Kia Prices the Niro and Shows its Wide Range of Tech and Safety Options

While Hyundai is dabbling in new area with its Ioniq, which features three green powertrains – electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – Kia is getting a new hybrid model dubbed the Niro. Recently, Kia released the final bits of info on this new crossover.

When it hits showrooms across the country this year, the 2018 Kia Niro will have five trims: FE, LX, EX, Touring and a limited-run Launch Edition.

The base FE trim will start at a respectable $22,890, placing it well below the $26,675 Prius v, which Is likely its closest competitor. This base model will come standard with 16-inch wheels, six-way power front seats, power windows, keyless entry, cruise, a 7-inch display, a rearview camera, UVO3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.

The LX trim will check in slightly higher at $23,200. With the extra cash comes plenty of additional features, like a smart key with keyless ignition, roof rails and LED taillights.

As for the EX trim its $25,700 price tag earns it heated cloth-and-leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated and power-folding mirrors, fog lights, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist.

The Launch Edition will base from $28,000 and have features to set it apart from its stablemates. These features include Snow White or Aurora Black Pearl paint, Hyper Gray 18-inch wheels with Michelin rubber, a metallic-color grille, a 10-way driver’s seat, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The Touring trim will top the lineup at $29,650, and it comes with a power sunroof, front and rear parking assist, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Optional on the LX, EX and Touring trims is the Advanced Technology Package. It runs $1,450 on the LX and includes forward collision warning, auto emergency braking and lane departure warning. The EX’s optional package runs $2,300 and adds in all the LX’s features plus a power sunroof and smart cruise control. Finally, this same package runs $1,900 on the Touring model and adds HID headlights, a wireless phone charger and a 110-volt inverter.

Combine all the various trims with the Niro’s outstanding fuel economy, which tops out at 52 mpg city, 49 highway and 50 combined.