2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

History/Overview

The Kia Niro PHEV is one of three available versions of this compact crossover wagon. Effectively, it bridges the gap between the base hybrid model and the top-end full EV, pairing plug-in electric potential with a gas engine for long-distance cruising. The Niro’s hybrid and EV versions are covered in separate buyer’s guide entries.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, Kia has added a new entry-level EX trim to the Niro PHEV lineup, which comes with a lower starting price.

Available Trims

Kia offers the Niro PHEV in EX, EX Premium, and SX Touring trim levels. All three use the same powertrain, which matches a 1.6L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to power the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Standard Features

All Kia Niro PHEV trims wear 16-inch alloy wheels and get auto on/off headlights, fog lights, and LED taillights. There’s also a sunroof, heated/power-folding/power-adjustable side mirrors, passive keyless entry, and roof rails.

Inside, EX has cloth/leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual-zone auto A/C, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.

EX Premium trim adds a power driver’s seat, radar cruise control, an electric parking brake, lane keep/follow assists, driver attention alert, and forward collision avoidance assist.

Finally, SX Touring models gain LED headlights and fog lights, chrome door handles, leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, upgraded audio, a 110-volt power outlet, and front/rear parking sensors.

Fuel Economy

Kia’s fuel consumption estimates for the Niro PHEV are 4.9/5.3 L/100 km (city/highway) in gas-electric hybrid mode, and 2.2 Le/100 when driving on electricity alone. The Niro PHEV promises 42 km of battery power on a full charge.

Competition

Competitors to the Niro PHEV come from a few different places. Ford makes a PHEV version of its Escape crossover, Mini has a plug-in hybrid Countryman and Mitsubishi offers the Outlander PHEV. If you’re not picky about body style, you might cross-shop the Niro PHEV against the Honda Clarity and the Toyota Prius Prime.