By Jim Prueter
Motorway America.com

(October 6, 2022) The Kia Niro PHEV isn’t especially engaging to drive, its looks are on the generic side, it’s classified as a sport utility vehicle but to be honest it falls quite short of sport and utility. It also isn’t a massively interesting or beguiling styled vehicle. What it is, however, is every bit a clever piece of automotive engineering that’s loaded with advanced technology presented to those who want the benefits of it without necessarily wanting  to engage in it.

I recently spent a week testing the Niro PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and honestly came away quite smitten by it especially with the 48 – 51 mpg overall fuel economy it delivered. The Niro PHEV is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion hybrid battery electric drive unit that delivers 139-horsepower and connected to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It can drive up to 26 miles on electric power before engaging the gasoline engine. These are brilliant numbers for a small, roomy crossover.

Using a normal 240-volt connection from home or work it takes two hours and 45 minutes to replenish the battery.

With seating for five, it’s also endlessly practical, with up to 54.5 cubic feet of storage space in behind the rear liftgate.

The Niro is also offered as a gasoline-only vehicle, a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or as an all-electric model. We think the PHEV version is the perfect choice bridging the gap between the vehicle and those who aren’t willing to commit to EV ownership and range anxiety.

We drove the top trim level EX Premium that is loaded with comfort and convenience features including power heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt-sliding sunroof, Harman/Kardon Premium audio system, heated leather wrapped steering wheel, smart cruise control-curve with stop & go technology with highway driving assist, wireless phone charger, Sirius/XM entertainment, and more.

Advanced driver-assist technology included forward collision-avoidance assist, blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist and lane following assist, dual front, seat mounted, side curtain and driver’s knee airbags.

The interior is surprisingly roomy especially up front with ample head, hip and legroom. All operating controls are intuitive and easy to use, and the infotainment system a piece-of-cake simple. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard.

The Niro is easy to drive, and the hybrid electric drive seamlessly switches back and forth to the gas engine with only an “EV” mode on the dash coming on and off. But don’t expect the Niro to deliver sporty acceleration and handling. It isn’t particularly quick but  does accelerate smoothly and without drama.

Overall, the Niro delivers fantastic fuel efficiency, with an affordable price and it’s easy to drive and park. If you’re looking to ease the pain at the pup there are few choices better than a Niro PHEV,

Vital Stats
Base Price: $36,490
Price as Tested: $37,820
Engine/Transmission: 1.6-L four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion battery electric drive unit that delivers 139-horsepower, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy: 105 MPGe combined city/highway (electricity + gasoline) 46-MPG combined city/highway (gasoline only).
Seating: 5

Where Built: Hwasung, Korea

Crash Test Ratings: Overall “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and highest possible “five stars” from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Highs:
Terrific fuel economy
Easy to use operating technology
Simple to drive and park

Lows:
Sporty driving dynamics not part of the offering
Rear seats do not fold flat for cargo
Small rear seat