2020 Kia Niro Touring

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AUTO TV

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Published on December 12, 2020 8:15:25 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p-UAfZULvs

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Review

Duration: 3:50

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A 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor team up with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the regular Niro. The system makes a total of 139 horsepower and motivated the Niro from zero to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds during our testing, placing it in the hunt with much of the competition. The options-laden Touring model we tested, weighed down by 168 pounds of extra equipment, needed 9.6 seconds to complete the same task. The Niro plug-in uses the same basic powertrain as the standard model, albeit with a larger battery pack for increased EV range. That battery adds up to 26 miles of EV operation, according to the EPA. We haven't tested the new all-electric Niro EV, but it comes standard with DC fast-charging capabilities that Kia claims can refill 80 percent of the battery in just 75 minutes. The Niro easily tackles uneven roads, delivering a controlled, stable ride. However, we noted an unusual level of impact noise coming into the cabin when driving over bump-ridden roads. Steering responses in the Niro are swift and accurate. The steering features no dead zones, and the car tracks straight on the highway. Steering effort, already firm, increases when Sport mode is engaged.

Kia improved the Niro's aerodynamic efficiency for 2019 by fitting it with grille shutters that close at around 35 mph to smooth airflow over the short nose. The effort worked: The stripped-down LX's EPA-rated 52 mpg in the city is just 2 mpg fewer than the more svelte Prius. Across the lineup, the Niro performed worse at highway speeds than did the Prius; the Niro delivered 42 mpg in our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test while the loaded Touring managed 39 mpg.

The base LX features a fuss-free interior that is heavy on plastic and cloth. Partial-leather seat trim is standard starting with the EX. Also standard across the lineup is two-zone automatic climate control, with controls for the driver and front-seat passenger. There's even a button to turn the passenger's climate control off if that seat is empty, which could save energy in hot summer months when hybrids traditionally forfeit efficiency due to the increased load from the air conditioner. The Niro was designed from the outset to be a hybrid, not converted from an existing gasoline-powered vehicle. As a result, cargo space is not reduced by its battery pack. Unfortunately, the rear seats don't form a flat load floor when folded, and other similarly sized crossovers can accommodate more cargo. We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 18 with the rear seats folded.

Kia's infotainment system uses a touchscreen supplemented by hard buttons. The system is intuitive and simple, and Kia earns significant goodwill by providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as standard. Base Niros receive few infotainment baubles beyond smartphone connectivity and SiriusXM compatibility. The optional navigation system uses GPS data to predict energy demands, and will, for instance, save up energy in the battery in anticipation of a hill climb.

#Kia #Niro #Touring