2023 Kia Niro review

The 2023 Kia Niro is a compact crossover that offers a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric powertrain. It is one of the most affordable and efficient options in its segment, with a spacious and practical interior, a smooth ride, and a generous warranty. In this blog post, I will review the features, performance, and pros and cons of the 2023 Kia Niro.

The 2023 Kia Niro comes in four trim levels: LX, LXS, Touring, and EX Premium. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models share the same trims, while the electric model has only two trims: EX and EX Premium. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce a combined 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model has a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the plug-in hybrid model has a six-speed automatic transmission. The electric model has a single electric motor that delivers 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. It has a single-speed transmission and a 64-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated range of 239 miles.

The 2023 Kia Niro has a sleek and modern design, with LED headlights and taillights, a black grille with blue accents, and roof rails. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo space is also generous, with 19.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.5 cubic feet with them folded down. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have slightly less cargo space due to the battery placement. The cabin is well-equipped with standard features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The higher trims add features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, parking sensors, and a highway driving assist system.

The 2023 Kia Niro delivers a smooth and quiet ride, with good handling and stability. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have impressive fuel economy ratings of 50 mpg combined and 46 mpg combined respectively. The electric model has an excellent range of 239 miles on a single charge. The acceleration is decent but not very quick for all models. The braking is smooth and responsive. The steering is light and precise. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections.

The 2023 Kia Niro is a great choice for buyers who are looking for an affordable and efficient compact crossover that offers different powertrain options. It has a stylish and spacious interior, a smooth ride quality, and a long list of standard safety and technology features. It also comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Some of the drawbacks of the 2023 Kia Niro are its lackluster acceleration performance, its limited off-road capability, its small rear windows that reduce visibility, and its relatively low ground clearance.

Overall, the 2023 Kia Niro is a versatile and practical vehicle that can suit different needs and preferences. It is one of the best values in its class, offering high efficiency, low maintenance costs, and high reliability.