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Kia Niro is the subcompact crossover which will offer three different drivetrain setups. You can choose between hybrid, plug in hybrid, and an all-electric model. In this article, we will point out all the pros and cons of the 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid version. Definitely, the lineup is interesting, and the vehicle has a lot to offer to its buyers. To make it easier, we are going to compare the PHEV model to other similar vehicles. Also, find out differences between all versions in the Kia Niro lineup.
The vehicle is pretty fresh. The first appearance Kia Niro had in the UK in 2017. A year later the vehicle arrived in the United States. Now, we already got used to the subcompact crossover that uses different sources of power, and all of them have some kind of electric drivetrain. Since the vehicle is new, we don’t think the Korean company is preparing big cosmetic changes. Of course, powertrain updates are possible, and the 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid could offer longer range, for example.
2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid Specs
Under the hood of the 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid is a special system that returns 48/44 mpg, or 105 MPGe. The company is using a 1.6-liter petrol engine with four cylinders as the base for the PHEV. This drivetrain alone can deliver 105 hp and 110 pound-feet of torque. Engineers are boosting the outputs with an electric motor with 60 hp and 125 lb-ft of twist. The 44.5-kW electric battery allows 2020 Kia Niro PHEV to run 26 miles without using a petrol unit. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is a power router.
PHEV vs Hybrid vs EV
Let’s take a look at differences between all versions of the subcompact crossover. We can say for the 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid that is the mid-range offer. Hybrid is an entry-level vehicle which uses the same petrol engine, but the lighter electric package. Of course, the system is not the same as for the PHEV and the Kia Niro Hybrid can’t run on the electric battery only. On the other hand, the crossover returns 140 hp and 195 lb-ft combined, while the fuel economy goes over 50 mpg with the base trim level. Upper versions, such as Touring, are harming the gas mileage significantly. In this case, Niro returns ‘only’ 46/40 mpg for city/highway drive.
The 2020 Kia Niro EV is coming unchanged. The company will use again a 64-kWh battery, which is good for 240 miles of range. The battery needs 9.5 hours to recharge on a 220-volt source, while the home outlets will need a lot more time. Kia also offers a fast charger which will fill 80 percent of a battery in just 75 minutes. The drivetrain also produces 200 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, which makes the subcompact crossover one of the most powerful vehicles in the segment.
2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid Competition
We can find only a handful of vehicles to call them rivals of the 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid. We can say this version gets more competition within the rest of the lineup. However, some of the alternatives for 2020 Kia Niro PHEV are Hyundai Kona, Subaru Outback PHEV, Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Prius Prime, or Chevy Volt.
Hyundai will offer Kona with a hybrid engine in 2020. However, this version comes with a small electric motor that can’t go on its own. Also, an all-electric model is available, but this one is rival to Niro EV. Hyundai Ioniq PHEV is using the same drivetrain as Kia’s crossover, but it belongs to other class of vehicles. Subaru Outback plug-in hybrid is new on the market. It offers 17 miles of range and only 35 mpg combined gas mileage. Chevy Volt has a powerful plug-in system, but it is not a crossover, as well as Toyota Prius Prime.
Why Buy 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid?
We already gave you reasons why the 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid is better than its competition. There are a few other key factors why you should consider this model if you are after the PHEV crossover. First of all, the small vehicle offers better maneuvering and handling than all SUVs. PHEV version also comes with Sport mode that boosts the performance. Although small, Niro is pretty comfortable for commuting. However, this is not a good choice for longer trips. Kia also offers the best warranty and the most recent infotainment updates are making the Niro a top choice.
The crossover also has its downside. The major one is safety. Without advanced features, buyers will have to spend extra to make the vehicle safer. The mpg rating and handling are way better than any SUV can do, but on the other hand, 2020 Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid lacks towing capability and AWD drive. Also, the PHEV is significantly more expensive than the standard hybrid, starting at $31,500.
