Great review but I was not looking at power but only looks and efficiency. At 8k miles I'm enjoying the MPGs I'm averaging at 58+ miles per gallon. I have no range anxiety and have no issues with power here in the metroplex at DFW, TX. I've gotten compliments all the time with the color and looks. Its a Prius competitor but with better utility and technology. Getting the EX touring trim for 35k with TTL didnt hurt either. Awesome car for price and efficiency.
Totally disagree with review when it comes to power I live in Ireland we have hills everywhere and no issues with power I have the same vehicle as what they are driving . Perfect car and plenty of power .
@@B9M3 “Tax, Title, and Registration”. Basically the “after sale” business that isn’t included in the sticker price since every city, county, and state charge different amounts for these.
Kia Niro Hybrid thoughts from an owner... Better combined legroom than a Rav 4, functional trunkspace, huge cabin on a small chassy. Ideal for families of up to 4. Expansive safety features & infotainment. 48-50 miles to gallon with a dual clutch transmission for those who don't care for a CVT... Also styling and experience doesn't shout at you you're in an electrified vehicle. It's a traditional experience that happens to save you at the pump.
I'm happily driving my 2nd Niro, a 2023. #1 was a 2018. My Mazda3 hatch/6-speed manual was wonderful to drive, but a bad back and increasingly bad knees made getting in and out painful. If I was going to something taller, and giving up the fun of the 6-speed manual, why not go for mileage? So, I went for the Niro. My street-racing days are behind me, and yes, I'm interested now in economy and reliability, which the '18 Niro provided, and the '23 has managed to improve on. Zero mechanical or electrical issues with either 1st or 2nd-generation Niro. I'm 6' tall and 205 lbs., and it's very comfortable to drive, both around town and on road trips. Blending of ICE and electrical power is impressively seamless, and the heater works great in Minnesota winters. It's not a performance car, and I don't expect it to be. Power, which the reviewers are a little obsessive about, is adequate, but no more than that. Brakes on the '23 have better "feel" than the brakes on the '18, and cargo and passenger space (especially 2nd row seating) have improved. Mechanically, the 2nd generation is very similar to the 1st generation. I'm pleased with the '23, and plan to drive it for quite a while.
Hi, from Japan!! As you said, the car would not be bad depends on how you use. Last week I rented a car at Hokkaido. The car was Mitsubishi RVR. The power is similar to this Niro. Many canyon roads are at Hokkaido. Then, I was surprised. The RVR couldn’t make its speed up at up hills at 6th and 5th gear even I stomped the accelerator to the floor. Then, I realized we don’t need big power usually but we need enough power!!
Same here just bought a 2024 niro EX for 30k and honestly it is amazing and power is fine it gets up to speed. I’m used to driving fast cars aswell but for a hybrid I think it’s fast enough plus I’ve been getting 60 mpg on average
It depends where you live . Here on the flat prairies of Manitoba , it has enough power . Around town it has decent torque . I probably wouldn't buy it if I lived somewhere like LA with crazy freeways . But 5 years in , we still love this car . Completely reliable .
Hard disagree on the tire comment.16" inch tires are easy to find, and way less expensive than 18+. The lower trims with the 16" have better fuel economy, and probably a better ride for those of us who have to endure bad roads.
Here in eu, the top trim comes with 16” tires and 18 are only an option. Looks aside, 16 have better mpg and comfort. And I personally like big rubber!
195 pound feet of torque... Very capable. At highway speeds that's when a touch pokey. I'm still confident the car can do anything except for drag race. Economy is amazing 48-50 miles for me.
I really appreciate this honest review. I'm shopping Ev's and hybrids. I honestly watched over a dozen reviews of this car. I don't recall any other reviewer saying the car is underpowered. I'm 64 over 300 pounds, so are a couple of my buddies. Talk about death wish, on the two lane portion of Hwy 50 to Tahoe? D I rented an Elantra Hybrid and drove it from Sacramento to Reno, . While I much rather buy a car, I'm 67 and a big guy, so stepping up is easier than stepping down. The two cars have the same power train, but the Elantra is 200-300 pounds less. And the mileage is the same! Must be the black thing a ma jig? Kia currently offering $3700. Rebate on the Niro EV. T
If you're comfortable being the slow lane driver but love high gas mileage (I'm getting a combined mileage in the mid to high 50s) then this can be the car for you.
My mom has the Hyundai Venue rated at 121 hp. It gets along on the road with no problems. Will you win any drag races in it? No. But it does just fine at 75 or so on the interstate and while in stop and go traffic.
He didn't know about Niro paddle shift system. In Eco mode, the paddle shifters operate on the regenerative braking level. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters operated on the gear shift mode. And, the blue shirt guy need to learn a car design. And Niro hybrid passed 82km/h moose test in KM77. If Niro is unbalanced car, It can't do that. Just don't see this channel. They made so many wrong information.
@@TestDriveVideos That is commendable, but if as this commenter says you were wrong about it being impossible to downshift on that hill, and you had just overlooked the proper way to use the steering wheel paddles, then I think that merits a correction somewhere in the video description or a pinned comment or something.
Tires in Nevada + parking = 3`5 years if your lucky though. They don't really comment on this, and people need to remember your local environment is different. 3 Months of 108 F+ temps = 3-5 years on tires depending on milage.
Get over not having enough power. I come from the world of sport bikes and land speed racing, EVERYTHING feels slow to me. If it can't go from 0-250 mph in the mile, then it's slow. I'd rather have the MPG than a few extra ponies, because everything is slow anyway. Oh, I owned a 1985 Honda CRX hf with a huge 55 HP...talk about slow...
I have the last gen refresh as my DD and my only regret is not getting the PHEV version but my biggest complaint is how uncomfortable the seats are. Mine is a Touring trim and I'm curious if you guys had any complaints about the current seats. I can't sit in them for more than an hour or two, which really defeats the purpose of a car with over 500 miles of range imo.
I'm looking at this and the Corolla Cross hybrid. I doubt the Kia will have the legendary reliability of a Toyota, but it comes with a 100k mile, 10 year warranty.
has anyone noticed the scheduled charging keeps disabling itself: 1) i departure time set to 6am all 7 days. 2) on monday evening i set the off peak window (2am to 5am ) and enable schedule charging (on) 3) i turn off the car and plug in the changing cable. 4) Tuesday moring car is changed :-) . 5) i then drive 10km (25% range), 6) on returning home i check the schecued charging and its disabled (off) why does this happen ?
How are people getting 40s on mpg? Im at 24k miles with 55 on the screen, getting consistent 520 per tank right when the fuel sign comes on. I daily drive this thing 90miles a day in the bay area going the speed limit and coasting with auto regen when possible.
Do math when filling up. I get 48-50 miles with my 2018. EPA falls there to so Kia Niro as advertised! The refresh rated 53 miles so if you can do that I believe it!
It's amazing! Larger overall combined legroom than a RAV 4. It's like 39 inches which is 7 inches longer than back seat of Carolla Cross. Functional trunk too. For the chassy this car is largest internal cabin I've researched and makes me wonder how competitors make them so cramp.
The Tesla Model Y starts above $47k. At that price point, I would certainly hope it 'annihilates' the Niro Hybrid in performance. But how many people really cross-shop those two vehicles?
Dumb statement. Good luck should need service on Tesla's super expensive to fix. Also Tesla is technical marvel but assembly leaves much to be desired. Apples to oranges.
Great review but I was not looking at power but only looks and efficiency. At 8k miles I'm enjoying the MPGs I'm averaging at 58+ miles per gallon. I have no range anxiety and have no issues with power here in the metroplex at DFW, TX. I've gotten compliments all the time with the color and looks. Its a Prius competitor but with better utility and technology. Getting the EX touring trim for 35k with TTL didnt hurt either. Awesome car for price and efficiency.
Totally disagree with review when it comes to power I live in Ireland we have hills everywhere and no issues with power I have the same vehicle as what they are driving . Perfect car and plenty of power .
What is "TTL"? Still liking your car?
@@B9M3 “Tax, Title, and Registration”. Basically the “after sale” business that isn’t included in the sticker price since every city, county, and state charge different amounts for these.
@raybanez642 how is it now a year later too??
Kia Niro Hybrid thoughts from an owner...
Better combined legroom than a Rav 4, functional trunkspace, huge cabin on a small chassy. Ideal for families of up to 4. Expansive safety features & infotainment.
48-50 miles to gallon with a dual clutch transmission for those who don't care for a CVT...
Also styling and experience doesn't shout at you you're in an electrified vehicle. It's a traditional experience that happens to save you at the pump.
@@Shawncvd Yes. I like to say it's like driving a Prius without the "tree-hugging" stigma or the birkenstocks. Lol
I'm happily driving my 2nd Niro, a 2023. #1 was a 2018. My Mazda3 hatch/6-speed manual was wonderful to drive, but a bad back and increasingly bad knees made getting in and out painful. If I was going to something taller, and giving up the fun of the 6-speed manual, why not go for mileage? So, I went for the Niro. My street-racing days are behind me, and yes, I'm interested now in economy and reliability, which the '18 Niro provided, and the '23 has managed to improve on. Zero mechanical or electrical issues with either 1st or 2nd-generation Niro. I'm 6' tall and 205 lbs., and it's very comfortable to drive, both around town and on road trips. Blending of ICE and electrical power is impressively seamless, and the heater works great in Minnesota winters. It's not a performance car, and I don't expect it to be. Power, which the reviewers are a little obsessive about, is adequate, but no more than that. Brakes on the '23 have better "feel" than the brakes on the '18, and cargo and passenger space (especially 2nd row seating) have improved. Mechanically, the 2nd generation is very similar to the 1st generation. I'm pleased with the '23, and plan to drive it for quite a while.
Damn are you me? Just traded my manual Mazda 3 for a Niro. Happy to hear you've had good luck with the car, I was anxious about getting a Kia.
Hi, from Japan!! As you said, the car would not be bad depends on how you use. Last week I rented a car at Hokkaido. The car was Mitsubishi RVR. The power is similar to this Niro. Many canyon roads are at Hokkaido. Then, I was surprised. The RVR couldn’t make its speed up at up hills at 6th and 5th gear even I stomped the accelerator to the floor. Then, I realized we don’t need big power usually but we need enough power!!
Haha thats me as a foreigner driving japanese kei cars uphill on the highway. Feels like i have to get out to push.
@@TimEndzeitThat’s right!! I have a kei-car, too. It always kill me at hill.
Kia Niro HEV is amazing! This afternoon i drove 47 km, with an average fuel consumption of 2.6 l/ 100 km. I could not believe my eyes!
Same here just bought a 2024 niro EX for 30k and honestly it is amazing and power is fine it gets up to speed. I’m used to driving fast cars aswell but for a hybrid I think it’s fast enough plus I’ve been getting 60 mpg on average
It depends where you live . Here on the flat prairies of Manitoba , it has enough power . Around town it has decent torque . I probably wouldn't buy it if I lived somewhere like LA with crazy freeways . But 5 years in , we still love this car . Completely reliable .
Hard disagree on the tire comment.16" inch tires are easy to find, and way less expensive than 18+. The lower trims with the 16" have better fuel economy, and probably a better ride for those of us who have to endure bad roads.
Here in eu, the top trim comes with 16” tires and 18 are only an option. Looks aside, 16 have better mpg and comfort. And I personally like big rubber!
I almost spit out my water hearing the sloth analogy. great cars, great roads, great reviews (and jokes)
I just aggressively drove that model on roads not higher than 50 mile speed limits. I got 63.7 mpg!
All that space, yet no spare tire.
Kia Niro has a full size spate tire!
It’s still 141hp. Why are we acting like that’s nothing ?! 265nm too. That’s just fine. Surely enough to drive in a city
195 pound feet of torque... Very capable. At highway speeds that's when a touch pokey. I'm still confident the car can do anything except for drag race. Economy is amazing 48-50 miles for me.
I really appreciate this honest review. I'm shopping Ev's and hybrids. I honestly watched over a dozen reviews of this car. I don't recall any other reviewer saying the car is underpowered. I'm 64 over 300 pounds, so are a couple of my buddies. Talk about death wish, on the two lane portion of Hwy 50 to Tahoe? D I rented an Elantra Hybrid and drove it from Sacramento to Reno, . While I much rather buy a car, I'm 67 and a big guy, so stepping up is easier than stepping down. The two cars have the same power train, but the Elantra is 200-300 pounds less. And the mileage is the same! Must be the black thing a ma jig? Kia currently offering $3700. Rebate on the Niro EV. T
City Scape Green must have been named after Sacramento, also known as the City of Trees. Very green skyline in downtown and the suburbs.
If you're comfortable being the slow lane driver but love high gas mileage (I'm getting a combined mileage in the mid to high 50s) then this can be the car for you.
My mom has the Hyundai Venue rated at 121 hp. It gets along on the road with no problems. Will you win any drag races in it? No. But it does just fine at 75 or so on the interstate and while in stop and go traffic.
He didn't know about Niro paddle shift system.
In Eco mode, the paddle shifters operate on the regenerative braking level.
In Sport mode, the paddle shifters operated on the gear shift mode. And, the blue shirt guy need to learn a car design.
And Niro hybrid passed 82km/h moose test in KM77. If Niro is unbalanced car, It can't do that. Just don't see this channel. They made so many wrong information.
Paul - the guy in the blue shirt - has a degree in car design and has worked as a car designer. Thanks for watching.
Agree. The paddle shifters work as a shifter in Sport mode.
@@TestDriveVideos That is commendable, but if as this commenter says you were wrong about it being impossible to downshift on that hill, and you had just overlooked the proper way to use the steering wheel paddles, then I think that merits a correction somewhere in the video description or a pinned comment or something.
Tires in Nevada + parking = 3`5 years if your lucky though. They don't really comment on this, and people need to remember your local environment is different. 3 Months of 108 F+ temps = 3-5 years on tires depending on milage.
Get over not having enough power. I come from the world of sport bikes and land speed racing, EVERYTHING feels slow to me. If it can't go from 0-250 mph in the mile, then it's slow. I'd rather have the MPG than a few extra ponies, because everything is slow anyway. Oh, I owned a 1985 Honda CRX hf with a huge 55 HP...talk about slow...
Considering “entry level” cars are now $30k, this seems like a good option.
I have the last gen refresh as my DD and my only regret is not getting the PHEV version but my biggest complaint is how uncomfortable the seats are. Mine is a Touring trim and I'm curious if you guys had any complaints about the current seats. I can't sit in them for more than an hour or two, which really defeats the purpose of a car with over 500 miles of range imo.
what model are you driving?
I'm looking at this and the Corolla Cross hybrid. I doubt the Kia will have the legendary reliability of a Toyota, but it comes with a 100k mile, 10 year warranty.
has anyone noticed the scheduled charging keeps disabling itself:
1) i departure time set to 6am all 7 days.
2) on monday evening i set the off peak window (2am to 5am ) and enable schedule charging (on)
3) i turn off the car and plug in the changing cable.
4) Tuesday moring car is changed :-) .
5) i then drive 10km (25% range),
6) on returning home i check the schecued charging and its disabled (off)
why does this happen ?
in the uk , we have trim level 1 , 2, 3 or 4 that's it ... on all HEV's etc etc
Excellent review, and you guys are a hoot!!😂
Bad for dragging. Awesome.
How are people getting 40s on mpg? Im at 24k miles with 55 on the screen, getting consistent 520 per tank right when the fuel sign comes on.
I daily drive this thing 90miles a day in the bay area going the speed limit and coasting with auto regen when possible.
The onboard mileage computer is not accurate.
Do math when filling up. I get 48-50 miles with my 2018. EPA falls there to so Kia Niro as advertised!
The refresh rated 53 miles so if you can do that I believe it!
not being able to get to the low 50's MPG is a skill issue.
It is not under powered, it offers enough power when you need it, if you floor it...
Good but you should sit behind yourselves and show to us how many room on a back seats
It's amazing! Larger overall combined legroom than a RAV 4.
It's like 39 inches which is 7 inches longer than back seat of Carolla Cross.
Functional trunk too.
For the chassy this car is largest internal cabin I've researched and makes me wonder how competitors make them so cramp.
Slow animal, and now in a slow car. LOL
Can always count on you guys for a laugh!!
Listen, of you use two feet to drive, one at the accelerator (an inch up) and one at the brake , you can eat them alive at the light!
What kind of niro is this?
At $36k, thats too close to the Tesla Model Y. After incentives, it'll be closed. The model Y will annihilate this vehicle.
The Tesla Model Y starts above $47k. At that price point, I would certainly hope it 'annihilates' the Niro Hybrid in performance. But how many people really cross-shop those two vehicles?
@@signal_yellow you get incentives of $9500 back. $7500 from federal rebates and and California rebates.
No range anxiety here remember that. I love my cityscape green at 8k. Constantly get 58+ mpg per tank combined. Awesome car!
Dumb statement. Good luck should need service on Tesla's super expensive to fix. Also Tesla is technical marvel but assembly leaves much to be desired.
Apples to oranges.