Kia Finally Unveils Its Niro Hybrid

Kia Niro Hybrid (Credit: Kia)

Kia has been teasing its Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (it’s called an HUV, so you know) for some time. Finally, we’re all able to bask in the glory of glossy Kia PR department-approved photos of the vehicle, plus get some solid specs.

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To start off, Kia really wants everyone to think of the Niro as athletic and aggressive, because it uses that kind of language over and over in the official press release. If you notice, it sits low and wide, which is nothing like a Prius or other boring hybrids out there. It’s also a crossover (or HUV, if you will) and so is just the kind of thing consumers go bonkers over these days.

Kia Niro Hybrid (Credit: Kia)

The big focal point of the Kia Niro is its powertrain, which includes a 1.6-liter GDI four-banger that combines the Atkinson Cycle with exhaust gas recirculation, a long stoke and narrow bore, plus GDI. The setup was engineered just for hybrids. If that’s not impressive enough, Kia also uses a heat recovery system, sending coolant to a heat exchanger in the exhaust system to heat up the engine faster, boosting efficiency even more.

An electric motor is mounted to the six-speed dual clutch transmission, not one of those dreaded CVTs. The 1.56-kWh lithium ion polymer battery is positioned under the rear seats. Total system output tops out at 146 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Kia claims the combined fuel economy should be somewhere around 50 mpg, which is impressive.

Kia Niro Hybrid interior (Credit: Kia)

According to Kia, the Niro doesn’t drive like other hybrids. Instead, it offers smooth acceleration and deceleration. The latter comes via the regenerative system working with hydraulic friction braking, creating a more natural feeling.

In the works is a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Niro, which is supposed to launch a few years from now.

Kia Niro Hybrid (Credit: Kia)

Even with gas prices plummeting, automakers are still on a quest to improve fuel economy, thanks in large part to increasing government restrictions. That’s not a bad thing, because what goes down will eventually come back up, plus cleaning up air pollution benefits everyone. Kia has its own EcoDynamics sub-brand that includes the Niro, along with other vehicles like the Soul EV.

Kia Niro Hybrid (Credit: Kia)