2023 Kia Niro PHEV

Plug-in Hybrid

For 2022, the lineup was the LXS, EX, and EX Premium trims. The same should be expected for the next model year. The 2023 Kia Niro PHEV – also known as the plug-in hybrid model – is powered by a 1.6-liter engine and a 62kW electric motor. Together, the output is 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. With fast-charging capabilities, the 2023 Niro PHEV can refill its 11.1-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery in under three hours with a Level 2 charger.

Driving and Handling

Each trim comes with a dual-clutch six-speed transmission. The new model has an upgraded all-electric range of 33 miles when equipped with 16-inch wheels. This may or may not change the last reported EPA MPGe of 105, MPVG of 46. There may be a slight increase to the overall total driving range of 560 miles.

Exterior Features

According to the PR, many of the same features on the new 2023 Kia Niro will crossover to the Niro PHEV, respectively. With the powertrain the main difference, the spicier look inspired by the HabaNIro concept is clear, adding new daytime running lights (DRL) and the signature Kia tiger nose grille to the front fascia, heartbeat-shaped rear reflector and boomerang-shaped LED taillights, and a slick side profile thanks to the Aero Blade design. Standard across the lineup, consumers can find roof rails, rear privacy glass, solar control glass, heated rear glass with timer and wiper, automatic headlamps, a rear spoiler, a sound –absorbing windshield, automatic headlamps, and LED daytime running lights.

The EX and EX Premium get showered with more features, such as heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. The EX Premium can add on a power sunroof. Most trims ride on 16-inch wheels, with 18-inch wheels optional, standard on the EX Premium.

Interior Features

The new 2023 Kia Niro PHEV seems to offer the same upgraded interior with animal-free textiles, reused PET fibers making up 56-percent of the seating material, and premium surfaces. Every trim comes standard with a 4-way adjustable driver and passenger’s seat, a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Cloth is the standard upholstery, with cloth and leather on the EX, and SynTEx on the EX Premium. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat can be found in the EX and EX Premium, along with heated front seats and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.

Entertainment

Assuming tech features are also streamlined, Kia is going a little futuristic with an available panoramic, dual 10.25-inch screens that inhabit the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The new infotainment system is Kia Connect, offering Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities, and Bluetooth wireless technology. Every trim comes with steering-wheel-mounted audio phone controls. On the 2022 model, the 8-inch color touchscreen and AM/FM/USB audio was the standard setup, with a 10.25-inch touch screen with voice-command navigation, HD Radio, and SiriusXM on the EX Premium. A six-speaker sound system is the standard with a Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system on the EX Premium.

Safety Features and Warranty

Kia Corp is all about safety, and standard features include dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a rollover sensor, an anti-lock brake system, stability and traction control systems, a rear occupant alert system, a rear-view camera with dynamic parking guidelines, and LATCH child-seat ready anchors. Going advanced, these standard features include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) with Parallel Exit, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA). Select trims trims offer Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Navigation-Based Curve, and FCA with Assist-Junction w/ Cyclist & Junction Turning.The EX Premium also offers a rear park assist system.

Kia has a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program. The Kia 10-year/100,000 mile warranty program consists of 10-year/1000,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan.