The 2023 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid Is The Affordable Plug In Crossover You've Been Looking For 

Not sure why people hate on plug in hybrids. It’s the best of both worlds especially for people who don’t feel comfortable going all electric

The PHEV, in the short- and medium-term, is by far the best vehicle both for consumers (no range issues and lower cost) and the environment (spread out scarce batteries among more vehicles, most of which are driving only 30-50 miles/day anyway). I wish there was more discussion around PHEVs rather than EVs. I do wish for closer to 50 miles EV-only range, but 33 is decent and, at least for me, will still result in very minimal fuel usage. Odd, by the way, that Kia's website won't let me configure a 2023 PHEV yet.

For the next vehicle question, definitely something more affordable. Affordability is definitely a big deal right now.

How did you know I’m looking for a plugin with a rear wiper??? That’s literally why I’m looking at trading my volt in. Alex how do you know these things??😂

I am so happy they made a second generation. I absolutely LOVE my Honda Clarity but there isn’t a new PHEV on the market I could recommend to a friend - but this would work! And it’s available in the whole US? Amazing!

Brilliant job from Kia making it practical, affordable and i think pretty good looking.

Great, informative review as always! Thanks for keeping us up to date on all of the new car models, especially those with a plug.

tremendous amount of nuance both in the your comparisons and also the engineering trade-offs between the niro phev and the rav4 prime. another great review! 🙏🙏

You do the best in depth reviews. Plus the split screen during the drive review segment is well done.

The PHEV segment seems to have been completely jumped over by the pure EV choices, but they are not nearly as practical or affordable as the PHEVs. I think Tesla turned the EV into a desirable vehicle, but much like how housing got insanely expensive over the last couple of years, so too are these aspirational vehicles. I think the Niro PHEV is the right kind of car for 2022/2023. We have reliable combustion engines and we have small electric batteries and motors to help maximize the efficiency of the small gasoline engines. This combination makes road tripping completely feasible and it also makes most (not all) commuting a nearly gasoline free affair. The Government wants us to be fossil fuel free in the not too distant future, but with rare earth materials for batteries being difficult to source and hard to extract and having the associated high price tags most lower income folks will neve be able to afford, I think PHEVs offer a less expensive alternative and yet a very efficienct one at that. I do wonder however how maintenance on PHEVs will be in the long term, as there are a lot of different mechanical systems...

Thanks for this excellent video. You are my go to source for car information and opinions. This may be my next car if the dealers don't gouge on the price. I'd love it if this Niro PHEV was your next long-term card.

Very appealing and interesting PHEV. I hope the next long term is this Niro and we get more real world information.

I have a 2019 Niro PHEV, a great easy to drive city car, decent on highway as well. Interior is quite nice, very spacious feeling (actually feels more spacious than our 22 Outback) with excellent visibility in all directions. With flat folding seats the cargo area can handle a lot of gear and even a full size road or mt bike (with front wheel off). Its not a powerhouse but no problem getting over 3,000' passes here in WA. Although 2019 PHEV is rated at 26 mpg I (and most other owners typically get 28-32 miles / charge. Also the highway mileage on both HEV and PHEV typically exceed EPA rating. Gen 2 has some nice improvements but not enough to entice me to spring for a new one -- assuming one could find one.

Alex, I wish you would talk ore about American Plug In Hybrids. we have a 2021 Ford Escspe Titanium Plug in Hybrid. we purchased it I. 09/22. our electric rang has been between 37 and 53 miles. Electric Range is less on the Freeway. we managed to put 4100 miles on our Escape before we put the First Tank of Gas in it. ( it was full when we got it). My Wife's comute to work is typically less than 25 miles round trip. making the need for the Gasoline Engine to rarely run. Fantastic Vehicle.

For me a big factor in my purchase was the charging speed. I have been plugging in the Sportage PHEV at free public charges and the 7.2 kw/h charging speed helps as I cannot charge at home easily. I'd be really curious to see what the next Crosstrek is like and would probably want to see that as next long term review.

great review very useful for me. Plz buy PHEV Niro for longer test run. Looking at replacing our 08 Prius with 2023 NIRO or Next Gen Prius.

good video. thanks

One of the best looking KIA cars, IMO. That includes the refreshed Telluride.

Had two Volt PHEVs, and am responsible for three other folks in my circle having them now. The Volt's a great car, especially for people whose driving is primarily local. This Kia is at the top of my non-Tesla list. I currently have a new Model S, my 6th Tesla, and most people would be surprised to hear me say that I could sell it (at a profit), buy one of these and still be as happy as a clam at high tide.

Thanks for making this video. Maybe it's the different country model but my 2019 Niro HEV EX model in Canada's engine does not always comes on in the Canadian winter when the heater is on even when waiting for someone while parking for over 10 minutes. I have to say that I am sad and will not be upgrading due to the relocation of the backup camera as I can buy a 3rd party CAMWIPE attachment to install on the rear wiper to clean the backup camera lens during the snowy, slushy Canadian winter safely when backing up and not will to tread this safety feature for anything. I wish rear backup camera cleaning system is standard on all vehicles if.... manufactures really care about their customer's and pedestrian'sunnecessary safety features on expansive commercials.

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 is on my list.

Okay that gass tank location is amazing. Replacing the fuel pump won't be an nightmare.

Another excellent video. Thanks. Do you know if the passenger headrest can be removed and seat reclined all the way back? Also, no comment on the loss of tax credit? I have a RAV4 Prime and was waiting to get a Niro PHEV as a second car but now with no $7,500 tax credit, I don’t feel like paying $7,500 more for a Kia Niro.

Love the focus on more affordable vehicles, but only interested in EVs. I would love a long term Bolt EUV. How is it living with 50kw charging? Get the top spec with all the tech. I’m looking to purchase in about two years and the Niro EV and Bolt EUV are my top choices thus far. It will be our second EV and we will be purely electric at that point. (Have a ‘21 Mach E Premium XAWD)

Like the Sportage, if you put the previous model next to it, you see a huge improvement for the design inside and out. The Toyota hybrids have been much more reliable, hopefully these newer designs will have fewer problems than the previous generation, that Consumer Reports surveys had average reliability and owners satisfaction. I think you should get a Ford Maverick truck, the base model hybrid.

Would love a comparison with new prius prime when it comes out, this is great but a bit too expensive imo compared to itself last gen, especially when the top end sportage phev is only 3k more

That has the EXACT same drive train that is in my Hyundai IONIQ PHEV.

I would like to see you get the Sportage PHEV with the AWD. I think it will be the biggest competitor to the RAV4 Prime which is nearly impossible to find or buy.

I think I would like to see a comparison of the Sportage to the Nero in the plug in hybrid variants.

In winter on short trips can it drive in only electric motor or petrol engine always starts even in EV mode ?

My vote would be the Sportage PHEV if you can get one. More space than the Niro and awd. Looks like a pretty complete and comfortable package.

Been driving phev for many years now, I don’t need a large gas tank. I put in 2 gal on each filling

Looks like the same powertrain as Santa Fe PHEV, but way better non EV efficiency. Picked up a Santa Fe PHEV in March and scoring 30 MPG when battery is drained. They also added a cabin/engine heater which is on the top of my wishlist. Fuel efficiency is getting worse now as temp drops down. Even battery is full the engine still turns on to generate heat for engine bay/cabin nowadays.

We just look at one and price per month came back at over $800.00 a month with 5k down. They priced us out of this. Car dealers have fixed the supply issue for sure.

Hope you get a Niro PHEV for a long term test ;))

If the Rav 4 had an updated interior I’d be more interested in. I like the Kia SX so far, even if only front wheel drive. Wish it had voice commands though.

Interesting, on the car scene Korean side by side comparison they show the new one has a 2 position rear seat. It's only an inch or so but definitely reclines. Also no mention if it actually does have the ev only reverse, I've only read about it. For me with a 2019 PHEV the larger electric motor would be the main reason to upgrade as I live in a hilly area and the 60hp motor struggles on the climbs. Alex, lots of discussion around the necessity of a heat pump in cooler areas vs engine heat but I read that most PHEV heat pumps only work to -6 C or 20F. Being in Canada most of winter means the heat pump seems to be pointless. The electric heater seems to be actually better for a wider temp range.

How long does it take to charge when plugged into a standard wall outlet?

The Niro PHEV is exactly my kind of vehicle . . . If it only had AWD. I live in a hilly city where it snows from October through March and the steep climb to my neighborhood is not FWD friendly. I like the Niro idea for the EV6 replacement, but the Tucson PHEV would be my vote.

I'm still a bit confused how a plug-in works. Once the battery is depleted does it then get them same fuel milage is the the regular hybrid would get? Can running the engine ever charge up the battery of the plug-in?

Put a deposit on this in the spring and still waiting for an update from the dealer.

It's getting a little closer to the 50 mile sweetspot for me. But still 30 miles will guarantee I might just use a bit of gas as I return home but full electric during heavy traffic.

33k for a plug in hybrid is great deal. Does it qualify for federal reimbursement?

Thank you Alex again and great work. Does anyone know if the Nio uses a dry or wet dual clutch?

Do the Niro PHEV has the V2L as the electric one?

Wait, so there's no option between the 33k EX and the 39k SX? That's a very odd decision on kias part.

Wonder how it handles with snow tires in the snow? Anyone tried it?

Ordered mine 4 months ago and they still can’t even estimate when it might arrive. I am thinking dealers may be an unnecessary thing for the future

I'm looking to buy a new car now but I am not going to pay more than MSRP for any dealer markup anywhere

Very nice, but can we buy one?

I'm not that familiar with plug-ins but this recession has me re-thinking a lot. I have to deal with Manhattan traffic on the weekends while I go back and forth from NYC - Berkshires. Question: Say the electric charge is at zero by the time I get into the city...can I still get total systems horsepower when I floor it? In other words - when your battery is kaput do you still get all the power or do you suddenly have a much more lethargic car?!

I hope this question isn’t too stupid… After the 33ish mile range that the battery can power the vehicle is reached and the ICE kicks in, does the engine put some charge back into the battery? Example; if I were to start with a full battery and full tank of gas, drive around town in stop and go traffic running down the battery then get on the highway for 100 miles, would I reach my destination with some range added back into the battery (taking away any regen from coasting downhill or whatnot)? Just curious about this more than anything.

I really like it my only question can I actually buy it?

Kia has been killing it of late. My only worry is the reliability. But we’ll have to wait for years to know the answer to that.

Wheelbase? Can I get a number? Is it more or less than 107?

Is this gonna be available nationwide or annoyingly only in a few states like the Niro EV?

KIA is on fire! One winner after another. My vote for a long-term tester is a Corvette Z06 because Alex isn't getting any younger, and he deserves a little fun.

AoA is the go to when u want to quickly learn about a model and "see" what is being described. I did not bother looking at the Niro until I was watching Prius 2023 videos...I do not want to watch lots of Niro videos, AoA will provide the most info in the shortest time. The only other channel with this depth is Driven Cars Reviews with Tom Voelk.

I would love to see you all get the 2023 Niro Plug in Hybrid for your next vehicle.

great car...wish they would have chosen a planetary gear set instead of a DCT

It is much more efficient and better looking than the new sportage.

Do the canoo! It's 35k! Plz!

This thing is gorgeous. I would take this over a Model Y. Will definitely have better build quality and don't have to wait at over crowded tesla superchargers, which have longer waits than electrify America all the time.

By a Niro Plug In Hybrid. Take it on occasional long trips so that those of us who might buy one for a commute but then need to do the occasional long haul know what to expect. I probably typically drive 50 or 60 miles a day BUT if I've got a doctor's appointment in the nearest big city then it might be 300 miles in a day and wouldn't want to inconvenience my wife by swapping vehicles with her. Could a plugin hybrid work?

My vote is for a dodge hornet, altho I doubt you can get one in december.

Using only the ICE motor the 0-60 is two lunar cycles

How about the Santa Fe.

Now I wonder if that gas tank will explode on rear impact made me think of ford pinto

Can you also comment the tax credit available and compare it to buying an older used Kia Niro plug-in hybrid?

Go with the Kia Sportage PHEV

What happens on long road trips after the battery is depleted? I understand that the engine charges the battery when it's low, but it also powers the car. It doesn't seem likes there's a lot of hp left over for say large hills or strong head winds. 104 HP is going to do all of those things and still get 47 or so mpg on the highway?

I wish they kept the old body shape!

The rear is very CRV.

Does it sell in AZ?

As was said, we're critically🔋supply constrained. PHEV haters didn't do the financial, nor carbon calcs. Carrying a ton of extra🔋around for occasional trips is poor resource allocation.

Crossoveified?

Concentrate on AWD plug-in hybrids, and affordability.

How often will you get into the depleted battery situations, with only 100HP to propel the car?

What is this 2012? Chevy Volt had this 10+ years ago.

I must be living in the past, sht auto prices are going crazyyyyy.

I feel for automakers like Kia who have designed and priced a brand new vehicle for a world with a $7,500 tax credit, and now they don’t have one. Without that, the upper trim is priced WAY too high, and I’d guess the lower trim is underspec’d to compete with vehicle that have the tax credit.

Alex, Once again, you have dutifully put Toyota's woeful lack of leg and head room to shame. 🤨

I like it, but I don't want a black interior.

We ordered this vehicle February 2022 and they called to tell us that we would get the 2023. The price has changed they will not accept the same deal that we had in place and on top.of that we are not expecting our car until June or July. Basically almost 1 1/2 years. But we are not holding out hope . But considering that even for a gas car we are waiting 7 to 10 months for most manufacturers we are sort of stuck right now. If a kia dealer says 2 to 3 months they are lying.

Si you think that you could do Uber with that car ?😊

Alex: The aeroblade 1st generation Audi R8 owners starts peaking around corner

Tuscan hybrid.

The only drawback is that the Niro doesn't have AWD.

I was curious about what AWD system this uses and if it has different modes available for weather conditions. I am not sure that was covered or perhaps I missed it.

South Korean owners of the Kia Kona had to file a class action lawsuit because of all their EVs catching fire. Let’s see how long it takes for the Niro to be added.

With no Federal Tax Credit I would consider the Hybrid.

I wonder how much he's gona sell his ev6 for

Does it get 7500 tax credit?

This seems like a great plug-in if you can't get a Prime or Tuscon phev, and if you don't like the escape phev. Honestly people should just buy the electric niro or a rav4 prime.

I though this was the competitor to the Prius. Why does he keep comparing it to SUVs? Like RAV4 or Crv.

Been wailing on this review. Love the niro. The corolla cross is the worst toyota ever made

Another SUV I can't tow with?

Lol. That's not a 1/4 panel. That called a fender

Is sad that with in your first few minutes you came put with a very false statement. To my knowledge and research. The ford escape plug in at about the same price is the best affordable with advanced 60km on battery but I know of 3 people getting just over 80km on battery alone . . The Nio only get about 50km . Sadly i don't like the escape look at all but is still mt top pick . Yes even over the kia Nio

48mpg sucks. A prius hybrid effectively gets 60mpg plus.