First Drive: 2023 Kia Niro

Article content

“The goal of Niro is to make trim and features accessible to customers who want to make the green choice for their next vehicle.” It’s a simple statement, though the key words are not “green choice” but “accessible,” Kia continuing to position the new, second-generation, compact-sized crossover at the lower end of the electric vehicle price segment.

Article content

Like the first-generation model, the 2023 Kia Niro will be offered with a choice of three efficient electrified powertrain options — HEV, PHEV and EV — the only vehicle on the market to do so. And, while attractive pricing is certainly key, it’s only one aspect of the Niro’s ground-up makeover. Larger than its predecessor, with a stylish exterior redesign and a more generous suite of safety features, meeting and exceeding the expectations of eco-minded consumers is by no means a stretch.

Article content

But before delving into the Niro’s many upgrades, let’s not bury the lead any further; here’s the 2023 crossover’s suggested Canadian pricing:

Kia’s focus will be centred on the EV model, which the company believes will account for the bulk of Niro sales. To that point, the higher-up Premium + and Limited trims have MSRPs that are lower than the outgoing model, which will help will put it good stead compared with the likes of sibling rival Hyundai and its Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric, plus others including the VW ID. 4, Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt.

For what is essentially a two-box shape, the Niro has been massaged and moulded into a jaunty-looking rig, with sporty cues that suggest a fun, youthful ride. It’s aerodynamic as well, with a slippery drag coefficient of 0.29. Upswept daytime running lights flank the signature tiger nose grille — the EV adding a hexagonal touch to differentiate it from the other two models. At the rear, boomerang-shaped LED taillights are a modern touch, along with the skid plate garnish and lower bumper. Niro HEV and PHEV can be identified by black door cladding and wheel arches, while the EV is distinguished by steel grey or black exterior trim, depending on body colour.

Article content

Article content

The Niro’s side profile is accentuated by what Kia calls the Aero Blade, a highly distinctive shape — think something akin to the Nike swoop — that also aids airflow underneath the D-pillar. The Aero Blade can be painted in body colour or in a variety of contrasting colours. Further enhancing the profile of Niro HEV and PHEV are optional 18-inch alloy wheels.

Dimensionally, the 2023 Niro retains a compact footprint but is incrementally larger than the vehicle it replaces. Wheelbase increases to 2,720 mm (+20 mm), and overall length increases to 4,420 mm (+65 mm). Cargo capacity behind the rear seats increases to 646 litres (+8 litres), 1,805 litres (+16 litres) with the rear seats folded. In a slight dig at the Tesla Model 3, Kia says the Niro has 227 more litres of passenger cabin room and 50 per cent more cargo room. Despite the increase in dimensions, though, rear-seat room is going to be a tight squeeze for adults or leggy teenagers.

Article content

As mentioned previously, the Niro features three distinct powertrain configurations, HEV hybrid, PHEV plug-in hybrid, and all-electric EV. All Niros are front-wheel drive. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard in HEV and PHEV.

The HEV features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine coupled with a 32-kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, for a combined maximum output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Improved cooling, friction and combustion technologies ensure maximum fuel efficiency, says Kia, claiming the HEV returns 4.4 L/100 km combined when equipped with 16-inch wheels and a driving range of nearly 950 km. When equipped with 18-inch wheels, the HEV still achieves an impressive 4.8 L/100 km combined. (My trip in the HEV SX through Southern California’s hilly interior yielded a still impressive 5.9 L/100 km.)

Article content

The PHEV pairs the 1.6L with a 62-kW electric motor, for a total system output of 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. When connected to a Level 2 charger, the PHEV, says Kia, can refill its 11.1-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery in less than three hours. Fully charged, the all-electric range of the PHEV is up to 55 km and its fuel economy has been improved by 25 per cent over its predecessor.

The all-electric EV is powered by a 64.8-kWh battery and a 150-kW (201 hp) motor with DC fast-charging capability. Plugged in to a Level 3 fast charger, the EV can replenish to 80 per cent from 10 in less than 45 minutes, at a maximum charging capability of 85 kW. The 11-kW onboard charger also helps recharge the EV in under seven hours on a Level 2 charger. Under ideal conditions, its range is 407 km. An optional heat pump and battery warmer help preserve range in cold temperatures.

Article content

The inland drive from San Diego, through Poway, Temecula and Irvine, before concluding at Laguna Beach back on the coast showcased the EV in particular in the best possible light (the PHEV wasn’t available to drive). Perfect weather that didn’t require the air conditioning or heater, wipers or defroster, meant that the EV was never in any danger of running low on juice. Beyond that, though, spending time in both EV and HEV was no hardship. Steering was firm but communicative, the ride was more than acceptable (California roads are in far better shape than anything we have in Canada) and the crossovers had a planted feel when cornering, even the fast sweepers. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) has been reduced thanks to such items as sound-dampening laminated and first-row glass, thicker floor carpeting

Article content

Kia is further pushing the Niro’s green-ness and environmental friendliness through the use of animal-free textiles throughout the cabin. The headliner is made of recycled wallpaper, which contains 56 per cent reused PET fibres. The seats are covered by bio polyurethane and Tencel made from eucalyptus leaves. BTX-free paint, which means no benzene, toluene, or xylene isomers, is used on the window switch panels. Also, the EV now comes with V2L (Vehicle-to-load) function, which allows the passenger to charge external devices with the vehicle battery.

One of the coolest features, standard in HEV and PHEV trims with navigation, is Green Zone Drive Mode, which automatically switches into EV drive mode in residential areas, and nearby schools and hospitals. The use of electric power is based on navigation cues and driving history data, and recognizes favourite places, such as home and office set in the navigation system.

Article content

Michael Kopke, director of marketing for Kia Canada cited an oft-reported survey that 70 per cent of Canadians have indicated they’re looking to by an electric vehicle in next five years. While many early adopters of technology are millennials, he sees a much wider audience, essentially any buyer looking to enjoy the benefits of EV ownership, especially those doing it for the first time.

For those looking to test the electric waters with a mind to affordability, this new Niro builds on its predecessor’s name, and adds a stronger crossover persona and more tech. Plus it’s a fun and entertaining ride.

The 2023 model will start arriving in dealerships next spring. It can be ordered now.