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Kia Niro 2022
The 2022 Kia Niro, the smallest SUV in Kia’s lineup, delivers practicality and value in a compact package. What sets this vehicle apart in its segment is its hybrid technology, which competitors like the Mazda CX-30 or the Hyundai Kona no longer offer. The base engine is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor, generating 139 horsepower.
A plug-in hybrid version is also available, capable of traveling up to 26 miles on battery power before switching to the combustion engine. While the 2022 Kia Niro may not be as thrilling to drive as some of its competitors, it’s an excellent choice for consumers seeking an SUV with exceptional fuel efficiency. For those wanting to go fully electric, Kia has got you covered.
2022 Kia Niro Engine
What Powers It?
The standard Niro features a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder combustion engine coupled with an electric motor, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This system generates 139 horsepower and propels the Niro from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.6 seconds, competitive with many rivals. The fully-loaded EX Premium trim took 9.5 seconds in tests, slowed down by the additional features. The plug-in hybrid model shares the same basic drivetrain as the standard model but includes a larger battery pack for extended EV range.
According to the EPA, its battery allows for 26 miles of EV operation. The 2022 Kia Niro handles rough terrain with ease, providing a smooth, stable ride. However, it was observed that a significant amount of impact noise entered the cabin when driving over bumpy roads. The Niro’s steering is quick and precise. Drivers particularly appreciate the multifunctional steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that adjust or cycle between four different levels of regenerative braking depending on the drive mode.
The most fuel-efficient Niro hybrid achieves 53 mpg in the city, 48 mpg on the highway, and 50 mpg combined. In our 75-mph fuel-economy test, the most recent model we tested achieved 46 mpg on the highway. The 2022 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid has an estimated all-electric driving range of 26 miles and a combined city/highway rating of 105 MPGe.
The Hybrid Advantage Kia Niro 2022
The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid, thanks to its relatively small battery pack, is the lightest of the three models available. While it doesn’t offer much excitement, the lack of weight is noticeable during direction changes compared to its siblings. The steering is precise, and the weighting is consistent, making it easy to navigate tight roads and turns.
Kia has wisely refrained from pursuing sportiness with the new Niro, so while it can feel jittery when pushed (which we doubt many customers would do), the trade-off is a smooth ride.
The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid is more composed over uneven surfaces than the heavier EV version, but it doesn’t handle short, sharp road imperfections particularly well. It’s also quiet at steady highway speeds when the engine isn’t under stress, as wind and road noise are well suppressed.
2022 Kia Niro Interior
What’s the Interior Like?
The base LX model of the 2022 Kia Niro features a simple cabin dominated by plastic and fabric. Leather features are available starting with the mid-level Touring model, although even the most luxurious Niro uses synthetic upholstery. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard across the range, with separate settings for the driver and front-seat passenger. There’s also a button to turn off the passenger seat’s climate control when it’s unoccupied, potentially saving energy during the hot summer months when hybrids often lose efficiency due to the increased load from the air conditioner.
2022 Kia Niro Display
Connectivity and Infotainment of 2022 Kia Niro The base infotainment system features an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims get a larger 10.3-inch screen. Both are complemented by physical volume and tuning knobs and complex buttons. The systems are user-friendly, and Kia earns points for including standard Bluetooth connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Beyond smartphone integration and SiriusXM compatibility, the base Niros receive few infotainment extras. The optional navigation system uses GPS data to predict energy demands and, for example, conserve battery power in anticipation of a hill climb.
Safety Features
While the base model lacks some of the most popular driver-assistance features, the rest of the lineup includes features like automatic high beams, lane-keeping assist, and more. For more information on Niro’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Optional features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Warranty and Maintenance
Coverage Kia and its sibling company, Hyundai, offer one of the most comprehensive car warranties available. The ten-year drivetrain warranty is the highlight, but they outperform competitors in almost every other area. The only thing missing—at least for Kia—is complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- The warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.
- The powertrain warranty covers ten years or 100,000 miles.
- There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Final Thoughts on the 2022 Kia Niro
While some might argue that a dual-purpose EV and combustion engine platform could compromise the 2022 Kia Niro, the hybrid model has proven to be successful. It’s a great deal, offering the same mature driving dynamics, versatility, and impressive interior tech as the pricier all-electric version. Its fuel efficiency is certainly a plus, although a quieter, smoother drivetrain would be preferable.
The 2022 Kia Niro occupies a challenging position in the market. The hybrid doesn’t drive as smoothly as its Toyota counterparts, and it’s priced similarly to the larger RAV4 rather than the anticipated price point of the Corolla Cross, while the Niro EV is significantly less refined than the larger EV6. However, its list price isn’t too far off.
This confusing positioning detracts from what is otherwise a well-rounded, economical compact-ish SUV. The GT-Line interior has a premium look and feel, and the EV has a calm, relaxed demeanor that could make it an excellent daily driver. It’s not fast, but that’s not the point.
Even the base HEV S has a spacious cabin for its size, but the plastic steering wheel, ignition barrel, and calculator-style instrument cluster scream cost-cutting and detract from the progress made elsewhere.
Despite this, Kia will likely sell every Niro it can get its hands on. With a slight preference for the electric model, the insatiable demand for hybrid SUVs and electric cars could lead many people to choose this particular hybrid/electric vehicle.
