more than adjust the temperature.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The Niro Plug-In's interior is cleanly designed and easy to use. All major controls are within easy sight and reach. You rarely have to hunt for a button. The graphics for the touchscreen menu system look a little dated, but the system is relatively easy to use in the end. We like the adjustable panel just below the screen. One press changes the panel from climate controls to media and navigation controls. The temperature knob changes to a volume knob. It takes care of the clutter caused by too many buttons, and we think it's pretty slick.

The Niro features a slightly elevated but still relatively low ride height. That's great for getting in and out as well as for your seating position and visibility. The Niro sits a little taller than the average sedan or hatchback, so the seats aren't a pain to get in and out of. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position, though the steering wheel could use a hair more reach for taller drivers. There's space in both rows for taller passengers, though some rivals offer more rear seat space. The view out front is good, though the rear window is a bit narrow. The backup camera's resolution isn't the greatest either.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Kia includes lots of standard in-car tech and driver aids with the Niro Plug-In. Features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity (though neither is wireless), navigation, a wireless phone charger and an optional Harman Kardon audio system. The 10.25-inch infotainment interface looks a little dated, but it's straightforward to use.

We're pleased with the list of standard driver aids, too, which include adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. Optional equipment includes parking sensors and upgraded adaptive cruise control that can adjust speed for turns by using the navigation system. The aids all work well, with no false warnings or abrupt reactions.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Due to the Niro Plug-In's larger battery pack, cargo capacity is slightly smaller than in the standard Niro. That said, there's still a decent amount of capacity for a vehicle of this size. The cargo area is wide and upright, and the 60/40-split rear seats can be folded down to offer even more cargo space. The hatch's dimensions are roughly on par with the Niro's rivals. The flat rear seat floor is nice for even more space if you don't have passengers back there. Storage in the rest of the car is OK but nothing particularly stands out. The door pockets and armrest bin are a bit small, but there are places to store your phone or sunglasses. The cupholders can be tucked away for a little extra utility.

Got little kids? The child safety seat anchors are easy to access, but the rear seat is on the smaller side. Same for the door opening, so installing larger seats might be a bit tricky.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Kia estimates the Niro Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 33 miles on a full charge. Once the charge runs out, the EPA estimates the Niro PHEV will get 48 mpg. During our time with the Niro PHEV, we found those estimates to be spot on. On our standardized real-world test route, we went 31.8 miles on battery power and then observed 47.7 mpg from the internal combustion engine.

While the EV range trails the larger RAV4 Prime (it went 48 miles on EV power on our real-world route), the Niro PHEV holds its own against the Ford Escape PHEV and the larger Sorento Plug-In Hybrid while delivering better fuel economy from the gasoline engine than all three of those SUVs.

Value

8/10

Is the Niro Plug-In Hybrid a good value? The Niro Plug-In is a bit more expensive than a standard small SUV but overall seems worth the price considering what you're getting. The Niro PHEV's interior looks nice but isn't particularly premium, but everything felt solid and well put together in our test car.

The Niro PHEV is backed by one of the best warranties on the market. Kia provides a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and battery warranty. The basic warranty covers the car for five years/60,000 miles. Kia also offers five years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance.

Wildcard

8/10

Kia has been offering some very distinct designs lately, and the latest Niro, in any of its guises, is no exception. It's not as stylish or as sporty as its stablemate, the Kia EV6, but it's a class standout nonetheless. We think it looks better in solid colors than it does with the optional two-tone color scheme, but we like that Kia offers something more interesting than black, white and various shades of gray.

Other plug-in hybrids aren't known for being particularly fun to drive, and while we would never call the Niro engaging, it does offer lots of comfort and convenience, making it an excellent everyday companion.

2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid trim level differences

The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid comes in EX and SX Touring trims. Both come with a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 62-kW electric motor that combine for 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Compare the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid trim levels in-depth.

Which Niro Plug-In Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Niro is all about electric miles for the dollar, and the EX hits the value sweet spot. It lacks some of the SX Touring's conveniences, but it covers the essentials with heated front seats, navigation, dual dash displays, a fine complement of driver assistance features, and 33 miles of electric range. Spending more for the SX Touring makes less sense when you consider some of the other larger and more capable competitors in this class.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$79/mo

$224/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V024000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC332
Number of vehicles affected:: 80255
Defect Description:: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
Defect Consequence:: Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC332.

Recall Number:: 23V298000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC270
Number of vehicles affected:: 108936
Defect Description:: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Defect Consequence:: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

7 reviews

5(57%)

4(14%)

3(14%)

2(15%)

1(0%)

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2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid video

2023 Toyota Prius Prime vs. 2023 Kia Niro PHEV | Plug-in Hybrid Comparison | MPG, Interior & More!

2023 Niro Plug-In Hybrid Features & Specs

Trim:

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$33,840
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	33 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	108 MPGe
Cost to Drive	$79/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	2.8 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Niro Plug-In Hybrid models:

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.

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2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid trim level differences

Which Niro Plug-In Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid video

2023 Niro Plug-In Hybrid Features & Specs

Safety

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