Is the Kia Niro the most effective funds hybrid crossover you should purchase in 2025?

In the event you’re in search of a brand new car with loads of area, however don’t desire an costly, thirsty SUV, then the Kia Niro hybrid could possibly be the right match. This plug-in hybrid crossover will prevent cash on the gasoline pump, and is extra inexpensive than you may suppose. There’s additionally a fully-electric model, however whereas

EVs wait for their Model T moment
, a plug-in hybrid is an efficient technique to get used to often charging.

Associated

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and take a look at our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have really reviewed.

Value, availability, and specs

The brand new Kia Niro stays some of the inexpensive hybrid crossovers in the marketplace. There is a alternative of full hybrid or plug-in, plus a fully-electric model, all of which get a formidable guide of options as customary, a few of that are often non-compulsory extras on costlier fashions. Costs hover within the mid-£30,000 mark, making the Niro one of many cheapest plug-in hybrids for 2025. Nonetheless, it is greater than the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the cheapest EV you can buy proper now.

Kia Niro key options

• Rear privateness glass
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch touchscreen show with navigation
• Reverse parking sensor
• Heated entrance seats

Because the Niro is designed for effectivity and practicality, it is not overly thrilling, however there are a number of features to like about it. Having an electrical motor to assist the engine provides the Niro a much-needed enhance, particularly when choosing up pace. I do not recall the engine screaming at me as I accelerated or demanded extra energy to overhaul, which has been a difficulty I’ve seen with different hybrids with smaller engines.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid efficiency specs

Associated

Kia’s new EV9 is a family-friendly SUV with no shortage of techy thrills

The Kia EV9 GT-Line S provides area, consolation and zesty all-electric efficiency topped with loads of intelligent know-how.

What I favored in regards to the Kia Niro hybrid

Is that this Dr. Who’s tardis?

Though the Kia Niro is classed as a compact crossover, its boxy design creates copious quantities of area all through. In actual fact, there’s extra rear legroom than a

Toyota RAV4
Prime at 38.8 inches. This continues to the cargo space, the place there’s further storage for charging cables, first help kits, and some other necessities it is best to maintain within the automobile.

The Niro will get 17 helpful customary options, corresponding to enhanced auto emergency braking know-how, sensible cruise management, and a wi-fi charging pad. In addition to these, an intuitive built-in navigation screens EV battery vary, and suggests close by charging stations when working low.

Kia Niro plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system

In accordance with Kia, the Niro PHEV returns as much as 313 MPG. That is a wild determine, factoring within the electrical energy and vary. In actuality, I nonetheless achieved a good 55 MPG throughout testing, even with a drained battery.

Associated

The Kia EV2 is the next EV I’m most excited about – here’s why

It could possibly be a serious step in the direction of a very inexpensive EV.

What I did not like in regards to the Kia Niro hybrid

There are a couple of annoying design flaws

I would not hassle navigating to a cost level, except you’ve got three hours to spare. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid solely has a small electrical battery. Whereas it returns a excessive MPG determine, it depletes rapidly, then takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to recharge — most individuals will not hassle. To be sincere, I am not satisfied the time and price to recharge is definitely worth the potential financial savings on gasoline.

This brings me to driving modes. There’s an EV button on the console to drive on electrical energy alone — ultimate for brief, low-speed journeys round city — nevertheless it’s solely helpful if the battery has a cost. In any other case, your solely choices are eco, which I spent most of my time in, or sport mode. The latter would not do a lot for efficiency, nevertheless it drastically reduces effectivity because the engine tries to recharge the battery.

My final difficulty is with the dearth of storage inside. Regardless of a roomy cabin full of potential, foolish designs waste a number of area. The wi-fi charging cradle is reserved for cellphones, the not-so-ergonomic built-in cupholders take over half of the center space, with push buttons leaving a bizarre form when folded away. The armrest covers the remaining area, and a tiny cubby beneath is just good for some tissues or cellphone charging cables.

Associated

Kia joins growing list of automakers with Tesla Supercharger access

Kia EVs can now lastly cost at Tesla Superchargers, becoming a member of different automakers like Ford and Hyundai.

Do you have to purchase the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

I do not hate it, I simply do not get it

After spending per week with the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid, I used to be unmoved. I can see how its spacious inside would profit households, and the EV-only mode helps drivers save on gasoline. Nonetheless, I am battling the three-hour recharge interval to get a couple of additional miles of vary. Until you’ve got a technique to cost at house, it is unlikely you may really maintain it charged up. Positive, the engine continually offers some juice to the battery, however not sufficient to maintain it at full potential.

That stated, the Niro is an efficient automobile. It drives nicely, it is environment friendly, and is extra inexpensive than related vehicles. In the event you love the distinctive design, plethora of ordinary know-how, and ample area, I might suggest the marginally inexpensive Niro hybrid (not the plug-in), or going all-in on the Niro EV.

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid