Still no awd?
The Niro, Kia's new hybrid crossover, claims 50 combined mpg thanks to a new dynamic hybrid system paired with the utility that we've come to expect from a modern crossover. Our test car also came with the Advanced Technology Package, including HID headlights, adaptive cruise control and an built-in inverter.
The Kia Niro (besides an unfortunate name) was good overall.
In my opinion it's one of the better looking small crossovers available. The interior is comfortable and everything in the cockpit is laid out logically.
Warning: the constant instrument cluster animation representing how electricity is being channeled through the car may be a distraction while driving.
The only complaint I have is how it drove. Whenever I was moving about 20 mph at a steady pace, the Nero would constantly stutter. It felt like it was misfiring or down a cylinder. To make sure I wasn't going crazy, I handed the keys off to JG and David, who confirmed that the Nero had some power deliver issues. We're not sure if this was just our test car acting up or if it's something more common among these cars, but it's worth stashing in the back of your mind if you're shopping.
I will say the fuel economy was fantastic. If the Niro drove as smooth as it looked, it would be one of my favorite crossovers available today.
Yeah, I'll second what Ed said: The Niro seemed to stutter a bit, kind of like those first hybrids. Maybe there was a hiccup with our test car, or maybe the latest Toyotas have just spoiled us. Other than that, it's the right size and felt nice. Nice to see how far Kia has come in the last decade or so.
Still no awd?
In reply to Trackmouse :
I don't understand this. Why? You want a high mpg people mover you don't want the added drag of AWD. I've never understood the incessant need for AWD by most people.
In reply to Bobzilla :
Come to central Oregon for the next few months and say that.
As the modern equivalent of the Kia Rondo, it will clearly be one of the most incredible cars on the planet. The Rondo never needed AWD, it could go anywhere, any time, under any conditions in comfort, safety and style. It used a proprietary awesomeness-drive system that achieved 180mpg and 180 mph (owners called it the 180) Apparently, they have gone with a hybrid system on the Niro to help keep prices for used Rondo up in the stratosphere. (One recently sold in Scottsdale for abazilliondy dollars)
Kudos Kia, you are killing it!
I clicked on this because I had no idea what a Niro was. I was hoping for one of those sexy concept cars they keep showing.
If this was a blind date I wouldn't walk out before introducing myself, but I did just feel my enthusiasm drain to nothingness.
I will say it looks better in person than in photos. It seems like almost all crossovers these days are either way too striking for my taste (i.e. Lexus) or are roughly modeled after an Easter egg. The Niro was neither, and I appreciate that.
Bobzilla said:In reply to Trackmouse :
I don't understand this. Why? You want a high mpg people mover you don't want the added drag of AWD. I've never understood the incessant need for AWD by most people.
Do it Lexus style where it doesn't really create additional drivetrain loss or significant drag.
In reply to Ed Higginbotham :
The two I've seen remind me of a tall wagon... in a good way.
In reply to ProDarwin :
My current crosstrek does this. It’s fwd 99% of the time. Awd when needed. It gets 43mpg, and it’s not the hybrid model.
You are thinking of something different. The Lexus system is basically the Prius transmission stuffed where the rear diff would be. No center diff, no driveshaft, rear just freewheels unless needed.
Also, 43mpg is a total outlier datapoint.
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