Kia Tweaks Niro Plug-in Hybrid

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Kia Tweaks Niro Plug-in Hybrid

Long cycle times, intense capital investment and political ideology bought by Big Oil has slowed the response to the increasingly negative effects of Global Warming.

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) arrives for the 2022 model year with different Kia badging on the grille, tailgate, steering wheel hub and wheel center caps. Niro PHEV continues to deliver an EPA-estimated 26 miles of all-electric range on a single charge1 and remains eligible for the $4,543 Federal tax credit along with any applicable state and local incentives, depending on location of purchase.2

With an all-electric range of only 26 miles because of a minuscule 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery, its contribution to limiting fossil fuel use that is negatively affecting the planet is laughable. See the considerably more expensive Kia Nero EV ($42,165- $45,825) with a 64 kWh battery at the bottom of this story.

This appears to be an attempt by the Hyundai Group to allow customers to cash in on taxpayer subsidies and where possible use restricted hybrid electric vehicle lanes or privileged EV parking. Hyundai Motor Group has introduced ‘HTWO’ –  a new brand to represent its hydrogen fuel cell system. The brand will present hydrogen as a positive energy for humanity. HTWO stands for ‘H2’, the hydrogen molecule, whilst also representing ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Humanity.” The launch of the new fuel cell system brand will help ease Hyundai’s badly lagging global fuel cell business and as the so-called hydrogen ecosystem grows due to the ongoing negative effects of Global Warming. (California High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes Closed to Hybrids. CNG, Electric Vehicles Now Picked as Winners by Government; Hyundai Motor Group Launches ‘HTWO’ Brand)

Powertrain

  • 1.6L GDI engine with electric motor: 139 hp/195 lb.-ft. of torque (hybrid system performance combined)
  • 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery

Fuel Economy MPG4

  • LXS, EX, EX Premium 46 (combined)

EPA-estimated All-Electric Range1 26 miles

Safety5

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance – Car and Pedestrian (camera type) Std: LXS, EX, EX Premium
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance – Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist (camera and radar) Std: EX, EX Premium
  • Blindspot Collision Warning (BCW) with Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)Std: LXS, EX, EX Premium
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA)Std: LXS, EX, EX Premium
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go Std: EX
  • Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve with Stop and Go (NSCC-C) Std: EX Premium
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA) Std: EX Premium
  • High Beam Assist (HBA) Std: LXS, EX, EX Premium
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Lead Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) Std: LXS, EX, EX Premium
  • Parking Distance Warning in Reverse Std: EX Premium

Dimensions

  • Overall Length: 171.5 in.
  • Overall Width: 71.1 in.
  • Overall Height: 60.8 in. (with standard roof rails)
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 in.

Cargo Capacity:

  • 19.4 cu.-ft. (rear seats upright, with luggage under tray); 22.4 cu-ft. without tray; 54.5 cu.-ft. (rear seats folded, with luggage under tray); 63.2 cu.-ft. without tray
  • 100.9 cu.-ft. (passenger volume)

Curb Weight

  • min: 3,390 – 3,450 lbs.

Niro Trim Levels/Pricing – MSRP3 (excludes $1,175 destination)

  • LXS: $29,590
  • EX: $33,390
  • EX Premium: $36,490

Kia Niro EV

Niro EV continues to deliver an EPA-estimated 239 miles of range1 on a single charge and remains eligible for the $7,500 Federal tax credit along with any applicable state and local incentives, depending on location of purchase.2

For the new model year, the 10.25-inch touchscreen becomes standard. Navigation3, UVO link and Sirius XM4 satellite radio along with the premium Harmon/Kardon5 sound system are bundled into the touchscreen.

Inevitable Kia Niro Footnotes

1 Based on EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.

2 These incentives are offered by third parties and are subject to change without notice. Actual tax savings may vary and depend on your tax situation. Check with a tax professional and government agencies for eligibility and other details.

3 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

4 Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.

5 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

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