The first-gen Kia Niro was a great option for shoppers in need of a small, fuel-efficient vehicle with a roomy cargo area. Unfortunately, it was often overlooked because of its size and lackluster design. With the fully redesigned 2023 Kia Niro, Kia’s looking to change some things, mainly on the design front, to draw more consumers in. While the 2023 Niro looks like a far more appealing option than the outgoing model, it’s also more expensive.
Kia announced pricing for the 2023 Niro Hybrid and it’s $1,800 more than before. The 2023 Niro LX starts at $27,785, while last year’s model cost $25,985 (prices include destination). The mid-level EX costs $30,385 and the range-topping SX is priced at $33,785. Last year, the EX Premium was the range-topping trim that cost $33,285. So, at the higher end of the Niro spectrum, pricing has only gone up by $500.
The 2023 Niro Hybrid comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a 32-kW electric motor, and front-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic transmission is also standard. Output is rated at 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which is the same output as the outgoing model.
Kia estimates that the 2023 Niro will be able to get up to 53 mpg combined with the 16-inch wheels and a driving range of up to 588 miles. These figures represent an improvement of 3 mpg combined, but a decrease of 7 total miles of range. The automaker claims that the Niro Hybrid cites improved cooling, as well as new combustion and friction tech for the improvement in fuel economy.
In addition to a new design and a larger body, the 2023 Niro also gets new tech features. The subcompact SUV comes with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia will be fitting the Niro Hybrid with standard safety features that include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. We’re still waiting to get the new Niro Hybrid’s complete list of standard features.
The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid is arriving at dealerships around the country this month. The subcompact SUV doesn’t have many competitors, as it’s one of the few vehicles in the subcompact class to be available with a hybrid powertrain.