Kia's 2023 Niro Is The Affordable 53 MPG "Crossover" You've Been Looking For 

There's a little blip at 17:28 that we're working on with the YT Editor, sorry about that, somehow it escaped our proof-viewing team

I now own this vehicle. I've had it for a few months and have 6500 miles. I have decided on the hybrid. I've achieved up to 62 miles per gallon. The car is absolutely wonderful and beautiful in every way.

After looking at many cars I decided on the Niro hybrid because I didn’t want to be tied to a plug in. I was very impressed with the ride and handling and the very comfortable driver seat. The room inside was amazing and room for the occupants was impressive, which surprised me as i traded a 2020 ford escape titanium hybrid. The legroom was great on the Niro. I can only recommend you give this car a look.

My 2018 Niro LX converted me to hybrids. It will be 5 years old in July (end of bumper-to-bumper warranty), with zero - ZERO - maintenance issues and superb fuel mileage. I've taken it on multiple lengthy trips (3,000+ miles), and even though 75 mph on the interstate is not the car's strong suit, it still gets 46+ mpg. I normally get around 53 mpg around town in warm weather, around 42 mpg in the Minnesota winter. It's faster than the Crosstrek that preceded it, not as fast as the Mazda3 that preceded the Subaru, but my days of street racing are long over, so I'm OK with performance that's just "adequate." I hope to replace my 2018 with a 2023 when they're available around here.

I have a 2017 Kia Niro Touring and I get an average of 55mpg. Gets up to 60mpg with no AC. I absolutely love my car so much. Will be sticking with it for years to come

Under 40k ay caramba!!! Everything it’s getting ridiculously expensive

Glad to see Kia kept the power folding mirrors on the hybrid, that's a nice premium touch.

I have a 2017 SX in pearl white with about 48000 miles and say it’s been one the best cars I’ve ever owned. My dealership still wants to give me over $20,000 for it despite its age an miles. The car has held really well with no major repairs to it. I’d gladly buy another one and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish hybrid with decent pep, awsome sound system and all around a great crossover. I am going buy the new one soon if I don’t need a bigger car.

I like my 2020 NIRO PHEV. I live in a small town so I never use gas unless I go out of town. On the highway I get between 45-50mpg after the battery runs it's course. I'm 66 so I don't drive very aggressive though. I like the PHEV for where I live and my lifestyle.

I am insanely impressed with this review and thrilled that YT suggested it based on my research of this vehicle...I'm hoping I can order the exact Niro Hybrid that I'd like within the next few months. Thank you for such a thorough review and sharing your insight!

I've been waiting for reviews on this car and there seems to be a lot to like. I actually like the styling so I guess that helps. BTW, the video drops out from 17:28 to 17:56 - no sound or image.

I'd get an SX vs. the SX Touring for the 16" wheels and tires. Better riding, less road noise and better MPG. Its a hybrid - don't need 18" wheels. Anything eating up more MPG is against the basic mission.

Had the 17 Niro EX. Drive the wheels off it doing rideshare in Seattle. Not a single problem 80k miles in 2.5 years. I would buy another one in a second.

I went from leasing a 2020 Kia Soul EX to a 2022 Kia Niro LX. Really just love the fuel savings, don't miss the extra options- and got a great deal. I'm thinking of trading in my 22 LX for a 23 LX, depending on the deal I can work. Otherwise I'll just wait. The 23 LX adds the nice safety features, and I like the unique look!

Thank you, Alex. I am considering this model (and color) and can't wait to see your review of the Corolla Cross hybrid. You hit a lot of cool features that others didn't cover.

I think that you should get a Niro PHEV long term. As a 2019 Niro Touring hybrid driver, these cars are very nice, comfortable, full of tech, and efficient for a hatchback design that can fit a lot of stuff. I suspect that this will be even better, and the PHEV version is on the top of my list.

I can't believe we live in a world where "under 40k" is not breaking the bank.... We need more selection for cars 25k and under.

2020 Niro PHEV owner here. I have been overall very happy with the Niro. I get great fuel economy in mine. I have, on average an 85 mile round trip commute so I drain the battery fully every day. I do not like the interior in these new Niro. I love the physical buttons in my Niro, I feel they did it correct in the last generation with real buttons. Everything Kia seems to have these damn touch buttons and I do not care for it. I do not mind the DCT transmission I like the way it feels, with a very large caveat. I have a shifting "issue" at highway speeds, sometimes. Its common to have bad shifts in these Niro's from time to time. I have tried to have it repaired, but of course the repair center knows nothing about it. This does cause concerns for long term reliability. But in reality, I will most likely trade this off to something else in a year or 2 before 100k miles so I am not to concerned. When it shifts correctly (which is most of the time) it shifts smooth as butter. and from the view point of an engineer, its amazing how well the transitions from EV to HEV at every speed. It must have taken alot of time with tuning to get it to shift this well. I personally am keeping an eye on the new Escape PHEV as an alternative to the Niro PHEV. I do wish the corolla hatch came in a PHEV version.

Nice review. I like that black trim 'blade' on the rear quarter panel. [note: had some 'dark screen' from @17:25 to @17:54]

*Regular hybrid and 53 MPG? That is insane!*

Alex, Thanks for your great reviews. I'm looking for phev and narrowed it down to next gen prius and niro and really appreciate the insight on both.

Have Niro PHEV great car and actually getting 30 to 32 in all electric.. Best compromise between electric and gas can take trips without worrying about charging stations

Terrific review. Having just owed a Niro touring 2019 I can compare the difference as I just got a 2023 Niro EX last week. I loved the 2019 but it had these drawbacks. Cabin noise and lack of a good passenger front seat , My wife is happy with seating in 2023 roomier and quieter. Front passenger seat toggles higher, head rest adjusts and cabin noise is significantly less! .I test drove the base model niro with 16" wheels it was improved over the 2019 but I choose the EX, 18" tires to have better feel of the road. The handling is worth the expense in my opinion. I drove my 2019 in sports mode about 35% of the time and still never got less than 480 miles of driving with 11 gallon fuel tank. The best gas mileage i got was 46 overall. I never got less than 41 miles per gallon and I live in a hilly neighborhood. The 2023 is suppose to get about 4 more miles per gallon can't answer that with only 1 week of ownership. I love everything about this car but I don't really care for change to rear tail lights going up like on the Volvo S60 90. The front of the Niro is much better looking so i guess I'll get use to the new look. . H

Thanks so much for the review! I was considering the new model, but right now I'm staying with my Niro HEV MY2020. I prefer the "rugged" matte look of the plastic at the bottom of the car's body instead of the glossy one here. The interior looks great, the exterior is very nice too, but I prefer more subdued look. The features that I find tempting are the updated "auto" regen and Cruise Control with the option to read the road speed signs and adjust the speed accordingly. But that's not enough justification to make the jump.

I ADORE my 2017 NIRO -- got it when they'd only been in the States for three weeks. (Actually bought the one I test drove!) I average 52 mpg, nearly all local driving; and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that I can fit 20 bags of mulch in the back!! (I call it my baby sport-ute...) It's a delight to drive -- even in heavy ATL rush-hour traffic (thankfully, I rarely have to drive in THAT!). I replaced a (4-yr-old) Sonata; very good car but the NIRO was/is SO pretty! I look askance at the 2023 because of a few things -- that stupid-weird headrest, and if I want the top-line, I don't want the Harmon Kardon thing taking up storage space! I WLL be going up to my dealer to sit in, and maybe drive, the new one... This was a GREAT review -- covered so much stuff!

I think this was the best Kia Niro hev review I've seen. Subbed:)

One of the best informative reviews about this car. Thanks for the review!

Me and my bro are looking at these right now. The hybrid is a game changer at 53 mpg, that’s just crazy.

Just purchased the SX today at MSRP. Luv the amount of tech Kia gives us!

You always mail the context- don’t stop. Well done sir .. man in truck - from the early days - roots an self deprecation still matter :) cheers Allan

I really like the changes that Kia has made with the new Niro. We have the 2020 Touring SE Hybrid with the 18" wheels and have been extremely happy with it. I wonder if the regular SX trim with the 16" wheels might offset the firmer ride quality you mentioned with the 2023 changes? It would also get maximum MPG's like the standard EX & LXS trims. Try to test one with the 16" wheels would be my vote Alex. As always, thanks for your great reviews & uploads!!! Cheers

I have this car - 2024 EX Touring Hybrid. don't have the black accent paint. Also have the tan seats. Absolutely love this car. I get 52 MPG suburban driving, with some stop and go. Fun to drive and if I need extra speed, I just put it in sport mode and away we go. So many comments about how great it looks.

The Ioniq Hybrid was cancelled by Hyundai end of July 2022. It is no longer a currently manufactured vehicle. There is probably some stock still in the supply chain. Thanks for a great review.

Great review as always. Kia has some very compelling choices now. I vote for a Sportage PHEV or hybrid for your long term test. It seems a compact suv with AWD is the heart of the market these days.

EXCELLENT review!

I vote you do a long term test of the hybrid or plug in hybrid version - thanks for your reviews

My very first Kia hybrid! Good review Alex.

Love that color but would have loved to have the roof black as well. Glad it's not every hybrid option as a plug in. Would love to see a video on the other Niro versions to see the differences of the three options. I have the 1st generation of Niro, its my second hybrid car. People don't realize that the fuel economy goes down during cold weather. One thing I love about my Niro I have is that the navigation is on the car its not tied to your phone, so it doesn't eat your minutes, if you don't have unlimited minutes.

This is the best review of this vehicle I've seen. I'm probably going to be buying one of this within the next week, especially if I can find the orange one. Thanks! Liked and Subbed!

I'm glad to see a naturally-aspirated engine here, it's more reliable than those turbo-charged ones.

We are picking up one tomorrow, we really loved the handling of this vehicle vs some of the others we have tested. Really fun to drive.

For your LT home vehicle, I recommend you get a PHEV Niro. Based on 5 years driving PHEV's and the nation's still-spotty 3rd-party charging network, I'm convinced PHEV/home charging is North America's sweet spot propulsion format.

Great review! As for the side view paint combo, if it only works in some colors. the combo needs fixin'. The gramophone headrests look good though.

Traded in our 2017 Niro for a 2023 Niro and love them both. The retracting mirrors make you feel special, that and 50 mpg....

I've got both a 2021 Tesla MYP and a 2019 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid. Within 0 - 225 miles round trip I take the Tesla. If I have time to charge then I may take the Tesla with no more than 225 miles one way. Every trip longer than that my Ioniq is actually cheaper to drive (55+ mpg) and much faster to get there. Also just as comfortable as the Tesla if not more so for long drives. So full electric if driving within full electric range, else get the plug in hybrid if driving within the range of batteries most of the time and hybrid if most driving is highway most of time.

Normally aspirated and (possibly I don't think the video mentions) port injected could make for a very reliable hybrid setup.

Alex on Autos. I'd want to see you do PHEVs (Kia Niro) for long term tests! Least so people can be better informed on how they work. Many people I talk to think they are only electric or wonder how they can even be gas powered. Also think these type of vehicles are a balance of ICE and BEV, even better than just a HEV.

I think you should get this car. Today gas conversion is critical and you should be leading the charge.

Alex, great review, I have been researching for long time on my replacement to my Lexus RX350, it's come down to 2 vehicles Camry Hybrid or Kio Niro Hybrid (not PHEV). I am looking forward to test driving when i get back from the Memorial Day weekend. I think you have provided some really key points for me to consider between the types of transmission. CVT or DCT, but in my particular case, I don't really drive excessively fast, I am really a passive driver. I also drive Uber 3-4 times a week and average 400 to 450 miles weekly. so for me Hybrid is a great option at this time. unfortunately, the Lexus is not as fuel efficient as the new Hybrids and gas consumption is up there. I do appreciate your review of the Kia. thanks

Had a Kia Niro hybrid rental on a recent vacation, averaged just over 50 mpg, car drove surprisingly nice. Next trade in in 2023 will be a hybrid, and this one is in the running, though lack of a spare tire is annoying.

Niro PHEV for a long-term test, please!!!

HV battery can charge the 12V battery if it dies! Very cool. My Ford C-Max PHEV, which does charge the 12V with the HV, couldn’t do that

Corolla Cross Hybrid has AWD and 197hp. This has 139 hp and no AWD. This should be compared to the Prius

I like it, but only as a base model. As you move up on trim, it makes more sense to go with the Sportage or even a Bolt EUV?

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video but I'm in the market for an ev sport utility vehicle and I'm going to wait for the 2024 honda prologue and according to honda canada website sept 2023 early than expected because one has been built thanks to your insightful knowledge on this topic

I switched from a very old Prius to this, although it was hard to let go of Toyota (I just feel secure about Toyota brand) this car just has everything and more! I couldn’t resist. I was going for an ex touring trim but hesitated about the automatic lift gate of the trunk! Since I have a toddler now that’s something I really want so I went for a sx trim which they only had green in stock, I’m so happy with the way it looks and drive and the feel inside. The only complaint I have is the Kia dealerships…. The ones I went to around the LA area are all awful… compared to Toyota dealerships… it’s such a horrible brand experience I hope that Kia can take this into account

I rented a Prius for a road trip. Would you say this is more comfortable in that situation? I have driven the RAV4 hybrid and felt it was very truck like.

Those power numbers are actually really good. You dont need tons of hp to drive on the road. 150hp can get you to 100mph. That being said, you need high torque rating to have adequate acceleration. Keeping hp as low as possible will result in much better gas mileage. Hence why this thing is as big as a rav 4 essentially but way more efficient.

How would you compare the hybrid with the lower spec Mazda CX-5? Would you trade the 50+ MPG NIRO for the comfort/ride/price of the CX-5?

Very nice looking,, especially in that nice color. I don't like the vertical blade over the rear wheels!

My 2018 niro gives 20km per litre. That’s what I like about my car. I wish they have more cargo space. But with this new model, it looks like it has a little more room in the trunk because of two layer configuration. And yea, we really need AWD. I don’t mind trading off a little on mileage.

I think you should get a long term Hybrid and let us know how it is

yo that dashboard with thr 3d affect thing is pretty and cool looking.

Excellent review, as always. FYI there is a BLANK PATCH between 17:28 and 17:56 with no audio or video.

If you’re 5’5” is this a comfortable ride long distance? Trying to find a crossover / SUV wit excellent comfort and near excellent mpg?

Get the plug in Hybrid Niro to do a long term test.

Thanks Alex. What I'm noticing after watch several different car videos is that the basic layout of the cars in this category are all pretty much the same. While the interior dimensions are slightly different something like a Chevy Bolt EV/EUV isn't much different overall. The thing I don't like is the cross platform, you really can't beat a built from ground up EV as opposed to an EV/Hybrid/gas vehicle. I understand manufacturers are doing this to save but I consider it transitional as EV's are the future of travel.

I noticed the digital speedometer is to the left in the dash screen. Is there a way to put it in the middle Or heads-up display? Thanks

Nice review but I'd like your opinion if this vehicle has ample power/performance to be good for cross country travel?

Get the PHEV for your car. I generally think it's the one to get more generally as well.

Please buy the PHEV Niro and do a long run test. Looking forward to your review on new gen PHEV prius as well as these are my top two choices for new car in 2023. Current 2008 Prius has 400K and going strong.

I would love to consider this. But HYundai/Kia dealers in norCal still charge waaaay over MSRP. If anyone knows a Kia dealer that sells at msrp, please advise. Great review !

I think getting a long term review vehicle of the full EV version would be interesting. It’d be cool to see how well a more affordable EV works in every day life. Maybe give a glimpse of what most people will be buying in the near future, since current mainstream EVs are still out of a lot of people’s price range.

I dig it a lot for what it is. Best of all worlds. But I would get it in monochromatic color (blade is ok, but rather have one solid color).

I love my 2019 niro. Summertime I average 64 mpgs winter Time I get about 45 mpgs. It’s roomie

Looks great, better looking than previous models. Still pricey though, but I would consider this model.

I’ve never been a KIA guy but as I move into my retirement years. I need an affordable vehicle with good mpg to take trips to and from the Cabin with practical cargo and interior comfort. Also a dealership is really close to home and the warranty is of interest. This just might fit the bill. The two tone paint may take some getting used to because I would buy the top of the line model.

@aautobuyersguide is the DCT less reliable?

The Dry DCT in a hybrid? Im concerned about longterm maintenance. It is going to grind clutch plates in city driving isnt it?

Love this. Don't like the 'aeroblade' look, would get the body color one. Exceptional MPG with no annoying rubber-band CVT! More headroom than RAV4 (I need headroom). Would like AWD and a manual trans (dream), but would definitely look at this as a replacement for my daily-driver Honda Fit. I'd get the base model, 16" wheels look and ride better, hate leather seats.

What is the purpose of the air-o-blades??

love the new look and based on comments, Kia is making super reliable cars!

The rear end reminds me of a modern interpretation of a Ford Focus Hatch (not a bad thing)

A CVT TRANSMISSION IS LIKE A CHOP STICK IN A BOWL OF OATMEAL.

I'd love a long-term PHEV Niro test.

second gen should of had IVT instead of DCT for even better efficiency? I would love to see this gen with hybrid system from a Sportage with 1.6T and call it GT-Line. make it and I will upgrade my 2019 Touring.

I like the term XL hatch, like the Ioniq 5.

Vegan leather…? Didn’t we used to call that vinyl? lol

Thanks for the review. Looks like they have removed the retractable privacy cover for the trunk area which does allows more cargo space without the few inch spaces was taken up by the metal railing across the rear seats; however, no more privacy to the rear unless extra dark tint is applied.

Man , I want to buy one of these. Unfortunately not available in dealerships for many many months

Buying a vehicle without a plug today, is like buying a typewriter in 1994 because it's cheaper than a PC.

Sorry for the rant had to get that off my chest! I would buy This model more gas model

How many miles on a charge for the plug In hybrid before gas engine is needed or is it always needed?

Did they ever “fix” the propensity for engine fires?

Alex, Though it won't have too much room for legs either, will we ever get the 60 mpg, AWD Yaris Cross Hybrid in our market? 🤔

I agree..works with some colors, others, not so much.

I don't know why I keep watching reviews for these tiny cars.. I just need to accept my options are cripplingly limited at 6' 4" while also unreasonably wanting to have a visual line to street lights.

I'd like to see the plug in hybrid for the long term review

You should get the phev as a long term tester

Niro handling has been a big improvement. Why? The Niro passed the KM77's moose test at 82 km/h. It is a sports car level.