The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) delivers all the fuel efficiency of the standard Niro Hybrid but with the advantage of a limited electric-only range, making it ideal for short trips in urban environments. Like an EV, the Niro PHEV can be plugged into an electrical outlet, allowing its small battery pack to deliver enough juice to cover about 33 miles solely on electric power. Once the battery runs low, the gas-engine/hybrid electric powertrain takes over.
Displaying a completely new design for 2023, the Niro is larger, roomier, and more advanced than the outgoing model, yet its starting price sees only a modest bump. Offered in two trim levels, EX and SX Touring, the Niro PHEV narrows the choice to either be nicely equipped or well-equipped.
Keep in mind the Niro PHEV is a front-drive-only prospect, so if you need the sure-footed security of all-wheel-drive, a less fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid like the Subaru Crosstrek PHEV or Hyundai Tucson PHEV might make a better choice.
Niro PHEV EX
Starts at $33,840 | See listings
- SynTex and cloth upholstery
- Power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Adaptive cruise control
- Heated side-view mirrors
- Rear privacy glass
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/SiriusXM
- 6-speaker audio/5 USB ports
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
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Niro PHEV SX Touring
Starts at $39,590 | See listings
- Sunroof
- Perforated SynTex seat upholstery
- Power driver’s seat/heated and vented front seats
- Harman Kardon audio with seven speakers
- Smart power tailgate
- Gloss-black rear spoiler
- Heated, power-folding side mirrors with LED turn signals
- LED projector headlamps
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Heated steering wheel
- Parking-distance warnings, front and rear
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2023 Kia Niro PHEV EX: $33,840
The 2023 Kia Niro PHEV EX derives power from a 1.6-liter gas engine paired with a 62-kW electric motor for a combined output of 180 horsepower. The 11-kWh battery takes under three hours to charge using a Level 2, 240-volt home charger.
Kia’s commitment to safety is fully displayed in the Niro PHEV EX, starting with its extensive roster of standard driver assists. The Kia Drive Wise suite includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection with braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines.
Other features in the suite include navigation-based adaptive cruise control with curve control (knows to slow down before entering a sharp curve), lane-following assist, rear parking sensors, speed limit sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Highway Driving Assist helps keep the vehicle centered when using adaptive cruise control, even in modest curves. However, HDA is not an autonomous driving system, meaning you must keep your hands on the wheel.
A driver attention system alerts if it thinks you might be nodding off, while Safe Exit Warning alerts exiting passengers of danger from approaching traffic. Rear Occupant Alert reminds the driver to check the rear seat before leaving the vehicle.
The EX comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen projector auto on/off headlights, power heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and deep-tinted rear privacy glass. Its Smart Key entry permits unlocking the doors by touching the handle so long as the key fob is detectable.
The EX’s heated front seats come covered in durable vegan leather and cloth upholstery, while the driver enjoys a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support. The passenger is not so lucky, stuck with a manual seat, but at least it’s height-adjustable.
A 60/40-split folding rear seat comes standard.
Amenities for the EX include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a 4.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, an adjustable mood lamp, automatic climate control with driver-only function, and second-row air vents.
Atop the dash is a sizeable 10.25-inch color touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a premium 6-speaker audio system with a powered subwoofer.
A wireless charging pad makes it easy to keep your phone charged, and USB ports in both the front (two USB-A and one USB-C) and rear seat area (two USB-C) provide plenty of ways to charge additional devices.
The EX offers a Cold Weather Package that adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a PTC ceramic heater that helps heat air as soon as the vehicle starts.
With the $1,325 destination fee, the 2023 Kia Niro PHEV EX costs $35,165. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $664. See 2023 Kia Niro PHEV EX models for sale near you
2023 Kia Niro PHEV EX includes:
- Adaptive cruise control – This advanced cruise control system keeps a set distance between the Niro and the vehicle ahead, with the ability to slow to a complete stop and resume acceleration when traffic begins to move again.
- Rain-sensing wipers – These wipers activate at the slightest hint of rain, mist, or snow.
- 10-way power driver’s seat – With several adjustable settings, the Niro’s driver’s seat can help just about anyone find a comfortable position. The 2-way power lumbar improves lower back support.
2023 Kia Niro PHEV SX Touring: $39,590
The SX Touring adds more features to the EX but retains the same mechanical layout.
Building off the EX, the SX Touring adds 18-inch wheels, heated power-folding side mirrors, a power tailgate, a power sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, and chrome-coated skid plate bumpers.
The SX’s cabin gains ventilated and perforated vegan leather front seats, LED lighting, a heated steering wheel, integrated driver’s seat memory, and an auto-down power passenger window.
Kia’s Digital Key allows you to convert your smartphone into a key for unlocking and starting the car. You can also text the key to another person, allowing them access and drive your vehicle even if you are not physically there to hand them the keys.
The SX Touring’s audio gets upgraded to a premium Harman Kardon system with eight speakers and a powered subwoofer.
A Cold Weather Package is optional, minus the heated steering wheel that already comes standard.
With the $1,325 destination fee, the 2023 Kia Niro PHEV SX costs $40,915. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $772. See 2023 Kia Niro PHEV SX Touring models for sale near you
2023 Kia Niro PHEV SX Touring includes:
- Harman Kardon audio – For those who love their music loud and clear, the Niro’s Harman Kardon system is the only option, although you’ll have to step up to the SX Touring trim to get it.
- Power liftgate – The Niro’s power liftgate makes it easy to access the cargo area with your arms full. Approach the Niro with the key fob in your pocket, stand behind the liftgate, and it automatically opens.
- Driver’s seat memory – The SX Touring’s 2-position memory setting remembers the position of the driver’s seat and side mirrors, plus the audio settings.
