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Kia Niro is a subcompact crossover. It offers different drivetrain options, and the most famous is the all-electric version. Whatsoever, the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is drawing a lot of attention and the sales of this model are expected to explode next season. The vehicle is going to be mostly unchanged. Minor cosmetic updates will make this small crossover more attractive. It delivers an exceptional fuel economy and electric range. On the other hand, do not expect a lot of space inside or quick acceleration.
The gas mileage is the main reason why you should buy the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. It returns 45 mpg combined or 105 MPGe. What’s more, it is the cheapest vehicle in the segment and one of the rare with the PHEV system. Finally, its technology offer surprises everyone. On the other hand, the company will try to fix some things owners of the previous versions complained to. First of all, there is a lack of AWD. Also, the subcompact crossover comes with below-par cargo space, even for its size.
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Range
Under the hood of the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a combination of a petrol engine and electric motor. The crossover uses a 1.6-liter four-pot unit that delivers 105 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor has a capacity of 44.5 kW and adds 60 hp and 125 lb-ft. The combined output of this system was not officially released.
Expect the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid to return the similar gas mileage. A six-speed automated manual transmission is the power router. Combined fuel economy is 45 mpg, with 44 mpg for the city and 48 mpg for highway drive.
Standard Hybrid and Niro EV
Besides the plug-in model, the vehicle is going to be available with the classic hybrid system and all-electric drivetrain. The first one combines the same petrol engine with the electric motor for 140 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is better than for the standard gasoline powertrain, reaching 50 mpg combined for the entry-level version.
The range of the new Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is 26 miles. You can get nearly ten times more if you opt for the all-electric version. The Niro EV uses an electric motor with a 64-kW pack which can run 260 miles. Of course, this is the special system that requires equipment for charging. Still, the electric crossover is the most powerful in the lineup with 200 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque.
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Trim Levels
The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is going to be available with three different packages of equipment. The base version is LX. Standard safety features for this crossover are daytime running lights, stability controls, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and 4-wheel ABS. If you choose the EX model, it will add Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, and blind-spot and lane-departure warnings. Top of the range version is EX Premium with LED headlamps. It also adds the moonroof package, which is a pretty cool upgrade for the PHEV crossover.
Interior and Infotainment System
As we already mentioned, the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is packed with a nice amount of equipment. Even the base version offers audio and cruise controls on steering wheel wrapped in leather. Furthermore, there are keyless ignition, climate control, and adaptive cruise control. Rearview camera and tilt and telescopic steering wheel are available on all trim levels. The EX adds turn signal in mirrors and electrochromic inside rearview mirror, and Premium package parking sensors and heated steering wheel. If you need it, there is a compass as a part of the instrument table.
2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Colors
There are six paintjobs available for all three trim levels of the 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. These are Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Silky Silver, Gravity Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, and Platinum Graphite. Inside, everything is black or grey. The choice buyers can make is leather or cloth upholstery for the EX trim. The entry-level model comes with a cloth, and the EX Premium uses leather.
Prices, Release Date, Competition
The base price for the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is $28,500 (LX). If you want to upgrade the offer, then the EX package costs $3,600 more, while the EX Premium starts at $35,200. The all-electric Kia Niro EV adds more than $3,000 for the standard package, while the heavily-loaded version reaches $45,000. More affordable is the hybrid model with a price tag of $25,000. PHEV and EV models are eligible for a tax refund in some states.
The new 2020 Kia Niro PHEV will come by the end of this year. The company is not making big changes and there are no reasons to delay the release date. Alternatives for this crossover are Hyundai Kona and the upcoming Subaru Crosstrek PHEV. Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Hyundai Ioniq are not crossovers, but their size is very similar to Niro.
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