android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid

The second-generation Kia Niro is a far cry from its predecessor with a stylish exterior update worthy to compete with the best in looks amongst its urban-cruising counterparts. While the Niro is available in both hybrid and pure EV powertrains, the vehicle reviewed for this article is the entry-level S variant on hybrid power.

Initial Impression

The updated styling on the MY23 Kia Niro Hybrid is seriously eye-catching and bound to turn some heads. It features a full-width, slimline grill flanked by sharp, angular headlights featuring a set of very cool daytime running lights. Some interior finishes in the base model reviewed left a little to be desired, however, this is forgivable with the amount of driver and safety tech included and the surprising amount of space inside this small SUV.​​

android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid
android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid
android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid

Driveability

The new Niro Hybrid features two driving modes – Eco and Sport. For daily commuting, we found ourselves sticking to Eco mode that offers a quieter, more comfortable drive. We were impressed with the fuel efficiency exhibited by the Niro Hybrid, which Kia purports to sit at a combined rate of four litres per 100 kilometres. This becomes a little less efficient in Sports mode due to the extra performance being pulled from the petrol engine, however, the extra boost we enjoyed allowed for a sliver of excitement on a few of the sweeping roads around town. For those who like to know the numbers, the Niro comes with a 77kW/144Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder naturally–aspirated petrol engine combined with a transmission-mounted 32kW/265Nm electric motor.

Despite testing the entry-level variant, we were granted a remarkably comprehensive range of Kia’s active safety features. The Advanced Smart Cruise Control system will keep you at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you regardless of their speed changes while the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist can read road signs to determine the appropriate speed limit and request your confirmation to update your cruising speed. The Lane Following Assist was also quite lively when activated. Not only did it ensure that we remained in our lane but, it also prompted us to stay alert when it couldn’t detect any steering inputs. We found the blindspot monitoring system to be quite responsive, however, this was almost to a fault as it would announce its warnings quite emphatically despite being in a situation where it may not have been necessary. For instance, when we were waiting at a set of traffic lights that had two turning lanes – if we were in the outside lane, the system would assume we were attempting to enter the inside lane and inevitably collide with the vehicles already travelling in this lane. We’re happy to forgive this though, as, in the scheme of things, it’s a non-issue and we believe safety should always be at the forefront of vehicle design. The Niro Hybrid comes with a high-quality reversing camera and rear parking sensors, however you do miss out on front parking sensors on the base model.​

android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid
android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid

​Liveability 

Stepping inside the Niro Hybrid, you’ll be forgiven for forgetting that it competes in the compact SUV segment with how spacious it is on the interior. The seats aren’t super fancy but comfortable nonetheless and, if you go with the higher GT-Line variant, you’ll find your seats will be made from eco-friendly bio-synthetic leather made from eucalyptus tree fibres. We reckon the stand-out feature on the seats – and one that your teenage kids will love – are the USB-C charging ports integrated into the rear of the front seats. There is no doubt in our minds that these will experience significant use – especially on longer road trips – as the kids will no longer have to relegate their devices to the dashboard charging port. They can now simply plug them into the seat in front of them and continue using their device from the rear seats as they charge. The space in the rear seats is also comfortably spacious with ample legroom available. The boot space also hasn’t been compromised by this and is large enough for a few decent size suitcases.

The Niro Hybrid’s centre dashboard control panel has been simplified to a single touch panel that controls both climate controls and media controls. However, we like that Kia hasn’t tried to squeeze all the functions on one panel, and rather, let you switch between each control layout at the touch of a button. This has helped tidy up design of the console allowing for a minimal look that more consistently reflects the transition to hybrid/electric power. The digital drive cluster and infotainment screens have been encased in a sweeping element across the dashboard which, in the top-of-the-range model, looks quite stylish in its black gloss material. We can’t say the same for the base model as Kia has opted for a plain grey plastic panel that fails to maintain the seamless look of the sweeping element. We also find ourselves a bit confused by Kia’s decision to relegate the higher spec GT-Line to Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when they include the more convenient wireless version of these technologies in the base model S variant. The GT-Line model does however have a wireless charging module which we think is a must-have for any new car these days and would have been great to see on the S variant as well.

android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid
android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid
android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid

Cost

Including on-road costs, the entry-level Kia Niro Hybrid S is all yours from Motorama Kia for a cool $48,512.75. For less than $6,000 more, you can get the top-of-the-range Kia Niro Hybrid GT-Line which, in our opinion, is one hundred per cent worth the upgrade considering the included features. The GT-Line comes in at $54,332.25 drive-away however some of the features that we think really make it worth it include the Kia Connect system, integrated satellite navigation, Rain Sensing Wipers, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Key & Push Button Start and Heads Up Display. We also love that it includes the nifty Remote Smart Parking Assist that allows you to maneuver the car in and out of a tight parking space while standing outside the car.

android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid
android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid

Conclusion

If you had your eye on the previous generation of Kia Niro but didn’t pull the trigger, you may be more inclined to do so with its successor. Regardless of the variant you choose, the new Niro Hybrid comes jam-packed with safety and driver assist features while the sleek upgraded exterior means it receives a few extra style points over most of its competition. You’ll find the hybrid efficiency ideal for urban commutes while the spacious interior means passengers won’t be cramped on longer road trips. The Kia Niro Hybrid is sure to please many owners and we foresee a bright future for this car that’s yet to make much of an impact yet in Australia.

android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid

Keen for a test drive?

Contact Motorama to book a test drive or drop into your nearest Motorama Kia dealership today.

android, review: 2022 kia niro hybrid

Keyword: Review: 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Rev Up Your Dreams: BAuto's Exclusive Pre-Owned Carnival – Luxury, Sportiness, and Unbeatable Deals Awaits You!

Step into the world of automotive excellence with Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto), your trusted distributor of KIA, Peugeot, and Mazda! Mark your calendars for an exhilarating Pre-Owned Carnival at select BAuto branches on November 25th and 26th. This is your golden ticket to delve into a curated collection of pre-owned ...

View more: Rev Up Your Dreams: BAuto's Exclusive Pre-Owned Carnival – Luxury, Sportiness, and Unbeatable Deals Awaits You!

Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Kia Sonet vs Haval Jolion: Here's our winner

The new Urban Cruiser is bigger and better than the model it replaces, but does that mean we would choose it over other competent rivals? Let's compare the Toyota with rivals from Kia and Haval. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is an important product for the Japanese marque, not only ...

View more: Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Kia Sonet vs Haval Jolion: Here's our winner

Kia’s cheaper, smaller EV3 electric SUV spotted testing as EV9’s younger sibling

A smaller, cheaper electric SUV based on Kia’s flagship EV9 is due out next year. Ahead of its launch, the Kia EV3 was spotted testing in South Korea, giving us a good look at the new EV’s actual size. Kia introduced the EV3 concept last week at the 2023 ...

View more: Kia’s cheaper, smaller EV3 electric SUV spotted testing as EV9’s younger sibling

U.S. probes Hyundai, Kia recall into 6.4 million vehicles over fire risks

Companies Hyundai Motor Co Carparts.Com Inc Kia Corp WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters) – U.S. auto safety regulators said Monday they had opened a probe into 16 separate recalls issued by Hyundai (005380.KS) and Kia (000270.KS) covering 6.4 million vehicles relating to brake fluid leaks that could result in fires. ...

View more: U.S. probes Hyundai, Kia recall into 6.4 million vehicles over fire risks

Hyundai and Kia are ‘pulling ahead’ with strong EV demand despite rival concerns

Despite concerns over a cooling EV market, Hyundai and Kia are “very bullish” as demand for their electric vehicles remains strong. Over the past few months, I’m sure you’ve read headlines like “Automakers overestimated EV demand,” but some believe they are right on track. This includes Hyundai, Kia, and ...

View more: Hyundai and Kia are ‘pulling ahead’ with strong EV demand despite rival concerns

$1B Lawsuit Against Hyundai And Kia Isn't Going Away

A judge rejected the automakers’ motion to dismiss the lawsuit from insurance companies over vehicle thefts.

View more: $1B Lawsuit Against Hyundai And Kia Isn't Going Away

Hyundai, Kia see strong demand for EVs, despite rivals' concerns

LOS ANGELES, Nov 17 (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) and Kia (000270.KS) see strong U.S. demand for electric vehicles (EVs), senior executives at the South Korean automakers told Reuters ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The comments run against industry fears that inflation and higher interest rates will ...

View more: Hyundai, Kia see strong demand for EVs, despite rivals' concerns

Hands-on: The Kia EV9 is huge, but its backseat and frunk are not

Kia EV9 interior (Source: Kia) The LA Auto Show is in town, and we got a chance to hop in the EV9 and see how big this three-row EV really is. It turns out, from the inside, it was smaller than expected. This isn’t a full review, first drive, ...

View more: Hands-on: The Kia EV9 is huge, but its backseat and frunk are not

Kia launches $20K EV5 electric SUV in China to rival leaders BYD and Tesla

Read About The Refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento For SEO Purposes

Los Angeles 2023: Kia EV3 and EV4 Concepts get North American Premiere

Los Angeles 2023: 2024 Kia Sorento Shows Off New Image

Kia gears up for LA show with 2 concept EVs

Kia shows its EV3 and EV4 concepts at LA Auto Show

Old Kia Sorento Hybrid Will Be Sold Alongside New 2024 Model Next Year

Hyundai, Kia must face insurers' lawsuits over vehicle thefts

Hyundai, Kia EVs Charge The Fastest, Tesla Barely Makes It Into Top 10: Edmunds

Which EVs charge the fastest? Hyundai, Kia, and Porsche lead in new charging test

You Can Lease A 2024 Kia EV9 With The Longest Range From $599 A Month

Kia offers $599/mo lease deal on the new 2024 EV9 electric SUV with over 300 miles range

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel