We’ve known for a while now that an all-new Kia Niro would be coming to the United States, but now we have a lot more information about its improvements over the previous model. Three different electrified powertrains come and each has one or two tricks up its sleeve. As you can see below, it is a growth, an advance in terms of technology that will position the brand, and especially this model among the best and most sought-after in the automotive sector.
Some connoisseurs of the model claim that it bears some resemblance to the rest of the lineup, as it takes some cues from the 2019 HabaNiro concept. It is slightly larger in each dimension, which provides more interior space.
The mechanical part of the car
Speaking of the interior, it looks a lot like the all-electric EV6 crossover sedan we drove a few months ago, but it’s what’s under the hood that really counts for the 2023 Niro. The base powertrain is that of a conventional hybrid that generates 139 horsepower and Kia says it aims for 53 mpg combined. That would put it at the top of the class and provide an estimated total range of 588 miles per tank of fuel.
Kia will also offer a plug-in hybrid version of the Niro that generates 180 horsepower and boasts an estimated range of 33 miles all-electric when equipped with 16-inch wheels. The brand says it can be fully charged in less than three hours when connected to a Level 2 charger.
Finally, a new Niro EV will also hit North American soil with a combined output of 201 horsepower (150 kW) and a target range of 253 miles. Connected to a Level 3 charger, Kia says it will go from 10 to 80 percent in less than 45 minutes.
More technological qualities
Another interesting feature is the green zone drive mode and we can now confirm that all three powertrains will use it. When in residential areas, nearby schools, or hospitals, Green Zone will use onboard navigation to switch the vehicle to EV driving mode.
New advantages for the driver
Every Niro, regardless of the powertrain, will also get a wealth of driver-assist technology, such as lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, and lane-following assist. Adaptive Stop-and-go cruise control is also optionally available throughout the line.
Seen from the outside
When we appreciate this car from its front we can appreciate that it is an advanced car, which is updated to new trends. The hood is somewhat flat, with lines defined forward that pair with the car’s LED optics and the new grille model. Daytime running lights and powerful headlights share advanced LED technology. The kennel is divided into two parts, being the one on the upper level the least sized. The slogan is located right in the center. There are air inlets on the sides of the bumper and in the lower central area.
On the sides of the car we have newly designed alloy wheels or wheels in silver, which at the same time hide an efficient brake system composed of discs and calipers on each of its wheels. The wheel arches are somewhat pronounced. The door locks come in the same body color, although the mirror housings come in black.
The rear has a radio antenna in the form of a shark fin, decorative spoiler with a third stop, brake or stop lights in LED, auxiliary lights embedded in the bumper, among other details.
The new 2023 Kia Niro in each of its forms goes on sale this summer in all 50 states.
