2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

Beneath the modish hoods of all three the 2021 Kia Rio Plug-In Hybrid models is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine that works together with a single electric motor and continuously variable automatic transmission to power the front-wheel drivetrain with a combined 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. While you'd expect some level of brisk acceleration from the Rio PHEV considering its electrified torque output, it's actually quite lackluster. Driving around suburban settings is fine, but getting up to highway speeds and commencing overtakes can feel rather tedio.

While there are many qualities that make the 2021 Niro Plug-In fairly appealing, it's just not the best PHEV one can buy at its price. Its powertrain is really uninspiring and handling is rather lousy, resulting in a bland driving experience. The fact that Kia doesn't offer the Rio PHEV with an all-wheel drive system at all is quite disappointing, too, considering it's a modern crossover. These flaws, coupled with the Rio's relatively limited cargo capacity, make it feel more like a hatchback than a crossover SUV.

On the other hand, the 2021 Rio PHEV offers buyers an easy driving experience and exceptionally thrifty fuel economy returns at a really affordable price for a PHEV. It also comes outfitted with a really nice infotainment system and an extensive list of inclusive driver assists. Along with a good safety review, the 2021 Kia Rio Plug-In Hybrid also upholds a good reliability record.

There are certainly better crossover PHEVs out there and many aren't that much more pricier than the Niro PHEV crossover, but if you're looking for something simplistic and highly frugal, it remains a viable option.

The 2021 Kia Niro PHEV's affordable price is on of its greatest strengths, so we would suggest sticking to the mid-to-lower end of the lineup. The mid-spec EX comes outfitted with a few extra desirable features over the base-model LXS, making it our pick. These include a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, front-seat heating, and a wireless charging pad. Its advanced driver-assist suite is also expanded upon with the addition of adaptive cruise control and lane following assist. The upgraded infotainment system in the top-level EX Premium and other luxury features may tempt some shoppers, but at that model's price, one may as well go for one of the Niro PHEV's higher-value competitors.