The highly anticipated, new for 2023 Kia Niro EX Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) officially starts at $33,740 before incentives and discounts, with a higher-spec SX Touring version costing about $6,000 more, starting at $39,490.
If you’re in the market for a five-passenger high-roof crossover, the Kia Niro – in both EV and PHEV trim levels, depending on your needs – deserves a closer look. Earlier this year it was actually jalopnik called the last Niro EV “nicer than it has a right to be.” It was a feeling I also shared, and this new version builds on the strengths of the already excellent original with revised suspension tuning, a new, more spacious interior and premium styling elements inspired by the Audi R8 supercar.
Those upgrades should be enough to make the Kia Niro a serious consideration for anyone looking at a Toyota Prius or Toyota RAV4 Prime — and the RAV4 Prime starts at a relatively dashing $41,635 for the entry-level SE trim. And surely- the RAV offers a solid 302 HP compared to the Niro’s 180, but the Niro’s feisty nature and low torque from its electric motor should keep the real commute experience pretty close for the normies. The Prius Prime, on the other hand, is the reverse. About the same price difference with the Niro as the Niro with the RAV4but not close enough in performance or driving experience to be easily dismissed, I think.
2023 Kia Niro EV
Image courtesy of Kia.
Don’t get me wrong, the PHEV is not the Niro you should have. You should get the Niro EV for free, Electrify America Charging Deal — but many people are still hesitant to make the jump to a pure BEV, even if it makes perfect sense to them. If someone shows such hesitation, a PHEV they actually plug in will be a great “Lilypad” car to help them get off their ICE into an EV next time. And, as for Lilypads, this one is nice.
You can check out Kia’s official press release below and then let us know what you think of the Niro PHEV in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
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- 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid starts at $33,740
- The all-new crossover has a roomier cabin and a 25 percent improvement in AER (now rated at 33 miles) and 108 MPGe (versus 105 MPGe)
- Available in EX and SX Touring versions
- Expected at Kia retailers this fall
IRVINE, CA – Kia has announced pricing for the all-new second-generation 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid, starting at $33,740.
Equipment Levels/Prices – MSRP: (excluding destination of $1,295)
|
Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX |
$33,740 |
|
Niro plug-in hybrid SX Touring |
$39,490 |
With larger dimensions throughout, the 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid aims to offer more comfort with a more spacious cabin, but despite its larger size, the PHEV has a 25 percent greater all-electric range of 53 miles than its predecessor and is rated at 108 MPGe. Some of Kia’s latest comfort technologies, such as available dual panoramic displays and a transferable digital key5 add to the appeal of the Niro PHEV, as does the bold design inspired by the “Opposites United” philosophy. For an even more eye-catching design, consumers can opt for the 18-inch wheels and the two-tone Aero C-Pillar color panel option on the SX Touring trim, while the EX trim is available with a Cold Weather package that adds an extra cabin heater for faster warm up, heated rear seat and heated steering wheel.
Niro Plug-in comes standard with 16 advanced driver assistance features, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Junction Turning and Lane Following Assist.6
Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a powerful 62 kW electric motor, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid delivers 180 horsepower combined and 195 lb.-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch transmission. When connected to a Level 2 charger, the Niro PHEV can top up its 11.1-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery in less than three hours7.
The 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid arrives at dealerships now and will be available in all 50 states.
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