Highlights of the New 2023 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro crossover is the first of its kind. A hybrid from the start, it was the world’s first hybrid crossover and made plenty of noise. It’s compact, it’s cute (the ladies love it), and can save some serious moola. Although only a crossover, the Kia Niro qualifies for $7,500 federal tax credit. Taxes are getting worse, so who can’t afford to save $7500 next year? Plus, the Niro comes in three flavors – hybrid, the Kia Niro Plugin Hybrid , and the Kia Niro EV . There’s something for everyone, but today, we’re talking about the original Niro crossover.

“Kia’s electrified vehicle momentum continues with the launch of the all-new second-generation Niro, which offers more refinement, versatility, connectivity, and technology than ever…The 2023 Niro was designed for today’s needs and for sustainable future mobility.” – Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America

The all-new 2023 Kia Niro crossover made its at the 2022 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Going on from April 15 – 24, 2022, the doors are opening to the public soon enough, but we got plenty of details to share already. Currently in its second generation, the Niro is powerful, aerodynamic, attractive, comes with a tech-focused package. Following the new Kia Corp mantra, “Opposites United”, the Niro is a perfect combination of one of the hottest car types on the market – crossovers – while also making a statement that alternative fuel vehicles can be as great as those still running on gasoline.

Inside and out, the 2023 Niro is a crossover for adventure. Taking styling cues from the HabaNIro concept, this new Niro keeps the swept-back hood and shows off new daytime running lights (DRL) to match the signature Kia tiger nose grille. A heartbeat-shaped rear reflector, rugged looking skid plate garnish, and lower bumper make up the front fascia. At the rear, boomerang-shaped LED taillights complete the look. The side profile is its own thing, accentuated by the Aero Blade, a component that aids in airflow underneath the vehicle to keep it as aerodynamic as possible. With 6.3 inches of ground clearance, cutting through wind resistance is a joy with the optional 18-inch wheels, also inspired by the HabaNiro.

Inside, there is as much tech as there is space, starting with the best-in-class passenger room. Behind the rear seats, cargo capacity can offer as much as 22.8 cubic-feet, with 50 percent more cargo room than the Tesla Model 3. Competition is hot these days, and the Niro isn’t pulling any punches. Polished with premium materials and textured surfaces in the cabin, the Niro is also taking some cues from the all-electric EV6 for its interior setup. For animal lovers, the interior use animal-free textiles throughout the cabin, including the premium seating. Plus, the headliner is composed of recycled wallpaper and 56-percent of the material comes from reused PET fibers. The seats are covered in high-quality bio polyurethane and Tencel made from eucalyptus leaves. Lastly, the paint is BTX free to reduce waste and lessens impact on the environment as well as keeping passengers safe.

Technology and features for comfort and convenience got an upgrade with available panoramic, dual 10.25-inch screens that inhabit the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Becoming a staple of Kia vehicles is the ambient mood lighting with an assortment of color combinations drivers can use to personalize their cabin. Although a hybrid, drivers who really like the roar of the engine can digitally enhance the engine and motor sounds with new Active Sound Design technology. If not interested in hearing the engine, the available eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system will do just fine, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability standard. Also optional but definitely desirable are heating and ventilation in the front seats. Other available features include memory seats, a Head-Up Display (HUD), and a wireless phone charger.

Kia Connect is changing the game when it comes to the capabilities of the vehicle and keeping car and driver connected. Not only does it come with the new Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone app that can unlock the Niro’s doors from afar, consumers can also use Smart Speaker Integration with Amazon-Alexa or Google-Assistant to control certain vehicle functions before they even leave the house. Kia Connect is able to keep up to date with Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, meaning if any cool features are added, consumers get to enjoy them instantly.

Then comes the safety. With Kia Corp’s cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), drivers and passengers are safer than ever. Just check out this list of standard advanced safety systems – 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). Other available safety features include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Navigation-Based Curve, and FCA with Assist-Junction w/ Cyclist & Junction Turning. It’s like having eyes in the back of your head. Sounding like a good deal? We think so, and you can come find your new Kia Niro at Miami Lakes Automall today.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media

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