2021 Kia Niro PHEV Worthy Not Royal
Unveiled by the South Korean manufacturer five years ago, the Kia Niro debuted in the United States in 2018. The five-door subcompact joins the list of unheralded vehicles offered as gas-powered crossovers, hybrid plug-in electric vehicles (PHEV) and electric-only options. Many of the little SUVs seem much the same.
The 2021 Niro has the identical platform as close automotive relatives, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Ioniq. (Hyundai owns about onethird of Kia.) The Niro revisits last year’s model with a few updates. The front grille has a new diamond shape. The headlamps are also new and the wheels have been redesigned.
What remains from previous models is the best of what PHEVs offer. For newbie buyers, range anxiety isn’t an issue, particularly for those who work, shop, socialize and play close to home. The all-electric range is 26 miles and the Niro has a combined fuel-economy rating of 46 mpg/105 MPGe.
When the car’s battery is depleted, the gas portion of the traditional hybrid system takes over. The engine charges the battery. Regenerative braking sends energy back into the battery when the accelerator pedal is lifted and or the brake pedal is pressed. Plug the Niro in overnight and it will be fully charged by the next morning.
Unlike conventional hybrids, the PHEVs and EVs qualify for federal tax credits as well as state and local incentives and tax rebates in some locations. The Niro PHEV and EV also qualify for Clean Air Stickers used for driving in carpool lanes.
Most Kia Niro trims are equipped with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines with a 43-horsepower traction motor located between the engine and transmission. The combined system produces 139 horsepower and is matched with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The PHEV option has a larger battery pack and