Yahoo Autos 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid, PHEV and EV debut at NY Auto Show
The full range of 2023 Kia Niro models is making its debut here at the New York Auto Show, and the versatile, little hatchback is bringing big change for its new generation. By full range, we mean the HEV Hybrid, PHEV plug-in hybrid and fully-electric EV.
You may recall that we’ve already seen the next-gen Niro, as the new model made its global debut in Korea late last year. Today, Kia is showering us with all the U.S.-specific details we’ve been waiting for.
Everybody that liked the way the new Niro looked back then will be pleased to see all of the funky design touches transfer over to our version of the car. It retains the side blade, or “Aero Blade,” as Kia would call it. This blade is painted a contrasting color versus the rest of the car and is functional, too, as Kia says it is designed to aid airflow under the car. That said, if you don’t want the two-tone look, you can spec a Niro with the Aero Blade painted in body color (but that’s no fun).
The hybrid and PHEV have black cladding and wheel arches, while the EV has gray-painted trim. That said, Kia says the EV can also be had with black cladding depending on your paint selection. Size-wise, the new Niro has a slightly longer wheelbase at 107.1 inches, longer overall length (by 2.5 inches) and a little more cargo space at 22.8 cubic-feet. Its purpose as an urban vehicle remains, as it’s front-drive-only and ground clearance is at a car-like 6.3 inches.
The Hybrid model carries on with its 1.6-liter four-cylinder that is helped along by an electric motor to produce a combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Kia is aiming for even better fuel economy than before, as the predicted combined figure is 53 mpg. That’s better than the 50 mpg combined the Niro topped out at previously.
