The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is the high-efficiency sibling of the normal Niro, which has been on sale in the USA since 2017. Still part of the first generation of the Niro compact crossover, the PHEV utilizes a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain for a combined 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to a front-wheel drive system, netting the stylish CUV impressive gas mileage returns of 46 mpg combined. As a plug-in derivative, an all-electric range of 26 miles is also possible, placing it in the same ballpark as other PHEV rivals. But when the list of rivals includes the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - due its own plug-in variant for the 2021 model year - and the all-new Ford Escape Hybrid, to be stylish and frugal is simply no longer enough. Kia knows this and brings a high level of standard safety specification and easy-to-use infotainment to the table as well, hoping that these features can compensate for lethargic performance and the lack of an AWD drivetrain option.
The compact Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid SUV is still quite new to the market, but it has received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2020 model year. Most of the changes are aesthetic, though. For the exterior, the front and rear fascias have been redesigned, and the front grille gets a new diamond pattern. The LED daytime running lights are now dual chevron-shaped, and the fog lamps are all-new. There are also new wheel designs for the 16-inch alloys. Inside, an eight-inch touchscreen is now standard, with the option to upgrade to a 10.25-inch model. Steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are now offered, which can give the driver control over the PHEV's regenerative braking.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-In Hybrid LXS |
1.6L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$29,490 |
| Plug-In Hybrid EX |
1.6L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$33,290 |
| Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium |
1.6L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$36,390 |
Every model in the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid crossover line-up is equipped with the same FWD drivetrain. This is a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-4 engine with 109 hp and 109 lb-ft, which works in tandem with an electric motor developing 60 hp and 125 lb-ft for combined system outputs of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft. Unlike some rivals with a CVT automatic, Kia equips the Niro PHEV with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. As a plug-in derivative, a full charge of the 8.9-kWh Li-ion battery takes up to nine hours on a Level 1 charger and 2 and a quarter hours on a Level 2 outlet.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
The 2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid could have been a class-leading vehicle if it weren't for the fact that it is somewhat let down by its lack of outright power and middling ride and handling characteristics. Coupled with somewhat limited cargo space and the fact that it is only available with front-wheel drive, the Niro PHEV doesn't feel much like a crossover SUV but more like a high-riding 4-door hatchback. However, there is much to commend it for, not least its superb fuel economy and very attractive starting MSRP. For the price asked by the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid SUV, it is extremely good value, boasts a genuinely efficient powertrain, and possesses a great list of standard features, a modern infotainment system, and great safety specs, with the normal Niro getting a class-leading IIHS safety rating.
The entire 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid line-up offers excellent value so, for a change, you can afford to spend on a higher-spec car without worrying about breaking the bank. Stepping up a rung provides you with an affordable, well-specced EX derivative that benefits from blind-spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, heated front seats, and wireless device charging for just $33,290. It might miss out on the EX Premium's larger infotainment screen, but it's the best value-for-money pick in our review of the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid range.zz
The most popular competitors of 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Automobili Pininfarina
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo