After the last-year launch, it is pretty much for sure that the 2018 Kia Niro will continue without changes. The new hybrid crossover received excellent critics and it is already considered as one of the best offers on hybrid vehicles. There are few reasons for that. First of all, the company managed to create a cheap crossover, but yet with good quality. Compared to some other hybrid crossovers like Toyota Rav4 or Nissan Rogue, it is cheaper for several thousands of dollars. It is even cheaper than the legendary Prius. However, the affordable price isn’t the only thing about the new model. The 2018 Niro will also offer a stylish design, which leaves an impression that this is a conventional car with gasoline or diesel engine. Ride quality is also on a high level, thanks to the simple configuration of the hybrid powertrain.
2018 Kia Niro redesign
The 2018 Kia Niro will be in the second year of production. So, we don’t expect to see bigger changes. It will continue in the same way, featuring attractive styling. The company didn’t want to make the car that will look like most of the hybrid cars. Their philosophy is that hybrid and electric cars shouldn’t lack in terms of style. So, the result is a very attractive crossover. It features some lines of the brand’s new design language, but also comes with many unique details. It comes with the unique pair of headlights, while the grille is similar to the other models from the lineup. The interior design is also pretty amazing. You will notice that all materials are made of great quality. The 2018 Kia Niro will be also very generous in terms of space, while the dashboard is both stylish and functional.
2018 Kia Niro features
There are total five trims in the offer. Even the base model comes with things like 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, smartphone integration, six-speaker audio system with satellite radio etc. The next one is the LX, which adds push-button start and safety features like autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning. A mid-range EX model adds standard features like heated outside mirrors, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, a rear, leather steering wheel, heated seats etc. The 2018 Kia Niro Touring Launch Edition will feature all mentioned things and also add a bigger 8-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats, premium sound system etc. Finally, there is a top range Touring trim. It comes with the pretty much everything. There is sunroof, front and rear park assist, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel and many other features.
2018 Kia Niro powertrain
The 2018 Kia Niro will come with many benefits, compared to other hybrid cars. Unlike some more famous hybrid such as Prius, this model features pretty simple hybrid configuration. There are no things like double electric motors, CVT etc. It is a simple combination of the familiar 1.6-liter gasoline engine and one electric motor that comes with a 1.56kWh battery pack. The gasoline engine has a max output of 103 horsepower, while the electric motor is good for about 43 horses. Combined, these units make a total output of 140 horsepower, which is quite enough for some decent performances. When it comes to the fuel economy, this crossover has one of the best results in the class. It easily goes to 50 miles per gallon. Another benefit from this model is a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that really gives a feeling that you drive a car with a gasoline engine.
2018 Kia Niro release date and price
For the second year of production, 2018 Kia Niro will come with no surprises. It will come late in the year, with the pretty much same price as the current model, which goes between 24.000 and 31.000 dollars. Competition in this segment is pretty tough. There are hybrid versions of Rogue and Rav4 crossovers but also models like Toyota Prius, Audi A3 e-Tron, and many others.
