Following a successful debut early last year, the folks at Kia added a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) to the 2018 Niro. 

A compact crossover sport utility vehicle, the Niro doesn’t have a huge range—26 miles is the maximum mileage in EV mode, but that does extend the Niro’s overall range to around 600 miles in combined gas/electric. The Niro’s equivalent gas mileage ranges from 99-110 mpg in EV mode.

The battery is located under the back seat. It’s a 360-volt lithium-ion polymer battery that weighs 258 pounds and has an energy rating of 8.9 kilowatts. The Niro comes with a 110-volt charger that takes nine hours. With a 240-volt charger the time is much less—2.5 hours. 

• Performance: 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4, 104 horsepower; 1.6-liter, four-cylinder hybrid, 139 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 99-110 mpg (electric mode); 40-52 mpg
• Price estimate: $24,300 to $32,700; $28,900 (plug-in hybrid)
• Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; corrosion: 5 years/100,000 

The Niro EV has a 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4 that will generate 104 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. It’s been clocked going 0-60 mph in 10 seconds, which is more than a second slower than the other Niro models.

Aside from the Niro EV, all other trim models have identical 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engines that produce 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The power lies in the front wheels via a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. They go 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds. 

The basic Niro model (FE) gets approximately 49-52 mpg. The mileage dips to 40-46 mpg for the Niro Touring model. 

The engine shifting is smooth and rather fast, adding to the drivability of the Niro. It handles challenging turns very well, is fairly quiet, and the braking is responsive. 

The Niro interior receives high marks. It has ample space – head and leg room – for driver and four passengers. The doors are wide and easy to enter and exit. We love that the door handles and center armrest are made of soft material and add to the Niro’s overall comfort. Kia smartly kept the hard surfaces for the dash.

There is 19.4 cubic-feet of space in the back area that expands to 54.5 cubic feet when the 60-40 rear seat folds down flatly. The Niro employs Kia’s UVO system that oversees the navigational and multimedia system. Unlike some systems, this one is relatively easy to master.

Not only is the Niro a gas-saver, it also features a stylish exterior, smartly designed interior, and provides a pleasant ride. It enjoyed a good first year in sales and adding PHEV capability will likely increase those numbers for 2018.

By Jeffrey Weidel