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Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric version are what make the 2020 Kia Niro so special on the market. The subcompact crossover is not offering the conventional petrol unit. If you need such drivetrain, you should check Kia Soul. Both subcompact models by the Korean carmaker are electrified. But, the Niro is newer and because of that, it draws more attention at the moment.
Each of its versions could be regarded as the separate model. Buyers have three options, and all of them have one thing in common – they are fuel-friendly vehicles. No matter which model you pick, fuel savings are obvious. Also, at top of that, the starting price of the subcompact crossover is more than affordable. All in all, a city cruiser that will offer great efficiency and no problems for parking.
Redesign
The new 2020 Kia Niro went through a redesign process to offer their buyers a more appealing look. According to official reports, the novelties are coming both for interior and exterior. The crossover is going to appear in Europe first, but the US version is redesigned as well. The most important upgrades are in the safety segment. More standard accessories and additional options are going to be available. Besides that, the company is updating the infotainment system.
The company is not totally quiet about these changes. They already gave hints about the new look of the front fascia. For example, reshaped headlights will take the position there. Also, designers are revisiting bumper and wheels. The new skid plate is there as well. 16-inch wheels are standard, while you can upgrade these to 18-inchers. All variants will use a different pattern of rims.
Kia confirmed the dashboard is under the reconstruction. More premium materials will be there, but don’t expect too luxurious ambient. Buyers will be able to upgrade the cabin with fresh colors, Red and Plum. At the center of the control panel is an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the 10-inch screen is available.
The company will also use new software with more driver-aid features. For example, the electronic parking brake becomes standard, and adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning are part of higher trim levels.
2020 Kia Niro Hybrid Specs
Let’s say that the 2020 Kia Niro hybrid is the base version of the subcompact crossover. It uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine as a base, that is getting help from a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery. The output of this system is 140 horsepower, while the electric support boosts the torque to 200 lb-ft. A six-speed manual gearbox is forwarding power to front wheels. The system takes 8.5 seconds to sprint to 60 mph.
Fuel consumption is the main advantage of the subcompact vehicle. It returns up to 50 mpg in the city, or 51 mpg combined. Upper trim levels are using more equipment, and the fuel economy is not so breathtaking. Top of the line trim, Touring, returns 46/40 mpg in city/highway.
2020 Kia Niro PHEV Range and Gas Mileage
If you want the vehicle that can go by using only electric power, but still keeps a conventional drivetrain, then a plug-in hybrid is the right choice. The 2020 Kia Niro PHEV returns 46 mpg combined and 48 mpg on the highway. The system is again based on the same petrol drivetrain. However, more serious electric support is there for the plug-in hybrid Niro crossover. The engine itself creates 105 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque. A 44 kW battery pack adds 60 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque for the rear axle. The company didn’t update the totals for the PHEV.
Well, this version needs more time to accelerate 0-60 mph. On the other hand, you can use only a 44 kW electric motor for the ride. In this case, fully charged, the battery can run 26 miles on its own.
All-Electric 2020 Kia Niro EV Crossover
There is no conventional petrol engine for the 2020 Kia Niro EV. There are no pollutions as well. The permanent magnet synchronous motor emits zero gases. The 64-kWh lithium-ion battery is good for 200 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. It can go 239 miles between recharges, but the company is preparing the new generation with other rivals bringing their EVs to the US market. This is also the most expensive model in the lineup.
The electric battery needs a recharge and it takes 9.5 hours at home outlets. In 75 minutes you can refill 80 percent. The company is also offering high-speed chargers and stations, where it takes 1.5 hours to recharge the battery to 100 percent and the quick 15-min shot for 80 percent.
Prices
The 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid is the most affordable crossover in the lineup. Its price starts at $24,500 with the destination fee. It makes Niro one of the least expensive hybrids on the market. If you want the PHEV model, you will have to add $4,000. The EV costs just under $40,000 and some states are offering a tax credit. With it, you can save nearly 20 percent of the price paid.
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