2024 Kia Niro Hybrid: Minimal updates and plenty of efficiency and safety technologies
The Kia Niro is a unique car at this pivotal moment in the car’s evolution. Its three available powertrains offer a kind of graded commitment to the electrified future: minimal (hybrid), mild (plug-in), and maximum (electric). Newly redesigned for 2023, the Niro Hybrid enters 2024 essentially unchanged except for a new dual-level cargo floor on all but the base LX model and Fire Orange Metallic is no longer on the color list.
Related: Kia Niro 2023 review: More personality, still practical
Specs and mpg
With 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor, the less-than-electric Niro delivers impressive efficiency numbers: EPA rating of 53/54/53 mpg City/Highway /Combined LX, EX and SX trim levels. Thanks to larger wheels and wider tires, the EX Touring and SX Touring lose 9 mpg highway and 4 mpg in combined testing for ratings of 53/45/49 mpg. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission available, and despite their SUV appearance, all Niros are front-wheel drive.
Lots of safety technology standards, and more available
All Niro Hybrids come with an extensive list of standard safety features. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane departure assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the board. Models above the base LX come with an enhanced forward collision warning system that can recognize cyclists and provide supervision during cornering, as well as adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors. The SX and SX Touring can be equipped with front parking sensors.
Trim levels and pricing
On sale now, the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid is offered in five trim levels. Full prices (including $1,325 destination) are as follows. (Kia will release pricing and details for the 2024 Niro PHEV and EV models later.)
- LX: $28,165
- the previous: $30,865
- EX Tour: $33,165
- Sex: $34,265
- SX Tour: $36,565
The base LX model is available in only five colours, four shades of gray (black, white, two greys) and red. It features a charcoal cloth interior and is the only Niro hybrid that requires the driver to insert a key to start it. It comes with 16-inch wheels, manually adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, six speakers, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Niro Hybrid EX buyers can choose from two additional paint colours, as well as a charcoal interior with seats upholstered in a mix of cloth and synthetic leather. In addition to additional safety equipment, the EX includes keyless entry and ignition, remote start, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear-seat air conditioning vents, wireless phone charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. inch with Android Auto, wired Apple CarPlay, navigation, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The EX Touring trim level adds a sunroof, alloy pedals, 18-inch wheels, and stylish chrome-look interior and exterior trim.
The SX includes perforated synthetic leather seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a seven-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Step up to the SX Touring and you get everything from the EX Touring and all the SX upgrades, plus LED headlights.
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