2023 Kia Niro

Trims and Engine Types

In 2023, the lineup was made up of the LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring. The powertrain remains the same across the lineup. Powering the model is a Full Parallel Hybrid System powers the vehicle, consisting of a 1.6-liter DOHC gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a 240V lithium-ion battery. Together, they are capable of generating 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Driving and Handling

For a little more adventure, the Niro comes with 6.3 inches of ground clearance, and consumers can still enjoy the sounds of a real engine with digitally enhanced engine and motor sounds with new Active Sound Design technology. Standard across the lineup is front-wheel drive (FWD), and the engine is paired with a dual clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite the same powertrain on all trims, the 2023 Kia Niro LX gets 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway. The Touring trims have a combined fuel economy of 49 mpg.

Exterior Features

Going for a sportier aesthetic, the new 2023 Kia Niro takes styling cues from the HabaNIro concept with a swept-back hood and new daytime running lights (DRL) matching up with the signature Kia tiger nose grille. As aerodynamic as possible the side profile Aero Blade design keeps the crossover driving smoothly. A heartbeat-shaped rear reflector and boomerang-shaped LED taillights complete the look.  Consumers can still expect an assortment of lineup standards, with roof rails, heated outside mirrors, solar control glass, a sound-absorbing and heated windshield, rear privacy glass, heated rear glass with timer and wiper, automatic headlamps, a rear spoiler, automatic headlamps, and LED daytime running lights and tail lights found on every trim,

For more high-end features, past the base trim, the Kia Niro comes with turn signal indicators on the mirrors. Past the EX trim, consumers can get a power sunroof. 16-inch wheels are standard on all trims except the Touring trims, riding on 18-inch wheels.

Interior Features

With the best-in-class passenger room, the 2023 Kia Niro is pretty comfortable. With premium materials and textured surfaces throughout the cabin, the upholstery has been produced with animal-free textiles, including the premium seating, and 56-percent of the material comes from reused PET fibers. Standard on every trim, features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat (base trim), a 6-way adjustable passenger’s seat, and a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat.

Behind the rear seats alone, cargo capacity can offer as much as 22.8 cubic-feet. Consumers can find a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support past the base trim on the rest of the lineup. In 2023, heated front seats start with the EX trim, plus a SynTex wrapped steering wheel. Ventilated front seats start with the SX trim, plus a heated steering wheel. Steering wheel-mounted controls are a lineup standard.

Entertainment

The tech in the Kia Niro is changing the game with available panoramic, dual 10.25-inch screens that inhabit the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Kia Connect has replaced the UVO infotainment system, but Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities, Bluetooth wireless technology, and steering-wheel-mounted audio phone controls are all still standard. It is unclear if the touchscreen options are the same, but an 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 standard past the base.

The available seven-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system with a subwoofer is still the highlight, found only on the SX and SX Touring trims. Otherwise, a six-speaker sound system is the standard. Other available features include memory seats, a Head-Up Display (HUD), and a wireless phone charger. New for Kia, Kia Connect allows for Smart Speaker Integration with Amazon-Alexa or Google-Assistant to control certain vehicle functions with their voice. Plus, a new Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone app that can unlock the 2023 Kia Niro’s doors from afar.

Safety Features and Warranty

All Kia models come with 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. The 2023 Niro comes with Kia Corp’s cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) (past the base), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, all standard. Available past the base trim are Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Navigation-Based Curve, Highway Driving Assist, and \FCA with Assist-Junction w/ Cyclist & Junction Turning.

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.