Kia calls its new Niro hybrid subcompact a crossover, but it sure does look and feel a whole lot like a regular subcompact hatchback. Ok, maybe a tad bit taller than that, but still. However you want to classify it, though, this, um, vehicle, is pretty darn good.
It seats five passengers and comes in four trim levels: the FE, LX, EX and Touring.
On the exterior, Kia has held true to its design language, with a front end featuring bug-eyed headlights, a hexagonal grille with a lower section that is sporty and highlighted by vertical-slit air ducts. Depending on the trim level, you get chrome or black trim around the windows and lower body.
Standard features include power side mirrors, a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels. HID headlights, LED daytime running lamps, fog lights, power/heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, a power moonroof and larger 18-inch alloy wheels are also available.
The Niro interior features a standard cloth interior with a 60/40-split folding rear seat. There is 54.5 cubic feet of cargo space if the rear seat is folded down.
Up front, the center console has UVO eServices multimedia system that includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a USB port. Options include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, an integrated navigation system, voice command recognition and a Harmon Kardon premium audio system.
Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows/locks and push-button start. Leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless phone charging station and a keyless entry system with an illuminated keyhole are other optional features.
The Niro has a standard 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 139 horsepower along with an electronic motor linked to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. It's a hybrid, so you expect great fuel economy, and you get it. The base model is rated 52 mpg city, 49 highway. The LX and EX trims are rated at 51 and 46 and the Touring is 46 and 40.
The Niro has adequate power for all the things most drivers need, such as merging on to a busy highway or passing a tractor trailer. Would you take it on a race track? Of course not. It's a hybrid. But it drives just fine.
The Niro is priced starting at around $24,000 and ranges to about $32,000.
If you are looking for a nice subcompact hatchback, 'er crossover, or whatever it is, this is a good choice that will make you an infrequent visitor to the gas pump.
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