I am glad you tested the base model and concentrated on the drive. Too many reviewers spend too much time on the bells and whistles and "info-tainment" center, and how many cup holders there are. As if that's the most important part of a car. Thanks for knowing what's important.
I just watched your video review of the Kia Niro. I also have a Niro and I wanted to comment on the part of the video where you discuss mileage. You are doing the car a disservice by stating that you will have trouble achieving 50 or over. I have a 26 mile (one way) commute to work each day. The commute is mixed driving. I average 65 MPG going to work and 62 MPG coming home. The reason you were only able to get 36 MPH or so is because you had the car in "sport" mode. If you were to try eco mode you would do MUCH better. The care was designed to run in eco mode. I only use Sport mode on one very difficult merge I have to make. Anyway, just thought I would point that out. I love this car as a daily commuter and find it is also fun to drive. I think you should be more accurate when profiling a car especially on something this important.
I still stand behind that statement. Your experience is the exception, the vast majority of people will not average 65 MPG or anything close to that. There are 57 Niro owners on Fuelly and they are averaging about 43 MPG. www.fuelly.com/car/kia/niro/all
Late to the party. I also have a Niro and have been averaging 56.7 both on the dash and manually computed. I've only had it a couple weeks now but have taken it just about everywhere and it's only getting better. Granted, I have the EX and not the Touring (really wanted to avoid the low profiles, but with the FE in the video it should have been right on). I was surprised with how low the numbers were in the video until Sport mode was mentioned and they made more sense. Others that I have personally met are also averaging at or above 50. To end the rambling, it really is dependent on driving style and YMMV.
Patrick Turner; which of the trim did you have? I'm thinking of getting one, like the FE but without the key hob I am kind of thinking for another option but not the Touring
Mikey K.C. , I have the LX. But either EX or LX will get you good mileage without sacrificing features. Touring level isn't worth the mileage hit imho.
Patrick Turner; Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate it. That's exactly my thinking towards the Touring. I will be checking out the LX and EX.
A lot of people picking on this car. But I test drove it, and will be buying it. This car is amazing, in sports mood you can defiantly have some fun. Where he said there is no pick up and go to it i have to say that is not true. It does not feel nor look like a hybrid. Its also extreamly comfortable
I'm getting it as well but more because of the mileage and the space it has. I'm a delivery driver full time AND i love to travel, so I'm going to drive the living shit out of this car
did you buy the car Jessica? if so what model and how do you like it? I'm thinking of trading my 2014 versa because I'm scared of the transmission going out and I hat the whining of the cvt.
I'd like the fact that when I let off the pedal it's not in regen mode. If my batteries full and I want to coast a bit without having the car slow down that's a good thing.
Directly from Kia's Press release from December 15, 2016: "The engineers even eliminated the traditional 12-volt battery to reduce weight, instead utilizing the high-voltage lithium-ion polymer battery."
remember, EPA numbers are suggested possibilities that one 'could' expect; not necessarily the hard truth...real world is usually different from the sticker...also, new engines need some break-in time to loosen up...plus outside temps can affect your mileage too...silver does not do this car justice or maybe it's just the FE trim level
In the FE he really isn't driving it that well to be that low and watching the video he isn't driving like a hybrid driver should. You don't have to hyper mile to get better gas mileage than he does. I have driven one and have one on order, EX model, and have easily stayed around 48 mpg. Good video though.
Don’t you think not showing an Android or Apple play demo was a mistake. You mentioned it briefly but failed to demonstrate. Especially for a car that doesn’t have navigation.
Surprised to hear that you mention it is the first time for Kia with a dual clutch transmission. Please gather more information next time. Kia and Hyundai both have D.C. Transmissions in the hybrid sonata and optima.
One of the best reviews I have seen on the internet, especially with this class of vehicle. Nice car, considering this as a plug-in model to replace 2015 C-Max Energi which is discontinued for 2018.
I am considering getting one. I may wait until the 2019 models come out and see if the lower trims get some of the safety features that are only available on the EX and Touring trim in the 2018 model.
Yay, a review on the FE version! I'm on the verge of upgrading from a 2nd Gen Honda Fit Sport MT to either the new Subaru Impreza Sport Hatchback or Crosstreck in manual transmission or the cheapest most efficient Niro FE. We've made our peace with not having stickshift or AWD in lieu of fantastic MPGs - but how well does the cheaper Niro drive/handle compared to the Touring? - braking, cornering grip, body lean, etc...
Nice to know. I'm sure the touring is heavier, so slower off the line and braking. I do wish the FE had better looking rims, but I guess that's lower rolling resistance is part of the efficiency.
Yesterday I test drove a Kia Niro LX and while the design, fit/finish weren't nearly as nice as economy cars from other brands, the driving dynamics were pretty nice for a hybrid - at least in sport mode. Otherwise throttle response was very sluggish. Brakes didn't feel regenerative and overall it didn't look and drive like a Prius. Handling and noise isolation weren't as good as I wanted, but given the space and cheap price for a hybrid, it wasn't a dealbreaker. Though it's styled to look like a fwd crossover, it's really just a tall wagon/hatchback and smaller in person than expected. Ergonomics, comfort, and sightlines were still good overall. One big turnoff though... The Kia dealer flat out lied to us when we asked what month the PHEV version would arrive and he said Kia wasn't building one - when even the Kia website said it would absolutely coming later this year. He also said you couldn't add a "tech package" to the LX trim when the website clearly let you build one. He was just trying to sell what was on the lot that day.
A nice review Chris. I see you're in Milford, Mi for those that questioned. It would be nice to know the rpm and instant mpg when cruising along at 55 to 60 mph. Where is the sweet spot where this car delivers over 50 mpg? Is it moreso during city driving, as hybrids typically are, or will it deliver good numbers at 60 mph too? This will do well considering its minimum 25% better on fuel than the competition in this category. For those willing to try out a hybrid that doesn't drive like one, it looks like Kia has a hit on their hands!
Dennis Lyon. Funny, I was paying more attention to the car than the location until I read your comment. My wife grew up less than a mile from the waterfall just before he got to downtown Milford.
Does it recharge the batteries when you for example drive on the highway? I tried the Yaris (from Toyota), and I saw that when driving at higer spped, the battery recharges as well which I tought was a good feature.
What country is that where everyone lives in private houses with access to power outlets ? Unless they make EV's capable to recharge under 10 minutes and with power electrical stations on like almost every gas station nothing can dethrone a hybrid, for city people at least.
Do your homework the next time before you do a review. Most people know the 12 volt battery is located on a side panel in the trunk. And take a more quiet outdoor location.
It has very little to do with the design. 'Donovan' said it looks European and you sort of agreed, now you agree that it looks Asian? You know it was designed in Frankfurt, Germany, right? Sportage has really nice, European style interior, Niro is a step back.
It isn't have you looked at the face of the sportage omg hideous, it's awful and ugly idk what they did but the front and the read it's just urrkk the hyundai tucson is better.
my VW Golf TDI blows this car and ANY HYBRID out of the water. I get about 55-60 MPG. So if you own a hybrid, I feel sorry for you. You over paid, and you will over pay again when the battery goes bad. lmao
Golf TDI is no longer sold in Murica for quite some time now, local oil and car industry mafia hates diesels for good fuel economy. They want to sell more gas, so basically banned diesels. But yeah, VW has some pretty amazing fuel efficient diesels coupled with efficient lightning fast shifting DSG's, just not here. Check their lineup they sell in U.S. , the only VW with DSG is Golf GTI ... rest have prehistoric automatic transmissions and gas engines, even gas engines are inferior to Europe market, its low cost TSI without dual injection that they have in Europe to prevent carbon build up on direct injection engines. You have to pay like every year or two for expensive walnut blasting cleanup.
Finger - what would you like to see? We test a mix of regular cars and performance cars. In recent videos we did a GT3 RS, Exige, and ZL1. I think those are pretty interesting.
I am glad you tested the base model and concentrated on the drive. Too many reviewers spend too much time on the bells and whistles and "info-tainment" center, and how many cup holders there are. As if that's the most important part of a car. Thanks for knowing what's important.
I just watched your video review of the Kia Niro. I also have a Niro and I wanted to comment on the part of the video where you discuss mileage. You are doing the car a disservice by stating that you will have trouble achieving 50 or over. I have a 26 mile (one way) commute to work each day. The commute is mixed driving. I average 65 MPG going to work and 62 MPG coming home. The reason you were only able to get 36 MPH or so is because you had the car in "sport" mode. If you were to try eco mode you would do MUCH better. The care was designed to run in eco mode. I only use Sport mode on one very difficult merge I have to make. Anyway, just thought I would point that out. I love this car as a daily commuter and find it is also fun to drive. I think you should be more accurate when profiling a car especially on something this important.
I still stand behind that statement. Your experience is the exception, the vast majority of people will not average 65 MPG or anything close to that.
There are 57 Niro owners on Fuelly and they are averaging about 43 MPG.
www.fuelly.com/car/kia/niro/all
Late to the party. I also have a Niro and have been averaging 56.7 both on the dash and manually computed. I've only had it a couple weeks now but have taken it just about everywhere and it's only getting better. Granted, I have the EX and not the Touring (really wanted to avoid the low profiles, but with the FE in the video it should have been right on). I was surprised with how low the numbers were in the video until Sport mode was mentioned and they made more sense. Others that I have personally met are also averaging at or above 50. To end the rambling, it really is dependent on driving style and YMMV.
Patrick Turner; which of the trim did you have? I'm thinking of getting one, like the FE but without the key hob I am kind of thinking for another option but not the Touring
Mikey K.C. , I have the LX. But either EX or LX will get you good mileage without sacrificing features. Touring level isn't worth the mileage hit imho.
Patrick Turner; Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate it. That's exactly my thinking towards the Touring. I will be checking out the LX and EX.
A lot of people picking on this car. But I test drove it, and will be buying it. This car is amazing, in sports mood you can defiantly have some fun. Where he said there is no pick up and go to it i have to say that is not true. It does not feel nor look like a hybrid. Its also extreamly comfortable
I'm getting it as well but more because of the mileage and the space it has. I'm a delivery driver full time AND i love to travel, so I'm going to drive the living shit out of this car
did you buy the car Jessica? if so what model and how do you like it? I'm thinking of trading my 2014 versa because I'm scared of the transmission going out and I hat the whining of the cvt.
In sport mode, under wide open throttle, the tires chirp at the 1-2 shift! It is really fun in sport mode!!
Me too, I can't wait to get mine!
Looks to drive like a classic Honda: slow but steady and handles well. Definitely want to test drive one.
Maybe next time you do a review try a more quiet venue. Not next to Niagra Falls!
Captain Canuck lmfao
I'd like the fact that when I let off the pedal it's not in regen mode. If my batteries full and I want to coast a bit without having the car slow down that's a good thing.
I am glad that they didn't put a CVT in.
Korean cars don't use CVT, only Japanese do
@@pietroSV
And Ford...
Driving it in sport mode is the reason you're getting crappy gas mileage.
my thoughts exactly.....easy to get 44mpg combined in normal mode.... smh
Directly from Kia's Press release from December 15, 2016:
"The engineers even eliminated the traditional 12-volt battery to reduce weight, instead utilizing the high-voltage lithium-ion polymer battery."
yak wish the didn't seriously the lio don't last and high risk of venting😮
Yeah, sport mode will decrease mpg pretty quickly.
Great detail and long driving video. I am looking for a use one for my daughter and you made my choice..
remember, EPA numbers are suggested possibilities that one 'could' expect; not necessarily the hard truth...real world is usually different from the sticker...also, new engines need some break-in time to loosen up...plus outside temps can affect your mileage too...silver does not do this car justice or maybe it's just the FE trim level
In the FE he really isn't driving it that well to be that low and watching the video he isn't driving like a hybrid driver should. You don't have to hyper mile to get better gas mileage than he does. I have driven one and have one on order, EX model, and have easily stayed around 48 mpg. Good video though.
Love our Niro....
Some modern cars actually put the spare tire underneath the front passenger seat floor, that could be the case with this one
No spare anywhere. Dealer installed accessory. Just a can of fix a flat and an inflator. Also roadside assistance for 5 years
The Kia Niro does not have a 12-volt battery. It solely relies on the high-voltage battery and an inverter.
Yes it does
Nick_Carriere vvvvv
Don’t you think not showing an Android or Apple play demo was a mistake. You mentioned it briefly but failed to demonstrate. Especially for a car that doesn’t have navigation.
Damn, how dare you upload a Review without first having done a talkless POV drive? Seriously!
ShadowASMR - would you like to see both for every car?
yes, that is your trademark, keep on doing them talkless too
It doesn’t have no 12 volt battery you Big Dummy
Why did you choose to shoot your walk-around right beside a noisy waterfall is beyond me
Surprised to hear that you mention it is the first time for Kia with a dual clutch transmission. Please gather more information next time. Kia and Hyundai both have D.C. Transmissions in the hybrid sonata and optima.
One of the best reviews I have seen on the internet, especially with this class of vehicle. Nice car, considering this as a plug-in model to replace 2015 C-Max Energi which is discontinued for 2018.
i have a 2017 i drove 550 miles from Maine NH and Vermont and back to Maine ave 54 mpg
I am considering getting one. I may wait until the 2019 models come out and see if the lower trims get some of the safety features that are only available on the EX and Touring trim in the 2018 model.
Yay, a review on the FE version! I'm on the verge of upgrading from a 2nd Gen Honda Fit Sport MT to either the new Subaru Impreza Sport Hatchback or Crosstreck in manual transmission or the cheapest most efficient Niro FE. We've made our peace with not having stickshift or AWD in lieu of fantastic MPGs - but how well does the cheaper Niro drive/handle compared to the Touring? - braking, cornering grip, body lean, etc...
Phrancis5 wife and I test drive one. Only 3100 pounds for a hybrid. And it pulls .90 g on the skid pad. It handles really really well.
Nice to know. I'm sure the touring is heavier, so slower off the line and braking. I do wish the FE had better looking rims, but I guess that's lower rolling resistance is part of the efficiency.
Yesterday I test drove a Kia Niro LX and while the design, fit/finish weren't nearly as nice as economy cars from other brands, the driving dynamics were pretty nice for a hybrid - at least in sport mode. Otherwise throttle response was very sluggish. Brakes didn't feel regenerative and overall it didn't look and drive like a Prius. Handling and noise isolation weren't as good as I wanted, but given the space and cheap price for a hybrid, it wasn't a dealbreaker. Though it's styled to look like a fwd crossover, it's really just a tall wagon/hatchback and smaller in person than expected. Ergonomics, comfort, and sightlines were still good overall. One big turnoff though... The Kia dealer flat out lied to us when we asked what month the PHEV version would arrive and he said Kia wasn't building one - when even the Kia website said it would absolutely coming later this year. He also said you couldn't add a "tech package" to the LX trim when the website clearly let you build one. He was just trying to sell what was on the lot that day.
comparing with prius ...this is a good deal.
prius only problem is a goofy name and style
question is this one of the models that is easy to steal?
A nice review Chris. I see you're in Milford, Mi for those that questioned. It would be nice to know the rpm and instant mpg when cruising along at 55 to 60 mph. Where is the sweet spot where this car delivers over 50 mpg? Is it moreso during city driving, as hybrids typically are, or will it deliver good numbers at 60 mph too? This will do well considering its minimum 25% better on fuel than the competition in this category. For those willing to try out a hybrid that doesn't drive like one, it looks like Kia has a hit on their hands!
Dennis Lyon. Funny, I was paying more attention to the car than the location until I read your comment. My wife grew up less than a mile from the waterfall just before he got to downtown Milford.
My only complaint are hard front seats no support hard on the back
Where is this filmed? That looks like a cool waterfall thing in the beginning of the video.
Review and Night Drive for new audi q5 please!!!
Does it recharge the batteries when you for example drive on the highway?
I tried the Yaris (from Toyota), and I saw that when driving at higer spped, the battery recharges as well which I tought was a good feature.
Why didn't you test on city street driving conditions.
Speedometer so bright..Normal for eyes at night?
You can adjust the brightness - the default is way too bright
Can I please request a night drive video of the 2017 hyundai elantra sport 6 speed manual ?
i'm waiting for PHEV!
Oh Chris, did you have to begin next to a noisy waterfall haha?
I know man, but it looked so cool! I couldn't resist, lol. I didn't think it would be that noisy.
So what, did he use a fish-eye lens on his camera? The damn car look round from all angles!
hybrids are just there to palliate before the adoption of full evs. And thank GOD for evs, it's about time !
What country is that where everyone lives in private houses with access to power outlets ? Unless they make EV's capable to recharge under 10 minutes and with power electrical stations on like almost every gas station nothing can dethrone a hybrid, for city people at least.
Drive the new alpha Romeo stelvio if it's in the US right now but right now drive the Porsche macan
I like the Hyundai Ioniq more (can't stand SUV). Still the fuel economy is commendable considering how high it rides.
But god the Ioniq is butt fugly!
tested one the other day the brakes aren't as good as they should be for a new car
correction like he said in the video it's hard to feel for how much to hit the brake to stop where you want
Cmax's CVT is awesome...
what town are you in ..it is so pretty there!
i would go to a junk yard and get a spare tire and put it in that big cargo space
2017 Toyota Highlander Limited
What runs the AC system at stop?
The alternator?
Does the FE model come with reverse camera?
can you also make a Nissan armada video please
Nice car
Me gustó este carro bien bonito Kia y es pero que hati también tegusto este carro
Do your homework the next time before you do a review. Most people know the 12 volt battery is located on a side panel in the trunk. And take a more quiet outdoor location.
This is(option)Map No Option?
the waterfall is all I hear....really now....
$15k for a ‘17 EX.. should I?
You really need to edit down!
Great review but that town you drove/live in has horrible roads.
That car looks great, but to make 50 MPG?, you have to drive under 40 MP/H to make those mpg´s numbers possible.
esteban muñeton or go 0-60 in 2 minutes
ecoRfan, or top speed in 100 years
Many owners on the niro forums are getting way above the advertised mpg. They're definitely doing more than 40mph.
Not true. My daily commute includes an 11 mile interstate stretch, and with the cruise set to 65mph, I am getting over 50mpg the entire time.
I drove
it just drive normal with punching the gas and it did 48 going up steep hills ad 52 anywhere else!
What colour is it?
I Have One
Kia nice
I think the rear looks really good but the front not so much. Looks like a catfish. Not a fan of Kia's current corporate front bumper.
Wheres the 12Volt battery?
Matthew Dedeaux it's integrated with the hybrid battery. no 12v needed for this one.
Well duh, no wonder you didn't hit the EPA mileage. You'll never hit it driving in sport mode. You're not very good at this review stuff.
complains about rated mileage ~drives in sport mode...
camarooo
It looks very European.....
Because we have it here and I think it was made for us mostly...
It doesn't. It looks very Asian.
Well it is made in Korea so yes...
It has very little to do with the design. 'Donovan' said it looks European and you sort of agreed, now you agree that it looks Asian? You know it was designed in Frankfurt, Germany, right?
Sportage has really nice, European style interior, Niro is a step back.
It isn't have you looked at the face of the sportage omg hideous, it's awful and ugly idk what they did but the front and the read it's just urrkk the hyundai tucson is better.
José Carlos Santamaría te manda querés ser mi amigo Si que
Kiageot 4008 Hybrid.
It doesn’t have no 12 V battery you Big Dummy At least knows something about the car before you do the review
i want to walk around suzuki vitara
my VW Golf TDI blows this car and ANY HYBRID out of the water. I get about 55-60 MPG. So if you own a hybrid, I feel sorry for you. You over paid, and you will over pay again when the battery goes bad. lmao
Golf TDI is no longer sold in Murica for quite some time now, local oil and car industry mafia hates diesels for good fuel economy. They want to sell more gas, so basically banned diesels. But yeah, VW has some pretty amazing fuel efficient diesels coupled with efficient lightning fast shifting DSG's, just not here. Check their lineup they sell in U.S. , the only VW with DSG is Golf GTI ... rest have prehistoric automatic transmissions and gas engines, even gas engines are inferior to Europe market, its low cost TSI without dual injection that they have in Europe to prevent carbon build up on direct injection engines. You have to pay like every year or two for expensive walnut blasting cleanup.
HELLO RUSSIA
wow
Unbelievably badly produced
Remember when this channel used to feature interesting cars? Me too...
Finger - what would you like to see? We test a mix of regular cars and performance cars. In recent videos we did a GT3 RS, Exige, and ZL1. I think those are pretty interesting.
Ignore him/her. This IS an interesting car.
unfolllow, becouse hybrid