Full Parallel Hybrid System

Being a hybrid crossover, a Full Parallel Hybrid System makes up the powertrain of the lineup. The gasoline engine is a 1.6-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine that has been optimized with dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and gasoline direct injection (GDI). Able to generate 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft alone, with the pairing of this engine with an AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor powered by a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, in total, this system generates 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Engineering and Fuel Economy

With the hybrid system tied up with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, the variable that changes fuel economy throughout the lineup is wheel size. The 2018 Kia Niro FE, LX, and EX ride on 16-inch wheels, but the FE is the only one to have a fuel economy of 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. Due to a little more equipment on the LX and EX trims, they drop a bit to 51/46 mpg city/highway. The 2018 Kia Niro S Touring and Touring have a fuel economy of 46 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

Exterior Features

Crisp lines, great style, and compact, Kia Motors has yet to change the look of the Kia Niro by much just yet. With that, many standard features continue to return year-after-year, such as solar control glass that prevents the cabin from heating up, a sound-absorbing windshield that also keeps the cabin quiet, privacy glass for dark tinted rear windows, a rear window heater, and automatic on/off headlights. Of course, some of the more high-tier options can be found on their respective trims, such as power-folding heated mirrors, LED mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, and Kia Smart Key Smart Welcome. Again for the 2019 model year, the Niro EX has the option of a sunroof and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, but they’re standard on the Touring - not the S Touring oddly enough. Depending on the trim, consumers will find 16-inch alloy wheels (with a cover) or 18-inch alloy wheels (with black or no finish) making up their ride.

Interior Features

The inside of the Kia Niro has always been the part to win over a consumer. With cloth and leather upholstery options, consumers can start in the middle of the lineup with the 2019 Kia Niro EX to get a taste of luxury. Dual-zone automatic temperature control is a standard across the lineup, along with an active Eco System so drivers can be more mindful of their fuel efficiency, and a 60/40 split-folding bench returns for the standard features. Leather upholstery can be found on high-tier trims, along with creature comforts such as heated and ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, and a heated and/or leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Entertainment

Like usual, all trims in the 2019 Kia Niro lineup come with UVO eServices on a touchscreen, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the FE, LX, and EX trims, and an 8-inch touchscreen with added voice-command navigation, SiriusXM Traffic, and HD Radio on the S Touring and Touring trims. All trims come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard sound system is made up of six speakers, but the S Touring and Touring trims come with a Harman/Kardon eight-speaker system with an integrated subwoofer - this is an optional installation for the EX trim. Bluetooth connectivity with a hands-free voice command system also returns as a lineup standard, along with push button start with smart key and engine immobilizer. A wireless phone charger can be found in the Touring trim, or as an option on the EX trim.

Safety Features and Warranty

The 2019 Kia Niro comes with many standard safety features, including advanced dual stage front airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, stability and traction control systems, a brake assist system, child-safety locks, LATCH-tethers for LATCH-ready child seats, and a rear-camera display. Just like in 2018, blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear-cross traffic alert are standard on the last three trims, the Kia Niro EX, Niro S Touring, and Niro Touring trims. Optional on the Niro LX and EX, standard on the Touring trim is autonomous emergency braking, along with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and smart adaptive cruise control.

All Kia models are backed by an industry leading warranty. The Kia Niro is backed by a  10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year or 100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty.