2021 Kia Niro Review: Great But In Need Of A Kick In The Pants
With its compact proportions, low center of gravity, and crossover SUV make-up, the 2021 Kia Niro offers a good spread of advantages including car-like, urban-centric driving dynamics and SUV-like versatility and practicality. Unfortunately, with just the one powertrain arrangement on offer - a 139-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybridized unit paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drivetrain - the Niro crossover isn't the most enjoyable or interesting vehicle to drive. It is, however, one of the most frugal hybrid crossover SUVs money can buy in the USA, with only smaller cars like the Hyundai Ioniq and Toyota Prius surpassing the Niro's 50 mpg combined gas mileage rating. The Niro is an ideal commuter and family runabout, but it's a run-of-the-mill option and when you consider the sparse selection of features the entry-spec Niro trims come with as standard, it's difficult to ignore giving the amplitude of other compact crossovers a review.
2021 Niro Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 171.5 in | 106.3 in | 60.4 in | 71.1 in | 61.6 in | 62.2 in | 3,100.0 lbs |
2021 Niro Performance
2021 Niro Interior
2021 Niro Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Kia Niro A Good Hybrid SUV?
There are many qualities that make the Kia Niro an appealing option within the market, from its straightforward drivability and highly efficient performance to its decent technology consignment and everyday practicality. It really is everything a small family could need in a 5-door crossover runabout, plus, it boasts one of the most modern, user-friendly, and all-inclusive infotainment systems in the class. The NHTSA and IIHS's review of the 2021 Kia Niro resulted in a good safety rating that's been matched by high reliability expectations. That is where the buck stops, however, as with just the one powertrain, no option to AWD, and no towing capacity, it's stuck with mundane driving dynamics and is lacking in key areas where its competitors excel. If you're set on the Niro SUV, we'd suggest waiting to see what the new generation will have to offer as the 2021 model still forms part of the very first Niro generation that debuted back in 2017.
What Kia Niro Model Should I Buy?
To get the most value out of the 2021 Kia Niro hybrid crossover's price, we'd suggest going for the new LXS model. This trim comes outfitted with a fair number of features over that of the LX trim that precedes it and at not too much more expense. Push-button start improves driver convenience and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob improve the interior impression. The LXS also receives a must-have consignment of advanced driver assists as standard, including blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and driver attention warning.