My wife has had her 23 Niro SX Touring for about four months and we love it! It drives really smoothly. The tech hasn't been that bad to learn and we have 48 MPG on the odometer since getting it. Around town it is really pleasant. On the road the car is really quiet and the suspension is very smooth. The cruise control system is fantastic to use and I haven't been a fan of using cruise before this car. The regenerative braking has taken a little getting use to and I only recently became aware of the fact that the brake lights come on and stay on when you release the throttle. We do stay in EV mode for minutes at a time if the conditions are right. Our car is the Mineral Blue and the paint and clear coat are very nice. Much better then our Subarus have been. Overall we have very few complaints about the car. The one thing that I am super super annoyed about is the lack of a rear hatch cover. It's not even an option or at least not yet. Our vehicle was 40K OTD and we don't have a cargo cover. It kind of inexcusable really. That said, we are very very happy with the car though and would certainly buy it again.
This model he is testing is the Niro SX with Touring package which adds 2000 dollars to the price tag. I bought the Niro SX on Feb 6th 2023 for 34000.00 which was sticker price . The only thing different in the SX I bought and this SX touring is the 18-inch wheels and tires. I am very pleased with this vehicle .....
I got one a week ago, here's my quick review: 1. Great commuter, comfortable for everyone, good cargo space 2. Real world mileage in Orlando, FL: 44MPG with 60-70% highway traveling at 75-80 mph.
I am seriously considering the Niro how does it handle and feel at 75mph on Highway? While that's only about 20% of my everyday driving I have had small cars previously(89Honda civic sedan) that were not really good on Highway they seemed to be squirrely. Yes it might have been the weight (2200lbs) the Niro is heavier at 3100 so I hope it feels more stable and sure tracking. I am coming from a 2014 Sonata which is a large sedan and Accord before that. I want a Hybrid,HIGH MPG good city car first but one that I can drive and enjoy on the occasional road trips. Only 2 people Myself and a front seat passenger would ever be in this car. My other main focus of shopping has been the Sportage and Tucson the Niro was suggested by a friend who has the prev generation. So on the fence do I want this size SUV sub compact or the larger Sportage compact SUV. Another plus I can Buy this Niro locally they have ample stocks while the Sportage is still limited availability (San Diego)
@@ddhsd Seeing as I was driving a 2011 Sorento and I always preferred sedans, it's an improvement in all aspects for what I need. It's not quick, but it doesn't feel slow on the highway. The cabin is relatively quiet, the suspension is on the stiffer side. All in all, it's exactly what you'd expect from a "sporty" hatchback/compact crossover SUV. I'm still in the honeymoon period, but my only knock it would be quirky android auto things.
@@ednec8909 thanks and quirky Android auto seems to be a wide issue with several cars I'm shopping. Not sure if it's their tech or Android (which has had its own app issues)
From what I understand, you can press and hold the mode button on climate/media interface for 3 seconds to set either mode as the default function. For most people, this would be the audio.
Ryan it isn’t the cheapest… but look at the tech you get especially the safety tech. A lot of cars with things like HDA and Lane assist are well over $40k… i bought the PHEV EX model and I’m loving it. btw that colored lighting… is ambient lighting and looks really nice at night.
Nice review, as always. I've had a couple of Kias and liked them (didn't love them, but liked them). I test drove one of these the other day. I also dislike all the piano black plastic, including the silly giant triangular swath of it on the doors, and I also tried to turn down the radio volume and wondered why it wasn't going down, only to discover that I was making it colder, which I did NOT want in December. However, I learned a tip from Zach at Motormouth--if you hold down the panel switching button for a few seconds, it will offer to let you choose one of the two panels as the default. Then, after a few seconds of inactivity, it should always revert to your chosen default panel. I still think this is a dumb interface design, sacrificing usability for (I suppose) a cleaner look, but the ability to set a default reduces the annoyance. I tried this on the car I drove and it worked--and the salesman learned something new also.
Mechanically very similar to my 2018 Niro, so no surprise that results are similar as well. My '18 gets mid-50s mpg around town in warm weather, high 30s to low 40s around town when it's below freezing (I'm in Minnesota - pretty flat, but long winters). Lack of all-wheel drive has never been an issue, even in snow, but I'm retired, so don't need to commute. Highway mileage is high 40s at 75 mph to low 50s at 65 mph. Average on a 5,000-mile, mostly-interstate road trip to the Pacific Northwest from Minnesota in August, '22, was 46 mpg. It's not a race car, but "adequate." 0-60 is 1 second slower than a previous Mazda3 hatch, but 1 second faster than the Crosstrek that preceded the Niro. Zero maintenance issues in 4+ years, and it handles mountain, curvy roads just fine. Interior is comfortable on long drives, and surprisingly roomy. It hauls artwork and garden mulch equally well. I'm looking forward to a 2023…
@@lubrielsambolinescobales8355 This car is on the top of my list. Is it reasonably fun to drive? I don't care about being super fast, just a little zippy.
@@georgeidarraga4006 at least to me it is fun to drive. It is not a race car but to me it has good aceleration and speed. Also, the sport mode can help to make it more fun to drive. Also it may look small but in the interior is pretty spacious. I love it
I'm in Canada and find the MPG to be the same in cold temperatures if I keep the heat off and use the heated seat and steering wheel instead. With no other way to make heat than by running the engine, it makes sense why your MPG goes down in the cold.
For those living in warm climates that rarely get snow FWD makes sense for these grocery getters. Here in Canada with 6 month winters AWD definitely worth the small added cost and maintenance!
One of my co-workers has the Kia Sol and says the same thing about it. Living here in Idaho, the AWD would be a plus, especially for her driveway which is uphill right by the exit onto the main road, kind of have to get a running start and hope nobody is coming.
As an owner of the 2017 Niro Touring, I've always been very dissapointed with the very clunky transmission and brake blending and programming. If you don't come to a complete stop, it gets confused and gives you no power and then a jolt of power. I don't always have confidence that the power will be there to make a turn across traffic. Sport mode definitely helps there. It sounds like they have sorted things out in the intervening years. I hear the plugin variant has even more power in eco mode. On efficiency, the Touring was the least efficient because of the 'upgraded" wheels, but I still regularly make 45-50 on day trips. Ironically, it seems to do worse puttering around town, getting in the 30s, and, of course, it takes a major hit in winter. Even so, I am happy with the non-nonsense interior. Unless you need AWD or more cargo, it should be on your short list.
We had a 2017 Niro, what you talked about does happen, but not very often, maybe once a week. Small price to pay for 53 MPG and I have not experienced it once in the 2023 we just bought. As for turning into cross traffic, just lay into the gas, it bypasses eco everything when the go pedel is pushed to the floor.
@@MR-sj6rq exactly, I don't understand some people. Want power? floor it. Mine does really well. Also, it goes directly into sport mode by putting it on manual, so if you want to pass cars, just do that and it goes.
It will be quicker for sure. I imagine the interior will not be as nice as this one although. I would expect the Niro to be quieter also and of course it has the more practical cargo area.
Yesterday I transported a 180x200cm mattress folded into cylinder of 40x188cm in my MY2020 Niro, with front passenger seat pushed to the front, my SO in the only non-folded back seat and it went better than I expected :D It was laying flat on the floor, but the moment you add just few cm/inches you have to angle it so its pretty much where the front passenger head would be, which might be beyond the capabilities of a sedan of same size :) I expect the Prius to be more efficient hybrid, most probably "sportier", but still a sedan, not a little bit elevated and "close to being a crossover" hatchback. I like to thing the latter is more practical, for example if I got more efficient sedan car and saved more money on the fuel (how much do you save between 50 and 60MPG?), then proceed head over to IKEA, but could not use my car for transport, I'm just spending that saved money to pay somebody to transport those goods :D To each his own I guess ;)
Awesome review and I agree completely. I waited for mine for about a month and ended up with the EX Touring and love it! First time hybrid buyer and besides the MPG's on this fuel miser, I love the handling and regen braking adjustabilities. I am pretty good now at level 2 but haven't tried 3 yet. Taking it home from the dealership I was getting around 58 MPGs and that was mostly highway miles. Even if this vehicle doesn't claim the title of hybrid king, it does have more practicality than basic sedan hybrids out there and you can't go wrong with the aerodynamic looks. I did get the same color, Cityscape Green, as you reviewed. Very pleased with this vehicle. Keep the reviews coming.
KIA is very innovative with its looks, interior quality and competitive pricing but poor resale value shows its long term reliability is questionable. When buying a hybrid this is especially important. Poor dealership experience with KIA is also a turn off.
I never buy base models but I bought the lx with rebates n discounts I only paid like 27$ I would not buy the ex or higher cause then you get into the 30s and for that much u can get the sportage hybrid or something else
Kia looks fantastic, but wouldn’t trust it with the reliability track record. I also agree with your wife that there should’ve just been two rows for the buttons.
This car is towards the top of my wife and I's list at the moment for an economical / efficient family car. I'm curious of any thoughts or experience on hill climbing issues where the car freaks out and can barely go 60mph while red lining? I've seen that issue pop up on a couple reviews but other than that everyone seems to enjoy this car for what it is. I live in Northern California and go up to Tahoe region from Sacramento and there are some decent hill climbs. I'm OK with the car having a slower 0-60 time, but it may be a deal breaker for me if it's red lining / stuck at 60mph when going up any decent hill.
you sure know how to give a review! can't believe you touched in sleeping in the back, because that's exactly what i wanted to know. and your height is also very important point that lots of idiots forget. very helpful!!!!
We had a ‘22 Tucson Hybrid temporarily but dumped it last month before the market crash started. The gas mileage was incredibly disappointing, especially on the highway. In the summer months we were getting 29 at best at freeway speeds. In the winter that got as low as 22. We live in WI for context where roads are much flatter, hilly areas, where the vehicle has more chances to charge the battery helped that go up. City mileage was as advertised however. I would assume this Niro would do better here being it is front wheel drive, shorter and lighter. For me, I just don’t trust Hyundai/Kia efficiency numbers at this point. We also found the dealership experience to be terrible, took 4 hours to get out the door with it even though we ordered it a month in advance and set up an appointment to pick it up.
I agree about the dealership experience but the Tusson Hybrid uses a 1.6 turbo, does it not? that's a big reason why the highway MPG is worse. The Niro doesn't have a turbo
Did you ever get to test the MPG's driving at highway speeds for 20 minutes or so? Like 60-70 mph? I would be curious to know how efficient the car is at prolonged highway speeds.
I got 45 mpgs running 80 mph ( in summer) driving on i95 to Florida 1000 miles one way .on my 2022 Niro lxs hybrid. I get 50-54 mpg summertime everyday driving and 45 mpg in below 30 degree days . So the cold does affect the range
I was just gonna say this as well. Kia resale value down the road is not good at all. I get there isn’t a lot of subcompact hybrid hatchback/crossovers but this seems way to overpriced for this class.
The Kia Niro Hybrid has been a very reliable vehicle . We have a 19 Touring , which has been bulletproof . It's always started in -30 temperatures , and in hot weather it has always had nice cold air . If you take your wife shopping on a hot day , you can sit in the driver's seat , leave the car on , and it stays in EV mode most of the time with the air on . The AC runs on electric . It does not have a conventional lead acid battery or a starter to worry about . Pushing g the start button is akin to turning on an electric light .
The old Niro had average reliability and owners satisfaction from Consumer Reports, with a below average price for a hybrid. I am thinking I might wait a few years for a used base model Ford Maverick hybrid truck, and add better speakers. By then more will be known about reliability. The new Prius is a lot faster, and the hybrid Sportage looks nice, but I want a few more years of reliability data and not trying to buy a popular vehicle immediately. I am driving a CX-5 that does 0 to 60 mph in a little over 8.5 seconds that is acceptable for most passing, the Niro is slower so I would have to be more careful choosing when to pass.
I have a 2017 Niro that I bought used. It rides smoothly, but it's quick to pass as well. The only times it "struggles" a little bit is when we're fully packed (my wife, myself, our 2 dogs and a few bags when going out of town), otherwise it has enough response to pass.
I have a 22 Prius and drive it in sport mode always. Seems to get the best mileage that way and it is really quick! I'm thinking my city mileage is so good in sport because it uses the electric torque on take off more than the gas. Seems logical anyway. I would think the Niro would be the same.
6:10 Merry Christmas and happy new year! After selecting the mode that you primarily use, you can push and hold the switch button so that once it's set it will revert back to your favorite after switching it for a a few seconds.
I'd definitely get the RAV4 Hybrid. I didn't have the hybrid model but had the regular RAV4 AWD for a few days enjoyed driving it, had it at the right time to get to test it in about 8 inches of snow. With factory all season tires it did great, the AWD system was doing its job and doing it really well considering it had garbage tires on it. I was impressed with the Camry Hybrid so I'd guess the RAV4 Hybrid system would be similar, although I've heard people say the AWD in the regular RAV4 is better than in the hybrid.
We just bought an SX model in Steele gray and the SX gets 53 mpg city and 54hwy. So the SX Touring loses you almost 9 mpg in why miles due to the larger 18 inch wheels.
@@drivingsports Buy a car for a long term test, like a Camry, or something of that nature, everything is CUV's, SUV's and trucks anymore in vehicle reviews, time to get people back to thinking logically about their vehicle purchases...many should be driving a sedan rather than an SUV or full size truck for example. Had a Camry Hybrid for a few days a couple years ago, was pretty impressed, got 45-50mpg with it at 65-70mph...seemed to have plenty of power and no lag when accelerating, very smooth transition between the hybrid/full electric/engine only I liked it, wouldn't mind getting one at some point when the auto market cools. Probably could trade in my 05 Ford Taurus and not miss it much LOL.
Got en ex trim hybrid recently. Loving the Volvo and audi cues in the design. Had to wrap the interior trims since it's piano black city in there 😆. Also I got a huge android and it's somehow not charging in the wireless charger but charges my wife's smaller iPhone. Not sure what to do there 😕
Did you wrap the piano trim yourself? I'm curious as to how challenging it was. This car is on my short list but I already have piano black in my current car and am not a fan.
Ok so you hate the Mazda center screen system, why do you need to change so many things while you're driving? And notice it's big M and small I? I'd call it my drive.
Ryan, thanks for the review. At the end of the day, Toyota is #1 in the hybrid markets. Subaru is far superior over any vehicle with AWD and is the safest vehicle on the road.
I don’t agree. Acura’s AWD and Honda’s VTM4 with traditional automatics would get you much further than a Subaru AWD with a CVT. Toyota is king with Hybrids though.
@no name The 2.4 4cyl in the KIA and Hyundai catch fire. I’ve had several friends who have owned them and all of their engines had to be replaced before 100K miles. Everyone of them refuses to buy another KIA or Hyundai. I’ve driven Toyota products as daily drivers for 40+ years. The only reason why we now drive Subaru is bc of the superior AWD systems. We get 5-6 feet of snow every winter and live in the mountains on a private road which we have to plow and maintain ourselves. Subaru Outback and Forester gets the highest safety ratings of the IIHS, Safety Plus award. It’s cheaper to insure a Subaru than any other vehicle on American roads. My last car was a 11 Rav 4WD Limited with the 3.5 V6 and after selling it and replacing it with a new Forester Touring, my insurance premiums dropped by over $300 a year. We do know that our Subie’s won’t last as long as our previous Toyota’s, but we’re more concerned about the safety. Most well maintained Subaru’s will reach 250-300K miles. After 15-20 years of driving our vehicles, we sell them an replace them. Enjoy your day !
@no name You’re right cause Toyota doesn’t need a warranty but the Kia does… Kia’s reliability has been horrible. Engine fires, people stealing them and more. Hyundai and Kia are horrible vehicles to buy right now.
I mean with a 4 cylinder hybrid 130HP isn't too bad. In contrast my 2005 Ford Taurus with the 3L V6 is only 155HP. Taurus is a larger heavier car so its kind of a toss up in the end really. I get in the low 20's around town with it for fuel economy with it being winter time...I get around 25mpg in the summer with it around town. 29-30mpg on the highway with it at 65-70mph. If we could get around to driving 55mph which some of the roads I take are I can get 32mpg. Course this is with a 17 year old car with no fancy hybrid stuff to contend with, and a regular old 4 speed automatic transmission...also this car doesn't have antilock brakes, or traction control, which is nice no safety nannies to stop you dead in your tracks while trying to traverse through the snow/ice.
I guess people have no idea what a wagon is, Subaru has been making wagons for decades, as well as Volvo and others still make wagons...not sure why everything is now referred to as a crossover....because honestly they're nothing more than a station wagon...I guess crossover and hatchback sound better LOL.
People in the US love overpaying for everything it seems, including houses LOL. So hey they'll overpay for a cheap sub $20k car too while they're at it.
Ich fahr den Hybrid und bin grundlegend zufrieden. Für Menschen die ein Fahrrad oder etwas mit Anhängerkupplung transportieren wollen kann ich den Niro nicht empfehlen. Wenn man den Radträger benutzt fallen alle Assistenzsysteme aus. Man kann nicht einmal einen sturen Tempomat benutzen, was für mich eine Frechheit ist und auch die Sicherheit in der Hinsicht stark einschränkt. Kia selbst sagt nur "Stand der Technik" obwohl das beim EV6 z.B. kein Problem ist. Dahingehend keine Empfehlung für den Kia!
I don't believe Kia has a very good reliability record with its DCT transmissions. For me, it would be a deal-breaker. Then again, I'm no fan of CVTs, either, which would likely be the only other option for a car like this.
Everyone is praising the new Prius. Yes, it's an attractive car but the cargo space is lacking. Also the new Prius base trim is likely to start above $30k.
@@rightlanehog3151 I've driven the new Prius and have some thoughts about that in the upcoming video (drops Wednesday... which is why we put out this video today... see what we did there?)
@@drivingsports Thanks for the personal video preview and you can count me to 'be there' on Wednesday. 😉 I am falling into a state of deeper frustration with each reduction in Toyota interior accommodation as every competitor increases in size. 🤨
Good point...and the Camry is a better choice. I loved the Camry Hybrid loaner car I had a few years back. I was driving it hard too and still got 45-50mpg at 65-70mph.
I Just finished reading the Book " How to stretch out a very simple thing ~like a slimy Used Car salesmen's.. ".. Took three Hot showers after finishing..
My wife has had her 23 Niro SX Touring for about four months and we love it! It drives really smoothly. The tech hasn't been that bad to learn and we have 48 MPG on the odometer since getting it. Around town it is really pleasant. On the road the car is really quiet and the suspension is very smooth. The cruise control system is fantastic to use and I haven't been a fan of using cruise before this car.
The regenerative braking has taken a little getting use to and I only recently became aware of the fact that the brake lights come on and stay on when you release the throttle.
We do stay in EV mode for minutes at a time if the conditions are right.
Our car is the Mineral Blue and the paint and clear coat are very nice. Much better then our Subarus have been.
Overall we have very few complaints about the car. The one thing that I am super super annoyed about is the lack of a rear hatch cover. It's not even an option or at least not yet. Our vehicle was 40K OTD and we don't have a cargo cover. It kind of inexcusable really. That said, we are very very happy with the car though and would certainly buy it again.
What about cruising with 90-100mph what is the mpg have you ever tested it? We have roads in Europe where you can cruise that high and i wanna know.
I completely agree, it’s totally unacceptable not to have a cargo cover in this price range! For me this is a deal breaker!
A flexible cover can be purchased. I never use one and do not miss it. The car is great.
Holy cow 40 grand. Your dealers must be even worse than the ones here in Texas.
It looks like you re reviewing the SX Touring option, not the SX. The larger touring wheels drag mpg down 4-5.
This model he is testing is the Niro SX with Touring package which adds 2000 dollars to the price tag. I bought the Niro SX on Feb 6th 2023 for 34000.00 which was sticker price . The only thing different in the SX I bought and this SX touring is the 18-inch wheels and tires.
I am very pleased with this vehicle .....
Also with the touring you get LED headlights, but that's it and the 18" wheels get about 5mpg less than the 16s.
I got one a week ago, here's my quick review:
1. Great commuter, comfortable for everyone, good cargo space
2. Real world mileage in Orlando, FL: 44MPG with 60-70% highway traveling at 75-80 mph.
I am seriously considering the Niro how does it handle and feel at 75mph on Highway? While that's only about 20% of my everyday driving I have had small cars previously(89Honda civic sedan) that were not really good on Highway they seemed to be squirrely. Yes it might have been the weight (2200lbs) the Niro is heavier at 3100 so I hope it feels more stable and sure tracking. I am coming from a 2014 Sonata which is a large sedan and Accord before that. I want a Hybrid,HIGH MPG good city car first but one that I can drive and enjoy on the occasional road trips. Only 2 people Myself and a front seat passenger would ever be in this car. My other main focus of shopping has been the Sportage and Tucson the Niro was suggested by a friend who has the prev generation. So on the fence do I want this size SUV sub compact or the larger Sportage compact SUV.
Another plus I can Buy this Niro locally they have ample stocks while the Sportage is still limited availability (San Diego)
@@ddhsd Seeing as I was driving a 2011 Sorento and I always preferred sedans, it's an improvement in all aspects for what I need. It's not quick, but it doesn't feel slow on the highway. The cabin is relatively quiet, the suspension is on the stiffer side. All in all, it's exactly what you'd expect from a "sporty" hatchback/compact crossover SUV.
I'm still in the honeymoon period, but my only knock it would be quirky android auto things.
@@ednec8909 thanks and quirky Android auto seems to be a wide issue with several cars I'm shopping. Not sure if it's their tech or Android (which has had its own app issues)
The NIRO doesn't disappoint. The rear panel really does look like the BMW i3.
Finally a niro review without constant complaining how slow the car is. I really like your positivity !
From what I understand, you can press and hold the mode button on climate/media interface for 3 seconds to set either mode as the default function. For most people, this would be the audio.
Love the cup holder design. Such a little thing but it’s brilliant!
cup holders can be annoying to clean but this seems like it would be a lot easier than wiping down a normal cup holder.
Ryan it isn’t the cheapest… but look at the tech you get especially the safety tech. A lot of cars with things like HDA and Lane assist are well over $40k… i bought the PHEV EX model and I’m loving it. btw that colored lighting… is ambient lighting and looks really nice at night.
We picked one up after trading in our 2017 Niro, not disappointed at all. Love it!
You can set a default setting for the hvac/media buttons so it will always return to you preferred setting. Nice Review!
Needs 30% more gloss black plastic for me to consider it.
Nice review, as always. I've had a couple of Kias and liked them (didn't love them, but liked them). I test drove one of these the other day. I also dislike all the piano black plastic, including the silly giant triangular swath of it on the doors, and I also tried to turn down the radio volume and wondered why it wasn't going down, only to discover that I was making it colder, which I did NOT want in December. However, I learned a tip from Zach at Motormouth--if you hold down the panel switching button for a few seconds, it will offer to let you choose one of the two panels as the default. Then, after a few seconds of inactivity, it should always revert to your chosen default panel. I still think this is a dumb interface design, sacrificing usability for (I suppose) a cleaner look, but the ability to set a default reduces the annoyance. I tried this on the car I drove and it worked--and the salesman learned something new also.
Mechanically very similar to my 2018 Niro, so no surprise that results are similar as well. My '18 gets mid-50s mpg around town in warm weather, high 30s to low 40s around town when it's below freezing (I'm in Minnesota - pretty flat, but long winters). Lack of all-wheel drive has never been an issue, even in snow, but I'm retired, so don't need to commute. Highway mileage is high 40s at 75 mph to low 50s at 65 mph. Average on a 5,000-mile, mostly-interstate road trip to the Pacific Northwest from Minnesota in August, '22, was 46 mpg. It's not a race car, but "adequate." 0-60 is 1 second slower than a previous Mazda3 hatch, but 1 second faster than the Crosstrek that preceded the Niro. Zero maintenance issues in 4+ years, and it handles mountain, curvy roads just fine. Interior is comfortable on long drives, and surprisingly roomy. It hauls artwork and garden mulch equally well. I'm looking forward to a 2023…
I got thw 2023 three months ago and I dont regret it at all
@@lubrielsambolinescobales8355 This car is on the top of my list. Is it reasonably fun to drive? I don't care about being super fast, just a little zippy.
@@georgeidarraga4006 at least to me it is fun to drive. It is not a race car but to me it has good aceleration and speed. Also, the sport mode can help to make it more fun to drive. Also it may look small but in the interior is pretty spacious. I love it
@@georgeidarraga4006 sidenote, I am living in Maine and I have not had any problems driving in snow.
I'm in Canada and find the MPG to be the same in cold temperatures if I keep the heat off and use the heated seat and steering wheel instead. With no other way to make heat than by running the engine, it makes sense why your MPG goes down in the cold.
Ryan, The fuel efficiency and interior space efficiency are outstanding but I always find it odd when any CUV fails to offer AWD. 🤔
It ain't a CUV. It's a slightly elevated hatch with 6.3" ground clearance, less than an inch more than a Prius. (Driver of a 2017 touring)
@@Joe-nb3fs Can we agree to call it a Faux CUV?
@@Joe-nb3fs even Prius offers awd
For those living in warm climates that rarely get snow FWD makes sense for these grocery getters. Here in Canada with 6 month winters AWD definitely worth the small added cost and maintenance!
One of my co-workers has the Kia Sol and says the same thing about it. Living here in Idaho, the AWD would be a plus, especially for her driveway which is uphill right by the exit onto the main road, kind of have to get a running start and hope nobody is coming.
As an owner of the 2017 Niro Touring, I've always been very dissapointed with the very clunky transmission and brake blending and programming. If you don't come to a complete stop, it gets confused and gives you no power and then a jolt of power. I don't always have confidence that the power will be there to make a turn across traffic. Sport mode definitely helps there. It sounds like they have sorted things out in the intervening years. I hear the plugin variant has even more power in eco mode. On efficiency, the Touring was the least efficient because of the 'upgraded" wheels, but I still regularly make 45-50 on day trips. Ironically, it seems to do worse puttering around town, getting in the 30s, and, of course, it takes a major hit in winter. Even so, I am happy with the non-nonsense interior. Unless you need AWD or more cargo, it should be on your short list.
We had a 2017 Niro, what you talked about does happen, but not very often, maybe once a week. Small price to pay for 53 MPG and I have not experienced it once in the 2023 we just bought. As for turning into cross traffic, just lay into the gas, it bypasses eco everything when the go pedel is pushed to the floor.
Great comment
@@MR-sj6rq exactly, I don't understand some people. Want power? floor it. Mine does really well. Also, it goes directly into sport mode by putting it on manual, so if you want to pass cars, just do that and it goes.
Smooth refined, a really enjoyable ride. 50 mpg in warmer weather and I hand calculate.
That Prius review will show us the Real Hybrid King. Can't wait for it.
It will be quicker for sure. I imagine the interior will not be as nice as this one although. I would expect the Niro to be quieter also and of course it has the more practical cargo area.
Yesterday I transported a 180x200cm mattress folded into cylinder of 40x188cm in my MY2020 Niro, with front passenger seat pushed to the front, my SO in the only non-folded back seat and it went better than I expected :D
It was laying flat on the floor, but the moment you add just few cm/inches you have to angle it so its pretty much where the front passenger head would be, which might be beyond the capabilities of a sedan of same size :)
I expect the Prius to be more efficient hybrid, most probably "sportier", but still a sedan, not a little bit elevated and "close to being a crossover" hatchback. I like to thing the latter is more practical, for example if I got more efficient sedan car and saved more money on the fuel (how much do you save between 50 and 60MPG?), then proceed head over to IKEA, but could not use my car for transport, I'm just spending that saved money to pay somebody to transport those goods :D
To each his own I guess ;)
Off-topic but I love the chickens as an added background element. Nice color grading too!
Why would you adjust the volume on the dash console when there is a volume control on the steering wheel?
Awesome review and I agree completely. I waited for mine for about a month and ended up with the EX Touring and love it! First time hybrid buyer and besides the MPG's on this fuel miser, I love the handling and regen braking adjustabilities. I am pretty good now at level 2 but haven't tried 3 yet. Taking it home from the dealership I was getting around 58 MPGs and that was mostly highway miles. Even if this vehicle doesn't claim the title of hybrid king, it does have more practicality than basic sedan hybrids out there and you can't go wrong with the aerodynamic looks. I did get the same color, Cityscape Green, as you reviewed. Very pleased with this vehicle. Keep the reviews coming.
KIA is very innovative with its looks, interior quality and competitive pricing but poor resale value shows its long term reliability is questionable. When buying a hybrid this is especially important. Poor dealership experience with KIA is also a turn off.
KIA and Hyundai have horrible problems with their 4cyl engines catching fire in recent years.
10 year 100,000 warranty
@@Doc1855 true, however many other brands have caught fire and/or had recalls because of possible fires too.
@@RigiLiquid945 Yes like Chevrolet Silverado’s
Although the dealer's price policy is wrong rather than starvation, the problem is serious.
Base model LX costs $28k. The loaner the reviewer is driving here costs $36k.
I never buy base models but I bought the lx with rebates n discounts I only paid like 27$ I would not buy the ex or higher cause then you get into the 30s and for that much u can get the sportage hybrid or something else
AWD and it could be a great contender.. Great Video, Ryan.
Kia looks fantastic, but wouldn’t trust it with the reliability track record. I also agree with your wife that there should’ve just been two rows for the buttons.
Great review! So tell me how is this vehicle for traveling long distance via the Highway?
This car is towards the top of my wife and I's list at the moment for an economical / efficient family car.
I'm curious of any thoughts or experience on hill climbing issues where the car freaks out and can barely go 60mph while red lining? I've seen that issue pop up on a couple reviews but other than that everyone seems to enjoy this car for what it is.
I live in Northern California and go up to Tahoe region from Sacramento and there are some decent hill climbs. I'm OK with the car having a slower 0-60 time, but it may be a deal breaker for me if it's red lining / stuck at 60mph when going up any decent hill.
you sure know how to give a review! can't believe you touched in sleeping in the back, because that's exactly what i wanted to know. and your height is also very important point that lots of idiots forget. very helpful!!!!
We had a ‘22 Tucson Hybrid temporarily but dumped it last month before the market crash started. The gas mileage was incredibly disappointing, especially on the highway. In the summer months we were getting 29 at best at freeway speeds. In the winter that got as low as 22. We live in WI for context where roads are much flatter, hilly areas, where the vehicle has more chances to charge the battery helped that go up. City mileage was as advertised however. I would assume this Niro would do better here being it is front wheel drive, shorter and lighter. For me, I just don’t trust Hyundai/Kia efficiency numbers at this point.
We also found the dealership experience to be terrible, took 4 hours to get out the door with it even though we ordered it a month in advance and set up an appointment to pick it up.
I agree about the dealership experience but the Tusson Hybrid uses a 1.6 turbo, does it not? that's a big reason why the highway MPG is worse. The Niro doesn't have a turbo
Excellent review Ryan. Balanced and informative giving information relative to the design of the vehicle.
Did you ever get to test the MPG's driving at highway speeds for 20 minutes or so? Like 60-70 mph? I would be curious to know how efficient the car is at prolonged highway speeds.
I got 45 mpgs running 80 mph ( in summer) driving on i95 to Florida 1000 miles one way .on my 2022 Niro lxs hybrid. I get 50-54 mpg summertime everyday driving and 45 mpg in below 30 degree days . So the cold does affect the range
@@trainsaredumb5066 yup, I have the 2023 hybrid and I can confirm your numbers living in Maine
Agree $36,000 sounds like its a bit much for the car, you can buy a lot of other cars that operate similarly for less.
I was just gonna say this as well. Kia resale value down the road is not good at all. I get there isn’t a lot of subcompact hybrid hatchback/crossovers but this seems way to overpriced for this class.
The Kia Niro Hybrid has been a very reliable vehicle . We have a 19 Touring , which has been bulletproof . It's always started in -30 temperatures , and in hot weather it has always had nice cold air . If you take your wife shopping on a hot day , you can sit in the driver's seat , leave the car on , and it stays in EV mode most of the time with the air on . The AC runs on electric . It does not have a conventional lead acid battery or a starter to worry about . Pushing g the start button is akin to turning on an electric light .
The old Niro had average reliability and owners satisfaction from Consumer Reports, with a below average price for a hybrid. I am thinking I might wait a few years for a used base model Ford Maverick hybrid truck, and add better speakers. By then more will be known about reliability. The new Prius is a lot faster, and the hybrid Sportage looks nice, but I want a few more years of reliability data and not trying to buy a popular vehicle immediately. I am driving a CX-5 that does 0 to 60 mph in a little over 8.5 seconds that is acceptable for most passing, the Niro is slower so I would have to be more careful choosing when to pass.
I have a 2017 Niro that I bought used. It rides smoothly, but it's quick to pass as well. The only times it "struggles" a little bit is when we're fully packed (my wife, myself, our 2 dogs and a few bags when going out of town), otherwise it has enough response to pass.
I have a 22 Prius and drive it in sport mode always. Seems to get the best mileage that way and it is really quick! I'm thinking my city mileage is so good in sport because it uses the electric torque on take off more than the gas. Seems logical anyway. I would think the Niro would be the same.
6:10 Merry Christmas and happy new year! After selecting the mode that you primarily use, you can push and hold the switch button so that once it's set it will revert back to your favorite after switching it for a a few seconds.
how does this compare to RAV4 Hybrid then? thinking about an alternative to the long-waiting RAV4 Hybrid..
Since there no AWD option I wouldn’t compare the two.
I'd definitely get the RAV4 Hybrid. I didn't have the hybrid model but had the regular RAV4 AWD for a few days enjoyed driving it, had it at the right time to get to test it in about 8 inches of snow. With factory all season tires it did great, the AWD system was doing its job and doing it really well considering it had garbage tires on it. I was impressed with the Camry Hybrid so I'd guess the RAV4 Hybrid system would be similar, although I've heard people say the AWD in the regular RAV4 is better than in the hybrid.
@@wildbill23c So did I hear, the Rav4 hybrid's rear wheels (or motor, basically) are not powerful enough.
@@kcpncfs9234 That is what I've heard and seen on several of the hybrid model review videos.
We just bought an SX model in Steele gray and the SX gets 53 mpg city and 54hwy. So the SX Touring loses you almost 9 mpg in why miles due to the larger 18 inch wheels.
14:41 how come your speed is 0 while driving with Parking brake engaged?
Magic.
Can you do a review for the 2024 KIA Niro SX Hybrid? Plx
@ 2000 mile oil down 2/3 qt. Great car but I am bummed ... not sure what to do
I’m averaging 55.9 over almost 3000 miles on my 24 with the smaller wheels.
Kia keeps nailing the looks
Great video, Ryan. What car are you buying next?
Not sure yet. Waiting until spring 2023 most likely.
@@drivingsports Buy a car for a long term test, like a Camry, or something of that nature, everything is CUV's, SUV's and trucks anymore in vehicle reviews, time to get people back to thinking logically about their vehicle purchases...many should be driving a sedan rather than an SUV or full size truck for example. Had a Camry Hybrid for a few days a couple years ago, was pretty impressed, got 45-50mpg with it at 65-70mph...seemed to have plenty of power and no lag when accelerating, very smooth transition between the hybrid/full electric/engine only I liked it, wouldn't mind getting one at some point when the auto market cools. Probably could trade in my 05 Ford Taurus and not miss it much LOL.
Got en ex trim hybrid recently. Loving the Volvo and audi cues in the design. Had to wrap the interior trims since it's piano black city in there 😆.
Also I got a huge android and it's somehow not charging in the wireless charger but charges my wife's smaller iPhone. Not sure what to do there 😕
Did you wrap the piano trim yourself? I'm curious as to how challenging it was. This car is on my short list but I already have piano black in my current car and am not a fan.
More videos like this!
Love the chickens lost in the bokeh. Great review as well.
Ok so you hate the Mazda center screen system, why do you need to change so many things while you're driving? And notice it's big M and small I? I'd call it my drive.
Ryan, thanks for the review.
At the end of the day, Toyota is #1 in the hybrid markets.
Subaru is far superior over any vehicle with AWD and is the safest vehicle on the road.
Mazda are safer.
@@HallowedLunch Not according to Consumer Reports.
I don’t agree. Acura’s AWD and Honda’s VTM4 with traditional automatics would get you much further than a Subaru AWD with a CVT. Toyota is king with Hybrids though.
@no name The 2.4 4cyl in the KIA and Hyundai catch fire.
I’ve had several friends who have owned them and all of their engines had to be replaced before 100K miles.
Everyone of them refuses to buy another KIA or Hyundai.
I’ve driven Toyota products as daily drivers for 40+ years.
The only reason why we now drive Subaru is bc of the superior AWD systems.
We get 5-6 feet of snow every winter and live in the mountains on a private road which we have to plow and maintain ourselves.
Subaru Outback and Forester gets the highest safety ratings of the IIHS, Safety Plus award.
It’s cheaper to insure a Subaru than any other vehicle on American roads.
My last car was a 11 Rav 4WD Limited with the 3.5 V6 and after selling it and replacing it with a new Forester Touring, my insurance premiums dropped by over $300 a year.
We do know that our Subie’s won’t last as long as our previous Toyota’s, but we’re more concerned about the safety.
Most well maintained Subaru’s will reach 250-300K miles.
After 15-20 years of driving our vehicles, we sell them an replace them.
Enjoy your day !
@no name You’re right cause Toyota doesn’t need a warranty but the Kia does… Kia’s reliability has been horrible. Engine fires, people stealing them and more. Hyundai and Kia are horrible vehicles to buy right now.
Like everything except needs more HP and AWD. Nicely done Kia. No CVT!!!!
I mean with a 4 cylinder hybrid 130HP isn't too bad. In contrast my 2005 Ford Taurus with the 3L V6 is only 155HP. Taurus is a larger heavier car so its kind of a toss up in the end really. I get in the low 20's around town with it for fuel economy with it being winter time...I get around 25mpg in the summer with it around town. 29-30mpg on the highway with it at 65-70mph. If we could get around to driving 55mph which some of the roads I take are I can get 32mpg. Course this is with a 17 year old car with no fancy hybrid stuff to contend with, and a regular old 4 speed automatic transmission...also this car doesn't have antilock brakes, or traction control, which is nice no safety nannies to stop you dead in your tracks while trying to traverse through the snow/ice.
Catch that chicken at 1:03??
That’s Ebony Darkness. She doesn’t like to be picked up.
Not a crossover or hatchback, its a wagon....
I guess people have no idea what a wagon is, Subaru has been making wagons for decades, as well as Volvo and others still make wagons...not sure why everything is now referred to as a crossover....because honestly they're nothing more than a station wagon...I guess crossover and hatchback sound better LOL.
I would to see how this handles on the Chuckanut Drive.
This car was skimped on compared to the Korean version, American consumers are paying more for less equipment, Kia and Hyundai that’s wrong.
People in the US love overpaying for everything it seems, including houses LOL. So hey they'll overpay for a cheap sub $20k car too while they're at it.
18" wheels may look cool BUT do you want to have to buy a set of tires every 2 years?
Ich fahr den Hybrid und bin grundlegend zufrieden. Für Menschen die ein Fahrrad oder etwas mit Anhängerkupplung transportieren wollen kann ich den Niro nicht empfehlen. Wenn man den Radträger benutzt fallen alle Assistenzsysteme aus. Man kann nicht einmal einen sturen Tempomat benutzen, was für mich eine Frechheit ist und auch die Sicherheit in der Hinsicht stark einschränkt. Kia selbst sagt nur "Stand der Technik" obwohl das beim EV6 z.B. kein Problem ist. Dahingehend keine Empfehlung für den Kia!
where did you get that chicken?)
I thought this channel was exclusively 4 wheel drive.
I don't believe Kia has a very good reliability record with its DCT transmissions. For me, it would be a deal-breaker. Then again, I'm no fan of CVTs, either, which would likely be the only other option for a car like this.
Debating on this and Prius
Everyone is praising the new Prius. Yes, it's an attractive car but the cargo space is lacking. Also the new Prius base trim is likely to start above $30k.
We’ll have the new Prius review this Wednesday.
I can assure you, taller people are not praising the huge loss of headroom that comes with the 'sexy' new Prius design.
@@rightlanehog3151 I've driven the new Prius and have some thoughts about that in the upcoming video (drops Wednesday... which is why we put out this video today... see what we did there?)
@@drivingsports Thanks for the personal video preview and you can count me to 'be there' on Wednesday. 😉 I am falling into a state of deeper frustration with each reduction in Toyota interior accommodation as every competitor increases in size. 🤨
New Prius has 200hp and is a better car than this Niro.
That camera light is very annoying... Do you really need that?
Yes. Without it the interior shots would have to be shot at 3200ISO, which is pretty grainy on the GH5MkII.
How could one break the cargo floor? That makes absolutely no sense. 😂
At this price you can get a camry hybrid.
Good point...and the Camry is a better choice. I loved the Camry Hybrid loaner car I had a few years back. I was driving it hard too and still got 45-50mpg at 65-70mph.
Then do so
Are you kidding of course it’s not an off-road vehicle. And not trusting the floor to break. What does that mean.
Great review. I don’t trust Kia.
I Just finished reading the Book " How to stretch out a very simple thing ~like a slimy Used Car salesmen's.. ".. Took three Hot showers after finishing..
Anything after 40 mpg becomes marginal in gains.
First?