Is the Kia Niro the perfect finances hybrid crossover you should purchase in 2025?

Should you’re in search of a brand new car with loads of house, however don’t desire an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid might be the right match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gasoline pump, and is extra reasonably priced than you would possibly suppose. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

EVs wait for their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an effective solution to get used to usually charging.

Associated

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and check our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have truly reviewed.

Worth, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays some of the reasonably priced hybrid crossovers available on the market. There is a alternative of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a formidable e book of options as normal, a few of that are normally non-compulsory extras on costlier fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many cheapest plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the cheapest EV you can buy proper now.

Kia Niro key options

• Rear privateness glass
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch touchscreen show with navigation
• Reverse parking sensor
• Heated entrance seats

For the reason that Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it isn’t overly thrilling, however there are numerous facets to like about it. Having an electrical motor to help the engine provides the Niro a much-needed enhance, particularly when selecting up pace. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a difficulty I’ve observed with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

Associated

Kia’s new EV9 is a family-friendly SUV with no shortage of techy thrills

The Kia EV9 GT-Line S provides house, consolation and zesty all-electric efficiency topped with loads of intelligent expertise.

What I appreciated in regards to the Kia Niro hybrid

Is that this Dr. Who’s tardis?

Though the Kia Niro is classed as a compact crossover, its boxy design creates copious quantities of house all through. In truth, there’s extra rear legroom than a

Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s extra storage for charging cables, first assist kits, and every other necessities you need to maintain within the automotive.

The Niro will get 17 helpful normal options, akin to enhanced auto emergency braking expertise, good cruise management, and a wi-fi charging pad. In addition to these, an intuitive built-in navigation displays EV battery vary, and suggests close by charging stations when working low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline economic system

In accordance with Kia, the Niro PHEV returns as much as 313 MPG. That is a wild determine, factoring within the electrical energy and vary. In actuality, I nonetheless achieved a good 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

Associated

The Kia EV2 is the next EV I’m most excited about – here’s why

It might be a significant step in the direction of a really reasonably priced EV.

What I did not like in regards to the Kia Niro hybrid

There are just a few annoying design flaws

I would not trouble navigating to a cost level, until you’ve gotten three hours to spare. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid solely has a small electrical battery. Whereas it returns a excessive MPG determine, it depletes rapidly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not trouble. To be sincere, I am not satisfied the time and price to recharge is well worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — superb for brief, low-speed journeys round city — but it surely’s solely helpful if the battery has a cost. In any other case, your solely choices are eco, which I spent most of my time in, or sport mode. The latter would not do a lot for efficiency, but it surely drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final subject is with the shortage of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin stuffed with potential, foolish designs waste numerous house. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cellphones, the not-so-ergonomic built-in cupholders take over half of the center space, with push buttons leaving a bizarre form when folded away. The armrest covers the remaining house, and a tiny cubby beneath is just good for some tissues or cellphone charging cables.

Associated

Kia joins growing list of automakers with Tesla Supercharger access

Kia EVs can now lastly cost at Tesla Superchargers, becoming a member of different automakers like Ford and Hyundai.

Must you purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

I do not hate it, I simply do not get it

After spending per week with the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid, I used to be unmoved. I can see how its spacious inside would profit households, and the EV-only mode helps drivers save on gasoline. Nonetheless, I am combating the three-hour recharge interval to get just a few further miles of vary. Except you’ve gotten a solution to cost at residence, it is unlikely you will truly maintain it charged up. Certain, the engine continuously gives some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That mentioned, the Niro is an effective automotive. It drives nicely, it is environment friendly, and is extra reasonably priced than related automobiles. Should you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary expertise, and ample house, I would advocate the marginally inexpensive Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid