Written by Marco Carvajal
2022 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium
The new 2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid looks better, it has better quality, an enhanced interior design, more equipment possibilities, and better connectivity. The new Kia Niro PHEV can be a great hybrid plug-in vehicle for those users who value electrified technology and help conserve the environment.
The new Niro has been completely redesigned from the ground up producing a more efficient and commercial Niro for all audiences.
The strong influence of the futuristic 2019 HabaNiro Concept car is evident and can be seen in the architectural design of the new Niro, producing a sleek and bold crossover image that more people will like.
I am test-driving the new Kia Niro PHEV, this is the second generation of this car. Kia’s commitment to electrification can be seen in the Niro Hybrid and the all-electric Niro.
Some of the Highlights of the Niro
- Plug-in Hybrid
- 1.6L GDI engine with an electric motor
- 6-speed Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery
- 139 horsepower
- 195 lb.-ft. of torque
- A low center of gravity allows for great handling and a fun driving experience
Plug-in hybrid powertrain lets you switch between a gas engine and an all-electric motor
11.1 kWh battery for longer trips without the need to charge
The long-lasting fuel consumption range of the Kia Niro PHEV is one of the main reasons to buy a Niro, with 560 miles of range is just a dream come true. On the other hand, while 26 all-electric or 105 MPGe combined are good, I am sure these last two ranges will improve with future models.
- 26 miles of all-electric range
- 46 miles per gallon
- 560 miles total driving range
- 105 MPGe combined
The Kia Niro hybrid received the title of “Guinness World Record” for the lowest fuel consumption of a hybrid vehicle in 2016. The Niro traveled all the way from side to side of the West coast to the East Coast of the United States. From Los Angeles to New York, with an impressive world record fuel consumption of 76.6 Miles per Gallon.
The Niro Plug-in Hybrid PHEV 2022 model year I am driving displays the newly designed Kia badging on the front grille, the tailgate, the steering wheel hub, and the wheel center caps looking great!
The Niro PHEV continues to deliver an EPA-estimated 26 miles of all-electric range on a single charge and remains eligible for any applicable state and local incentives, depending on the location of purchase.
Kia is producing a Niro for every market segment which gives more options to car buyers, and to push sales stronger the new Niro cars include the latest technological advances in all aspects.
Performance
The Niro’s 1.6L GDI engine with electric motor produces 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque hybrid system performance combined and an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery. The hybrid engine is merged with a 6-speed Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, DCT.
Kia Niro PHEV is very athletic, it is the version of the Niro that presents the most mechanical innovations with the evolution of the 1.6 GDI combustion engine with 105 CV of power.
A completely new electric drive, which increases its power from a previous 44.5 kW o 62 kW, while the battery that powers the Niro from 8.9 kWh to 11.1 kWh.
The new Niro PHEV has a combined power of 183 CV and a maximum combined torque of 265 Nm.
The New Niro Is Fast with Acceleration From 0 to 100 Km/H In 9.8 Seconds
As a good plug-in hybrid, the Niro PHEV has a 32% increase in electric autonomy, going from 49 to 65 kilometers in cycle mixed and reaching 84 in the urban cycle.
As for the charging power, it remains at a maximum of 3.3 kW, now requiring five hours to charge it in a domestic socket. Then to highlight the four levels of braking regeneration that even allow driving with a single pedal, being especially useful when driving in the city dealing with traffic.
Pricing for the 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid PHEV EX Premium
Kia is able to offer low and value pricing, especially when keeping in consideration all the features and value you get standard on each model.
You can buy a nice new Niro Hybrid PHEV for only $26K with the base model, or go to the top of the line premium trim model I am test driving, the 2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX Premium for around $36,490 MSRP.
Technology and Safety
The Niro looks fantastic in all technological aspects, Kia made amazing work to offer lots of technology inside this low-priced Hybrid car. There is a standard 8.0-inch display and also an available 10.25-inch touchscreen display with split-screen capability that allows access to available features like the Voice-Command Navigation System.
Standard Apple CarPlay lets you send texts verbally, receive calls, and access your favorite apps all while keeping your focus on the road without touching your phone for a safer ride. The standard Android Auto can make calls, dictate texts, and access voice-guided navigation directly from your phone and your car.
The updated interior of the 2020 Niro starts with a unified dashboard design and available 8-inch LCD Supervision Instrument Cluster for digital driver information and everything seems easy to access without distracting you too much from focusing on your driving. The technology inside the Niro is smart and easy to use, just what you expect from a new modern hybrid automobile.
When driving a Niro, you can feel safe and enjoy the latest safety technologies, like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA w/ Ped) that comes standard on all Niro trims and gives audible and visual alerts when it detects a potential hazard in your path, including harder to detect a pedestrian.
Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a standard detection system that can send out visual and/or auditory alerts to help warn you of objects it detects that there are not visible to the driver, this smart technology is like having a co-pilot driving with you and alerting you for hard to view objects.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) works when the car is driving in reverse, standard RCCW can warn you if it detects oncoming obstacles, and may help apply the brakes to help mitigate a collision. I love that Kia includes all these safety features standard.
Finally, among other safety features, Niro drivers can enjoy Lane Following Assist (LFA). The Standard LFA can help correct lane position by applying steering input in order to help maintain course if it detects your vehicle getting too close to lane markers. This feature helps you stay on the right track on the highway.
The 2022 Kia Niro PHEV Plug-In Hybrid drives an incredible range of 560 miles when charged and with one full tank of gas.
