Kia hopes to hit two shots out of the park as it rolls into this year’s New York International Auto Show. Along with an updated version of its popular Telluride SUV, it’s introducing a complete makeover of the Niro model meant to electrify potential buyers.
The Niro is one of an assortment of new battery-based models the South Korean carmaker is launching. Unlike the new, all-electric Kia EV6 model, however, buyers will have a choice of three different battery-based Niro drivetrains: a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a pure electric variant. All three will be available across the U.S. now.
Beyond the green drivetrain technology, the 2023 Kia Niro will grow larger in every dimension, according to the automaker, now offering what it claims will be “class-leading” cargo and passenger space.
“Kia’s electrified vehicle momentum continues with the launch of the all-new second-generation Niro, which offers more refinement, versatility, connectivity, and technology than ever,” said Kia America Chief Operating Officer Steven Center. “The 2023 Niro was designed for today’s needs and for sustainable future mobility.”
Design updates
The redesign picks up on some of the cues first seen in the form of Kia’s well received 2019 HabaNiro Concept. It retains a version of the brand’s familiar “tiger nose” grille, revised to reflect Kia’s new “Opposites United” design language.
The new design ideal aims to incorporate nature and aerodynamic refinement. In the case of the Niro, the result is stunning drag coefficient of 0.29, further enhancing its fuel economy and range, in the case of the EV.
Kia uses plenty of design cues to differentiate between the hybrids and EV, the former feature black door cladding and wheel arches while the Niro EV comes with steel grey or black exterior trim depending upon the color.
Additionally, the side of the new model comes with an Aero Blade, which is not just aesthetic coming in a matching body color or a contrasting color, but also functional helping with the airflow under the Niro.
Bigger and lighter
The 2023 Niro grows to 174 inches nose-to-tail, with a 107.1-inch wheelbase. Cargo capacity is now up to 22.8 cubic feet, the automaker pointing out that the crossover now has 8 more cubic feet of passenger space, as well as 50% more cargo room than the Tesla Model 3.
While larger in every key dimension, the new Niro is lighter than the outgoing model, something that translates into better fuel economy and, with the all-electric model, improved range.
The 2023 model remains one of the few vehicles on the road offered with three distinct, electrified drivetrain options:
- The Niro Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter gas engine paired with a 32-kilowatt electric motor. It delivers a maximum 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, and manages an EPA-rated 53 miles per gallon combined;
- The Niro Plug-in Hybrid uses an upgraded version of that drivetrain, the electric motor upgraded to 62 kilowatts. That boosts output to 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. With its new 11.1 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery the EPA rates this model at up to 33 miles per charge, a 25% increase over the outgoing version. Using a Level 2 240-volt charger, the battery can be replenished in as little as three hours;
- The all-electric Niro EV is powered by a 150-kilowatt, or 201 hp, electric motor. It draws power from a 64.8 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery with range rated at a maximum 253 miles. A range-boosting heat pump system is now offered as an option. The EV model can go from 10% to 80% state-of-charge in as little as 45 minutes using a public quick charger. The pack can reach 100% on a Level 2 system in seven hours.
All three models now add a new driver mode. Along with Sport and Eco, a driver can switch to Green Zone Drive Mode automatically switching to battery power in places like school and hospital zones.
As previously mentioned, the new Niro will be sold in every state in the U.S. starting this fall. The company didn’t release pricing for the new model, but the 2022 Niro hybrid starts at $29,590, and jumps to $36,490. The EV starts at $39,990 and rises to $44,650. None of those numbers include the $1,175 destination fee.