Launched for 2017 by Kia as a hybrid subcompact crossover, Niro is marketed as a hybrid SUV whose looks are un-hybriddy and more hatchback-like. After receiving a nod from the Guinness World Records folks for “for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle,” after a hypermiling Los Angeles to New York City trek with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg, Niro became a darling for “green” car buyers who also wanted some sportiness along with their earth-consciousness. With the addition of an all-electric version – the Niro EV – to its line-up, the Niro family is greener than ever. Regarding the all-electric Niro EV, I didn’t test it, but it comes standard with DC fast-charging capabilities that Kia claims can refill 80 percent of the battery in just 75 minutes and can travel an estimated 239 miles on a full charge.

For 2019, Niro is a carryover with few updates, as Kia continues to rely on Niro’s sporty demeanor to complement its tops-in-class fuel economy and under- $30K pricing. New for this model year are an updated infotainment system; new software upgrades to its optional navigational system; a renaming of its “Graphite Edition” trim level to “S Touring”; and some minor color and trim mods.

An eye-catching 4-door that sits lower than most SUVs at the expense of ground clearance – only 6.3 inches – the hatch-looking crossover was drawn up at Kia’s design centers in Irvine, California, and Namyang, South Korea. Niro’s angular, slim, sporty, bold and confident character is enhanced by subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. Niro sits wide and low for better road hugging, measuring 171.5 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 60.4 inches high, on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The overhang is 34.3 inches in front and 30.9 inches in the rear, and Niro is light, with a curbweight for my tested LX trim of 3199 lbs.  

The Niro cabin is trendy and intuitive, filled with high-demand and high-tech interior enhancements. Glossy white or black accents underline the hybrid-crossover’s straightforward theme, and the instrument panel is uncluttered and clean, with colorful and informative gauges in easy sight, and driver-friendly primary and secondary controls positioned intuitively. Roomy for a subcompact, Niro’s cabin affords 40.1 inches of front headroom with 39.1 inches in row two; legroom is 41.7 inches in row one and 37.4 inches in the rear, and shoulder room comes in at 56.0 and 55.2. Seats with increased pad density in the cushions ensure a comfortable ride, and Niro boasts an elevated seating position much like the Kia Soul, providing drivers with a more commanding view of the road as well as easy ingress and egress.

The two-layered powertrain is anchored by the Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. The two-tiered system includes an aluminum block and head engine that delivers 104hp and 109 lbs.-ft. of torque, and a 240-volt Lithium-ion polymer battery-powered electric motor that provides 43hp. The combined system, mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission, is rated at 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque, for a driving range of 583 miles. Some Niro models are EPA rated as high as 52 mpg/city and 49mpg/highway, and my test Niro LX was rated at 51mpg in city driving and 46mpg/highway -- 49mpg combined. During a week of cruising in town and on the highway, I averaged less in town that the rated specs – 37mpg -- but did better on the interstates –53mpg – for an average of 46.1mpg.

On the road and at the track, Niro offers more than one would expect from a hybrid crossover. Steering response is quick, easy and accurate-for-the-niche, with only minor understeer. Tight turns and spirited cornering are accomplished handily with little body roll or top wobble. Road noise, especially when taking on bumps or tar strips was much higher than expected, but the sedan-like handling and reaction, in addition to the responsive acceleration, made for a solid driving and passenger experience. The independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, stabilizer and gas shocks worked in conjunction with the independent multi-link rear with twin tube shocks to further boost the experience by smoothing out most road irregularities.

From an acceleration perspective, Niro is predictable and rapid for the niche, and provides the perception of greater speed than it really delivers. My zero-to-6mph sprint was accomplished in 8.7 seconds during a 16.7-second quarter-mile, but the drive felt even more sportlike.

The 2019 Kia Niro starts at $23,490 for the base FE trim, and moves up through the LX at $23,900; the EX at $26,400; the S Touring at $28,800 and the Touring at $32,250. My test Niro LX in Deep Cerulean Blue exterior paint upgraded from the lower trim with Folding Rear Center Armrest with Cup Holders, Luggage Board with Under Floor Storage Tray, Rear Combination LED Lamps, Roof Rails, and Smart Key with Push-Button Start and Immobilizer for $1450 (The LX Advance Technology Package). Mud Guards were $95; Carpeted Floor mats were $135; and Auto-Dimming Mirror with Homelink and Compass were $350. With Destination charges of $1045, the sticker-as-tested was $26,880, for a hybrid SUV with sportiness.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

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