New Kia Niro blends crossover traits, fuel economy
If you like the idea of owning a hybrid vehicle, but loath the thought of having a wedge-shaped compact car with tires the size of little chocolate doughnuts, Kia has a proposition for you.
The 2017 Kia Niro compact hybrid crossover is a sporty little SUV, but still gets 46 mpg in city driving. The government predicts a Niro like our tester will save you about $2,750 in fuel costs (compared to the average vehicle) over five years. That’s almost $46 in savings a month.
A growing number of American buyers won’t consider a vehicle that doesn’t at least look like a cross-over. It’s an aesthetic default that’s driving all segments of the auto market in 2017.
With its 18-inch wheels, leather interior and snazzy body lines, the Kia Niro is a suitable addition to any driveway. If you are sensitive about such things, nobody will ever know the Niro has a gas-electric propulsion system unless you decide to tell them.
› What is it? The 2017 Kia Niro is a compact hybrid crossover that hauls up to five passengers and their gear.
It accomplishes its stellar fuel economy (46 mpg city, 40 mpg highway) by pairing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine with a small electric motor for boost. Together the power sources make 139 horsepower and propel the Niro Touring from zero-to-60 miles per hour in about 9.6 seconds.
Our Touring tester also adds heated and cooled seats, leather seating surfaces, push-button start and a sun roof.
› How much? With a starting price of $23,785 in basic form, the Niro line includes FE, LX, EX and Touring trims. Our top-ofthe-line Touring tester has an asking price of $32,840, but has all the available goodies.
› Worthwhile options? Advanced safety tech features are available in a $1,900 tech package. Features include emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and smart cruise control.
› Cool stuff ? It doesn’t get much better than having ventilated seats in Chattanooga summers. Kia smartly has included cooled seats in some of its lower-cost vehicles, proving what Southerners have long known: Getting relief from miserable summer heat is not a luxury, it’s a
necessity.
We also love the Niro’s
six-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission. Most hybrids have continuously variable transmissions, which result in a less-than-crisp driving experience.
› It’s good for Chattanoogans because: As Outdoor Magazine’s twotime Best City Ever award winner, we are a small SUV kind of town. The Kia Niro combines save-the-Earth sensibilities with a design that fits active-lifestyle drivers. A caution: At the moment there is no allwheel-drive option. If that’s important to you, explore the Toyota RAV4 hybrid.
› What we could do without: The Niro, although a crossover, offers fairly low seating height — as compact SUVs goes. For older (and shorter) drivers, elevated seating height makes it easier to get in and out of a vehicle. The Niro could use a couple of more inches.
› We wish for: The Niro makes 139-horsepower. We would trade a bit of fuel economy for a few more horses to lower the zero-to-60 mph time a tick or so.
› While you are looking: Check out the Toyota Prius V, Ford C-Max and Nissan Rogue hybrid.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6645.