2020 Kia Niro Hybrid
2020 Kia Niro Hybrid
Posted on November 28, 2019
The 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid has had a mid-cycle refresh bringing the excellent little crossover up to date. Unveiled at the LA Auto Show, the new version has some new design detailing that makes it stand out even further than before. It’s a modest update but Kia has done the Niro proud.
The 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid now has new projector headlights, new LED lights in a chevron configuration, a new grille with new mesh design, new taillights and rear bumper elements and some new interior tweaks. It already had a great looking design and these changes make it just that little bit better.
Inside, there is a new 8 inch touchscreen and an optional 10.25” screen. The instrument cluster has also been upgraded to be clearer and easier to read. Optional paddle shifters are now available that can shift gears or control the regenerative braking system.
Finally, safety tech has been further improved with the addition of lane keep assist, high beam assist and lane following tech being added to the mix.
Niro Hybrid
The Kia Niro Hybrid is a top performer and the ideal middle ground between a normal gas car and an EV. With an electric motor and gas motor for range, it has everything you need for getting around.
The Kia Niro Hybrid has a 1.6-litre four cylinder engine and electric motor with a combined output of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. With a 45 litre fuel tank and a 1.56kWh battery pack, the Niro has an electric-only range of around 26 miles.
Unusually, the Kia Niro Hybrid uses a dual clutch automatic transmission instead of the favoured CVT. I think this is a good thing as it stops rubber banding and proves smooth even when driving in Eco mode. Sport mode is my personal preference for responsiveness and driving feel.
The interior is more spacious than you might think from the outside. The seat configuration offers head and leg room in each seat with practical storage options and lots of light. Each seat is comfortable and supportive, ideal for road trips or the daily commute.
Technology is also plentiful, with that touchscreen and digital instruments. It’s a tidy dashboard with everything placed just so, as Kia is wont to do.
The 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid is Top Safety Pick Plus with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as long as you specify HID projector headlights. With new projector headlights on the 2020 update, that safety rating shouldn’t change. While Kia never mentioned whether those new lights will be standard across the range or not, their presence means Kia is very mindful of retaining Top Safety Pick Plus which benefits all of us.
The 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid is expected sometime in the new year with prices to be announced closer to the time. Contact Grimsby Kia, 435 South Service Road Grimsby, ON L3M 4E8, if you would like to know more.