The 2022 Kia Niro: A Miniature Dynamo of Reasonableness and Effectiveness

The 2022 Kia Niro, Kia's smallest SUV, offers utility and assess in a tiny bundle. However, the car is unusual in its market due to its use of hybrid technology, which competitors such as the Mazda CX-30 or the Hyundai Kona do not propose anymore. The base engine is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with an electric motor that produces 139 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid variant is also available, with the ability to go up to 26 miles on battery power before igniting the combustion engine. The 2022 Kia Niro isn't as exciting for driving as some of its rivals. Still, for consumers looking for an SUV with exceptional gas mileage, there are few more advantageous alternatives than a Niro hybrid. If you want to go completely electric, Kia has you covered.

Verdict

Some may think a multipurpose EV and combustion-engined chassis would jeopardize the 2022 Kia Niro, yet the hybrid version has fared well. It's a beautiful deal, with the same mature driving, adaptability, and outstanding interior electronics as the more expensive pure-electric version. Its economy is undoubtedly a bonus, although we'd prefer a quieter, smoother drivetrain.

What’s under the Hood?

In the standard Niro, a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder combustion engine with the addition of an electric motor work in tandem with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. During various tests, the system generated 139 horsepower and propelled the Niro from 0 to 60 mph in around 8.6 seconds, putting it on par with much of the competition. The identical operation took 9.5 seconds in the fully equipped EX Premium trim when it was evaluated, which was bogged back by all the additional features. The plug-in hybrid vehicle has the same basic drivetrain as the conventional model but with a bigger battery pack for a more excellent EV range.

According to the EPA, its battery provides 26 miles of EV operation. The 2022 Kia Niro easily handles rough terrain, providing a smooth, steady ride. However, when driving over bumpy roads, it was noticed that an exceptional quantity of impact noise flowed into the cabin. The Niro's steering reflexes are quick and precise. Drivers particularly like the multifunctional steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that os or cycle between four different types of regenerative braking depending on the drive mode.

The most fuel-efficient Niro hybrid gets 53 mpg in urban areas, 48 mpg on the open road, and 50 mpg overall. On our 75-mph fuel-economy test, the most recent version we tested earned 46 mpg highway. The 2022 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid has an estimated all-electric driving range of 26 miles and a combined city/highway rating of 105 MPGe.

The Hybrid Advantage

Thanks to its reasonably tiny battery pack, the 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid is the lightest of the three models available. While it doesn't provide much pleasure, you can feel the lack of inertia via direction changes compared to its brothers. The steering is exact, and the weighting is consistent, making navigating small roads and turns simple.

Kia has wisely avoided chasing aggressiveness with the new Niro, so while it can feel jerky when pushed (we doubt many customers would do so anyway), the trade-off is a smooth ride.

The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid is more stable than the heavier EV version across undulating asphalt, but it doesn't smooth out short, abrupt road defects particularly well. It's also refined at steady highway speeds when the engine isn't stressed because wind and road noise are well muffled.

What’s it like on the inside?

The entry-level LX for the 2022 Kia Niro has a simple cabin focused on plastic and fabric. Leather amenities are available beginning with the mid-level Touring model, although even the most opulent Niro has synthetic upholstery. Two-zone automatic temperature control is standard across the range, with settings for the vehicle's driver and front-seat passenger. There's also a button to switch off the climate control in the passenger seat if that seat is unoccupied, which might save energy during summertime's scorching temperatures when hybrids often lose efficiency owing to the more significant load from the air conditioner.

Connectivity and infotainment of Kia Niro 2022

The base infotainment system is an 8.0-inch display, while higher model levels have a more extensive 10.3-inch panel. Both are augmented by mechanical volume and tuning knobs and complex buttons. The technologies are easy to use, and Kia scores points for including Bluetooth connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Aside from smartphone connection and SiriusXM compatibility, the base Niros receives little infotainment embellishments. The additional navigation system predicts energy demands using GPS data and will, for example, preserve energy in the battery in preparation for a hill climb.

Safety for the car

While the entry model lacks the most popular driver-assistance technology, the remainder of the lineup has features such as automatic highlights, lane-keeping assist, and more. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for additional information on Niro's crash test results. The following are important safety features:

• Forward collision warning

• Automatic emergency braking

Available features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic warning.

Warranty and Maintenance Protection

Kia and Hyundai, its sibling business, have one of the most extensive automobile warranties available. The ten- drivetrain warranty is the cornerstone, but they outperform the competition in practically everything else. The only thing lacking—at least for Kia—is complimentary planned maintenance.

• The guarantee is valid for five years or 60,000 miles.

• The powertrain warranty is valid for ten years or 100,000 miles.

• There is no free planned maintenance.

Conclusion about 2022 Kia Niro

It's challenging to place the 2022 Kia Niro in the world.

The hybrid isn't as coherent to drive as its Toyota rivals, and it's priced in line with the larger RAV4 rather than where we estimate the Corolla Cross to be, while the Niro EV is substantially less sophisticated than the larger EV6. However, its list price isn't all that far off.

This perplexing location detracts from what is otherwise a rather extensive, economical compact-ish SUV.

The GT-Line interior has a high-end appearance and experience, and the EV has a peaceful, relaxed temperament that could render it a great everyday driver. It isn't swift, but that isn't the idea.

Even the most basic HEV S has a large cabin for its size, however, the plastic steering wheel, ignition barrel, and calculator-style instrument cluster scream cost-cutting and detract from the progress achieved elsewhere.

Despite this, Kia will almost certainly sell every Niro it can get its hands on. With a slight preference for the electric type, the insatiable desire for hybrid SUVs and electric cars may result in many individuals purchasing this specific hybrid/electric vehicle.