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- Kia
- 2020 Kia Niro
- Performance
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Performance: | 8.2 |
The 2020 Kia Niro isn't quick, but it's capable and provides enough power for your daily commute. It also rides smoothly over rough pavement. The real highlight is the fuel economy, which is great even by hybrid standards.
The Niro, in both hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models, features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 139 horsepower. Whereas many hybrids come with a continuously variable automatic transmission, the Niro's powertrain includes a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The engine won't blow you away with its acceleration, but it gets the Niro moving well enough that you won't be taking a leap of faith you when you merge onto the highway. The transmission's shifts aren't as smooth as they could be, however.
The Niro EV is a purely electric vehicle. It features a 201-horsepower electric motor and a single-speed transmission.
According to EPA estimates, the base Niro gets 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. Those are terrific ratings, even for a hybrid SUV. The LXS and EX Premium models get 51 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway.
Touring models get 46/40 mpg city/highway. Plug-in-hybrid models get 46 mpg and 105 MPG-equivalent city/highway combined and have an all-electric range of 26 miles.
At the time of writing, fuel economy for the 2020 Niro Electric was not available. The 2019 model, however, gets 112 MPGe and has a 239-mile range.
With a 120-volt household-style power outlet, you can charge the Niro plug-in hybrid in nine hours. With a 240-volt outlet, you can charge it in 2½ hours.
It takes nearly 60 hours to power up the Niro Electric with a 120-volt outlet and about 9½ hours to charge it with a 7.2-kWh charger. DC fast charging is standard and can recharge about 80% of your battery in 75 minutes. The Niro's regenerative brakes also capture energy, recharging the battery every time you press the brake pedal.
The Kia Niro delivers a comfortable ride over uneven pavement, though it's a little noisy at times. It handles surprisingly well, remaining planted around turns and providing a tight turning radius, which makes it easy to maneuver. The brake pedal is a bit squishy, leading to longer-than-expected stopping times.
Front-wheel drive comes standard. Unlike many SUVs, the Niro doesn't offer all-wheel drive.
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