Yahoo Autos 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid: Two Hybrid Hearts Beat as One
Kia's second-generation Niro marks more than just a redesign for the small SUV; it rethinks the model's powertrain hierarchy. Although it continues to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants, the 2023 Niro now clearly positions their importance by performance.
The Niro EV remains the performance leader of the bunch courtesy of its 201-hp front-mounted electric motor. This remains the case for the 2023 Niro, as the battery-electric model carries over the same powertrain as before. The two gasoline-electric options, however, no longer share the same horsepower rating. Whereas the standard Niro hybrid’s 104-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and 43-hp electric motor together produce a peak output of 139 horsepower, the pricier Niro plug-in hybrid (PHEV) now makes a total of 180 horsepower courtesy of its more powerful 83-hp motor. In addition to the ability to drive some distance on battery-electric power alone, the PHEV also delivers additional performance.
The PHEV Powers Ahead
Although our testing showed that neither the Niro hybrid nor the Niro PHEV accelerates with exceptional fervor, the PHEV offers enough grunt for merging onto freeways or passing at highway speeds with relative ease. Its 7.3-second run to 60 mph and 5.0-second sprint from 50 to 70 mph are perfectly adequate.
The Niro hybrid hit the same marks in a much more languid 8.9 and 6.2 seconds, respectively. Unlike the PHEV, overtaking slower-moving traffic in the Niro hybrid requires careful planning. Boot the accelerator, and the little four-cylinder engine strains to reach its 6000-rpm redline.
Hybrid's Fuel Economy Falters
So limited is the hybrid's output, its six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox often holds fifth gear at highway speeds. This trait likely played a part in the Niro hybrid's 39-mpg result in on our 75-mph fuel-economy test, which fell 6 mpg short of the EPA's highway estimate. It's also 7 mpg worse than we saw with the last Niro hybrid.
Even so, the Niro hybrid bettered the 37-mpg highway figure its PHEV counterpart managed (in its hybrid mode). The PHEV's 249 pounds of extra mass surely was a factor—a portion of that is due to the PHEV's larger lithium-ion battery pack. In its EV mode, the Niro PHEV was able to do 25 miles, which is a bit shy of its official 33-mile range estimate but does improve upon the 18 miles we squeezed out of the outgoing PHEV's battery pack.
