The quest for a daily driver that balances fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability is a common one for many car buyers. This week, we delve into the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid, a compact SUV that impressively ticks all these boxes. Having been on the market since 2017, the Niro underwent a significant growth spurt last year, becoming longer, wider, and taller, enhancing its appeal and functionality.
The 2024 Niro range offers diverse powertrain options: the standard hybrid we’re reviewing here, a plug-in hybrid variant, and a fully electric model. The regular hybrid, being the most accessible in terms of price, is exclusively available in front-wheel drive, catering to everyday driving needs efficiently.
Our test model is the top-tier SX Touring trim. Out of the six hybrid levels offered, this trim represents the pinnacle of features and refinement in the Niro Hybrid lineup.
Striking Exterior Design
The Niro’s exterior styling is undeniably sharp and modern, especially in the captivating Mineral Blue hue of our test vehicle. Blue is certainly trending in automotive colors, and this shade is particularly appealing. The design is further enhanced by wide black trim that flows along the vehicle’s lower perimeter, creating a stylish contrast against the blue bodywork between the front and rear wheels.
A welcome design change is the removal of the wide aero blade on the sides, towards the rear, seen in previous models. The addition of attractive 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler significantly elevates the Niro’s overall aesthetic and sporty appeal.
Efficient Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Niro Hybrid features a 139-horsepower 4-cylinder powertrain, combining a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. A smooth-shifting six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission comes as standard. While 139 horsepower might seem modest, the Niro compensates with a robust 195 lb-ft of torque. Engaging Sport mode truly awakens this compact SUV, providing surprising responsiveness and confident acceleration, even when merging onto highways.
Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the Niro reveals an interior focused on sustainability and a clutter-free design, utilizing mostly recycled materials. The seats are upholstered in vegan leather, with seat centers crafted from eucalyptus leaves, showcasing Kia’s commitment to eco-conscious materials. A minor drawback in the SX Touring trim is the extensive use of gloss black on the doors and center console, which, while stylish, can be prone to fingerprints and require frequent cleaning. Lower trims might offer a more practical, less glossy finish.
The driver is greeted by a well-sized digital gauge cluster, configurable via steering wheel controls. This display provides essential driving information, including battery status, fuel range, speed, speed limits, and a tachometer. The center section intuitively displays the current driving mode: hybrid operation, idle mode, and battery charging status, keeping the driver informed about the hybrid system’s activity.
The steering wheel also houses controls for switching drive modes between Eco and Sport. Sport mode significantly alters the Niro’s driving dynamics, primarily utilizing the gasoline engine for a noticeable boost in power and acceleration.
The central dashboard is dominated by a 10.25-inch digital touchscreen, which serves as the command center for the 7-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system. This infotainment system includes SiriusXM and HD radio, integrated navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and features like Quiet Mode, which mutes rear speakers for passenger comfort. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included for smartphone integration, they are not wireless, requiring a USB connection.
The center console is well-equipped with modern connectivity and convenience features, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a wireless phone charging pad, a traditional T-handle gear shifter, and physical buttons for heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, park assist, camera views, and auto hold. Auto hold, a feature that keeps the vehicle stationary at traffic stops without needing to keep the brake pedal pressed, is a particularly appreciated convenience.
Rear passenger space is surprisingly generous for a compact SUV, offering ample headroom and legroom. Rear occupants also benefit from dedicated air conditioning vents and USB-C ports integrated into the back of the front seats. A fold-down armrest with integrated cupholders further enhances rear passenger comfort.
Cargo space in the Niro is commendable for its class, with a deep cargo area and additional storage space beneath the floor. For larger items, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area to 63.7 cubic feet. The inclusion of a power liftgate adds a touch of convenience, a feature not always standard in non-luxury compact SUVs. Instead of a traditional spare tire, the Niro includes a tire repair kit to maximize cargo space.
Standard Features, Options, and Safety
Our test Niro SX Touring came exceptionally well-equipped. Beyond the features already mentioned, standard equipment includes remote start, power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power sunroof, rearview camera, aluminum pedals, LED headlights and fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and parking distance warning.
Option choices are minimal, limited to floor mats, a cargo mat, and a cargo cover, totaling a modest $390 for all three, simplifying the purchasing process.
On the safety front, the 2024 Niro Hybrid is comprehensive, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, safe exit warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warning, providing a robust suite of driver-assistance technologies.
Driving Experience and Fuel Economy
The Kia Niro Hybrid delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. Road noise is minimal, and the ride quality is composed, avoiding the bounciness often associated with smaller SUVs. The Niro feels planted and stable on the road.
The EPA-estimated fuel economy figures for the Niro Hybrid are impressive: 53 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 49 mpg combined. While our testing, conducted primarily in Sport mode with spirited driving, didn’t quite reach these figures, the potential for exceptional fuel economy is evident. The Niro’s relatively small 11-gallon fuel tank is offset by its extended range, easily exceeding 500 miles on a single tank, a significant advantage for daily commuting and longer journeys.
Final Verdict
With an MSRP of $37,105 for a fully equipped SX Touring model, the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid represents outstanding value in today’s market. Kia has created a compelling hybrid SUV that excels in fuel efficiency, practicality, features, and overall driving experience. For buyers seeking a well-rounded, economical, and family-friendly vehicle, the Niro Hybrid is a top contender.
To explore more images, view the slideshow on CarPro.com.
