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The all-new 2023 Kia Niro family of SUVS is about great choices. There are three electrified models to choose from, with innovations throughout the line.
I am focused on the Niro plug-in hybrid, which lets you plug into power with an EPA-estimated combined 108 MPGe (the amount of energy alternative fuel vehicles use compared to gas-powered cars). If we are talking only electric, it offers 33 miles of driving. This model starts at $34,000 and goes from there.
The engine delivers 180 horsepower, which gets you where you want to go in a hurry. What’s great is that the plug-in hybrid powertrain lets you switch between a gas engine and all-electric motor. You also get an 11.1 kWh battery for longer trips without the need to charge.
On the inside, you get a very unique display experience. The driver-centric dual displays provide an intuitive touchscreen interface for navigation, convenience, entertainment, and immersive vehicle information features.
Connectivity is key to maximizing the features in the 2023 Kia Niro. You actually can use a Kia app on your Apple or Android phone to set the perfect temperature in the cabin before you get in. You can start the car and enable and disable digital key access. You can even run some of these features using your watch.
With 105.1 cubic feet of class-leading passenger room, this crossover SUV offers a comfortable and spacious driving experience. There is also plenty of legroom, with 39.8 inches of space.
You can pack everything into the back with 54.6 cubic feet of cargo room. Plus, the remote smart power tailgate gives hands-free access to the cargo area for easier loading and unloading.
There was a lot of thought put into the materials being used throughout the vehicle. In fact, the Niro plug-in hybrid incorporates sustainable materials throughout its construction, with SynTex, eucalyptus-derived tencel fibers that allow for easy cleaning. The headliner also is made from recycled wallpaper.
As for safety, the Niro is packed with great features including rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, navigation-based smart cruise control and forward-collision avoidance assist technologies.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed driving the 2023 Niro plug-in-hybrid.
