Kia Niro Gets 76.6 MPG

Kia Niro (Credit: Kia)

The new Kia Niro has blown the Toyota Prius Prime out of the water when it comes to fuel economy. In fact, it just earned a Guinness World Record for efficiency by achieving 76.6 mpg. That was set for a coast-to-coast drive in the United States.

Just as amazing, the Niro went over 3,700 miles on 4.1 tanks of gas. No modifications were made for the trip, so it’s the same car anyone can buy off the lot.

This is a great first effort from Kia, considering the Niro is its first dedicated hybrid model. As a crossover, it should be more utilitarian than the Prius line. Toyota is facing some pretty stiff competition.

You should see the Niro start to hit Kia dealers in the early part of 2017. Just how utilitarian and fun the vehicle is in reality remains to be seen. The EPA has rated it at 52 mpg highway, 49 mpg city and 50 mpg combined, which blow away every other hybrid on the market.