The second-gen Niro will arrive as a larger and more efficient compact CUV with the very latest infotainment and safety features. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 13, 2022 2023 Kia Niro PHEV-33 The all-new second gen 2023 Kia Niro CUV made its debut at the New York International Auto Show. And unlike the first gen - it took a while for the 2018 PHEV and 2019 BEV to be introduced after the 2017 Niro HEV was, the 2023 Niro will launch with the HEV, PHEV, and all-electric BEV available nationwide at launch this fall. 2023 Kia Niro Exterior Design The 2023 Niro exterior offers the same drag coefficient as its predecessor at 0.29. New is a reflective strip along the entire top of the front fascia just below the hood edge, angular undercutting DRLs with projector headlamps to the sides of a larger, more standard looking grille, and all pulled together under the new KIA logo. The HEV and PHEV profile can be identified by black rocker panel cladding and wheel arches while it sits on a slightly longer 107.1 in. wheelbase, up almost an inch from the current first gens 106.3 in. The 23’s length of 174 in. is up 2.5 in. providing increased cargo volume from 19.5 to 22.5 cu. ft. The bold aero blade is a highly distinctive shape that aids airflow underneath and into the rear. The Aero Blade can be painted in body color or in a variety of contrasting colors. At the rear, boomerang-shaped LEDs taillamps are a standout while rugged looking skid plate cladding protects the lower edges. 2023 Kia Niro Interior Design Upscale touches abound inside the 2023 Niro with animal-free textiles, premium seating surfaces, and soft touchpoints. The headliner is composed of recycled wallpaper. The slim seats include integrated coat hangers and covered by high-quality bio polyurethane and Tencel made from eucalyptus leaves. BTX-free paint, which is free from benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers, is used on the door panels to minimize the impact on the environment and reduce waste. The off-center dashboard curves around the front occupants, with opposing horizontal and diagonal lines leading to a calming yet daring aesthetic. An available panoramic, dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system are modern and great looking. Ambient mood lighting in a multitude of color combinations is also available. An eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system is also available. The front seats, which feature optional heating and ventilation, offer standard USB ports on the side and optional seat memory positions on some trims. Smaller cargo volume of the PHEV is shown. 2023 Kia Niro Technology Approaching the vehicle, the heartbeat-inspired DRLs and available power-folding mirrors beat and open to greet you. Once inside, the optional memory seats recall the driver’s position. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while a wireless Qi charger are optional. The 2023 Niro EV is available with the same vehicle-to-load (V2L) onboard generator functionality used in the EV6. On the safety front, the 2023 Niro arrives loaded with the following: Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Pedestrian detection Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Lane Following Assist (LFA) Driver Attention Warning (DAW) Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) with Parallel Exit: Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA) Safe Exit Warning (SEW) Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Navigation-Based Curve is available across the Niro lineup Optional for the first time on Niro EV is Highway Driving Assist II, which integrates the functionality of Lane Change Assist, FCA with Lane Change, and Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning. Kia Connect advanced in-vehicle connectivity accessible through the Kia Access App is standard on Niro EX and Touring. Additionally, the driver can unlock the 2023 Niro’s doors through new Digital Key 2.0. Sharing Digital Key 2.0 is as simple as sending a text. Over-The-Air (OTA) updates ensure that maps and the infotainment system are updated automatically. Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Immobilization offers peace of mind for owners, with the capability to assist law enforcement agencies to recover a stolen vehicle. Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon-Alexa or Google-Assistant enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control certain vehicle functions, such as remote start. Additional functionality, including 911 Connect and Roadside Assistance, are also part of the Kia Connect feature set. 2023 Kia Niro HEV, PHEV and BEV The all-new Kia Niro will arrive with three distinct powertrain configurations: the HEV, the PHEV, and the all-electric BEV. All Niro models are FWD. A 6-speed DCT is standard in HEV and PHEV. The 2023 Kia Niro HEV features a 1.6L I4 coupled with a 32kW electric motor, for a combined output of 139 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, the same as the first gen. What is new is the 2023 Kia Niro HEV is expected to return 53 mpg combined up 3 mpg from the first gen. The Niro PHEV pairs the 1.6L I4 with a larger, 62kW electric motor, for a total system output of 180 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. When it is connected to a Level 2 charger, the Niro PHEV can refill its 11.1 kWh Li-Ion polymer battery in < 3-hours. Fully charged, the all-electric range (AER) of the Niro PHEV is estimated at 33 miles when fitted with 16” wheels: an improvement of 25 percent over the first gens 26-mile rating. The 30-mile barrier is also the cutoff for California state tax rebates and HOV lane access, so Kia knew what to target. The all-electric Niro BEV is powered by a 64.8 kWh battery and a 201-hp motor with DCFC capability that can replenish the pack from 10 to 80 percent in < 45 minutes with a maximum charging capability of 85 kW. This low charging rate capability was a mistake. The 11kW onboard charger helps recharge the Niro EV in under seven hours. Targeted AER for the Niro EV is 253 miles. An optional heat pump and battery warmer help preserve range in colder temps. In addition to Sport and Eco drive modes, the all-new Kia Niro introduces Green Zone Drive Mode, which automatically transfers Niro HEV and Niro PHEV into EV drive mode in residential areas, and nearby schools and hospitals. The Niro automatically uses electric power based on navigation cues and driving history data, and recognizes favorite places, such as home and office set in the navigation system. 2023 Kia Niro HEV Early conclusions? Of all the HEV and PHEV CUVs available, this one stands out with passenger volume equivalent to the RAV4 Prime and the best-in-class interior functionality and gorgeous displays. The HEV and PHEVs 6-speed DCT continues to concern me but as always, pricing will be key.
Hi Edwin: Kia execs at the NYIAS stated this will be a 50-state launch for all three variants. We shall see. Wayne
I see a big improvement in styling both inside and out over the 1st gen. The HEV seems to have exactly the same drivetrain, though. I was unable to find the weight of the new one. The current gen is about 3300 lbs for a weak 22.7 lbs/hp. I drove the 1st gen briefly and didn't think I could live with the weak go power and very poor throttle response. It had too much hybrid funkyness also for my taste, though they may have improved on that since they first came out. I really like the looks but unless they made it substantially lighter and improved 0-60 greatly, I'm glad I got the Tucson.
I've lived with it for seven years now. My driving style doesn't require more than 30 HP , anyway. In other words , I can barely remember "recreational driving".
I think greater power is usually appreciated by those who encounter mountain ranges routinely. Also unless fully loaded, most cars with 100-150 HP (such as in the Prius Prime and Crosstrek Hybrid) are fine going 0-60 mph for my needs in the flatlands. The Bolt EV's 200 hp was almost too powerful/quick. I once passed a tractor trailer on the highway in a 55 mph zone and I must have done so too quickly for the truck driver because I was next to the truck when he decided to pull into my lane. Good brakes and a wide left shoulder level with the road saved me. I had been trailing him at a good distance for a while, and I was trying to pass quickly to spend less time in his blind spot.
And 99.4 % of my driving is in the flatlands. If I do take a longer highway trip in hilly area ( Kentucky/Tennessee ) , I can rent a Corolla or Elantra. Actually , I haven't done that yet. I mostly just take the Prius.
I think the car mags give the prev gen's 0-60 time as around 9 sec. Sounds fast enough to me, and a bit on the quick side amongst cars I've owned (I've never owned a sub-8 second car). And if you're ok with the Prius' acceleration you'll be thrilled with the Niro's. Glad to hear there's a bump in cargo space. Every cubic foot counts in this ultra-competitive gray zone between subcompact crossovers and compact crossovers. Also fixed the other weak spot, which was having to step up trim levels to get basic active safety features like AEB, even a couple years after they became standard on its Ioniq cousin. Overall a slightly underwhelming redesign (I was expecting a powertrain bump too, which easily could have been done with a bit of a pack and electric motor upgrade, without negative impact to mpg). Heck, I'm pleasantly surprised they even bothered with a redesign, given the impending likelihood of the Ioniq hybrid going away.
Kia Announces 2023 Niro Hybrid Pricing For 2023, Kia’s all-new second gen Niro provides larger dimensions for increased passenger room and more advanced technology. It now starts at $26,490 + $1,295 D&H. 2023 Kia Niro PHEV-33 shown. 2023 Kia Niro Trims and Pricing (MSRP) LX - $26,490 EX - $29,090 SX - $32,490 The all-new second gen 2023 Niro Hybrid offers even more over the previous award winning first gen. With its increased dimensions, the compact crossover provides best-in-class passenger room while offering driver convenience technology such as dual panoramic displays and transferable digital key technology. Dimensionally, the 2023 Niro retains a compact footprint while its wheelbase increases to 107.1 inches, and overall length increases to 174 inches. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats increases to 22.8 cubic feet. With these changes, Niro has 8 more cu. ft. of passenger volume and 50 percent more cargo volume than a Tesla Model 3. Designed from the ground up, the Niro combines naturistic forms and aerodynamic refinement. Open the Niro’s doors to a dare I say lower end luxury appointments including slim, contemporary seats covered by high-quality bio polyurethane made from eucalyptus leaves. On the advanced driver assistance features front, standard features including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist. The three trim levels (LX, EX, and SX) can be further enhanced with an available Touring Package (EX and SX trims) that adds attractive styling touches. Its highlight as always is its chart topping 53 mpgUS combined rating (LX, EX, SX trims). Powered by a 1.6L I4 coupled with a clutched 32kW electric motor, the Niro Hybrid puts out a combined 139 hp and 195 lb.-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed DCT. 2023 Kia Niro PHEV The Niro PHEV pairs the 1.6L I4 with a 62kW electric motor, for a total system output of 180 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. When it is connected to a Level 2 charger, the Niro PHEV can refill its 11.1-kWh Li-Po battery in under three hours. Fully charged, the all-electric range (AER) of the Niro PHEV is 33 miles, an improvement of 27 percent over the 26-miles offered by the the current 1st gen Niro PHEV. The 2023 Niro Hybrid is arriving in dealers now and will be available in all 50 states. Wayne
I actually like this one. After seeing one up close , it's more like a station wagon than a crossover. Wish they would sell the EV here. Not quite bold enough to buy one out of state at this time.
I wonder if or when you'll actually be able to buy an LX. That's would not be too much of an increase (a couple k) over the previous gen, if they actually deliver them to dealerships. All the automakers have doubled down on saying "from $xx,xxx," quoting base prices on base trims you can't actually buy since supply constraints hit the industry. Those who habitually buy loaded vehicles may not notice, but as a perpetual value-oriented buyer of base trims, I notice.
Yes, yeah , yowsa, amen. It irritates and even angers me that they do this. I don't NEED a car at this time. But this makes me avoid even thinking about one.
Kia America Announces 2023 Niro Plug-In Hybrid Pricing 33-mile PHEV will start at just $33,740 + $1,295 D&H. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Oct. 11, 2022 2023 Kia Niro PHEV Kia released pricing for the all-new second generation 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid with the EX/SX Touring trims retailing for $33,740 and $39,490 respectively. The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid offer a roomier cabin and a 25% greater all-electric range of 33 miles. Some of Kia’s latest convenience technology features such as available dual panoramic displays and a transferable digital key. For an even more standout design, consumers can opt for the 18” alloys and two-tone Aero C-Pillar color panel option on the SX Touring trim, while the EX trim is available with a Cold Weather Package that adds a supplemental cabin heater for quicker warmup, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. The 2023 Kia Niro PHEV arrives with 16 advanced driver assistance features including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Junction Turning, and Lane Following Assist. When connected to a Level 2 charger, the Niro PHEV can refill its 11.1 kWh Li-Po battery in under three hours. The 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid is arriving in dealers now and will be available in all 50 states.
Elantra hybrid with a cargo floor. They need a cool wagon name for it, like Kingswood Estate, Grand Safari, Custom Cruiser, Colony Park, Country Squire, Sport Suburban, Cross Country, etc. For me, I'd enjoy the Kia Kingswood Estate with some wood panel applique on the body sides and maybe some giant bumper guards (remember those?!) and the required-by-law "This car climbed Mount Washington" bumper sticker. I puzzled over the 50 state availability too. While I applaud it, the current supply situation has me thinking "wildly optimistic". On the other hand, it can be fun driving to Idaho to buy the one car that's sitting on a dealer's lot while the dealer in your town has their lot sparsely covered with $50k "AWD" "SX Turbo" "Prestige" guzzlers that are still sitting there because nobody else wants them.
I like Country Squire. My dad had one in the 60s. Real genuine fake wood on the sides. Nice. You live in a CARB state , I believe. I do not. I will wait and see if the Niro PHEV finds its way to the Land of Lincoln.
