Kia Niro Hybrid & PHEV Thread

Ugh was seriously considering on leasing it, but I found out that only the base model qualifies for the New York Clean Pass that gives drivers the HOV lane access from Long Island to New York City and back during high peak traffic times...


ALSO; they put the damn license plate below the hatch.... this means that if you live in a city which you need to parallel park in tight spots, you have to risk getting your bumper getting scratched up (you can’t have a bumper guard blocking your rear license plate).

I hope they change it to attract more New York City drivers! View attachment 143084

View attachment 143085


iPhone ?

 

One more reason not to live in New York (I was born and raised in Rochester).

 

I have had my Niro EX for just about a month now, 786 miles on her. What a nice car, quiet, does actually sip gas, 6 speed transmission sure beats CVT by a long shot! I can go 70 on the freeway, mpg meter notes 50+mpg, I like that. So far, no negatives, loving all the extras. Really seems to be a much better built auto than the Prius! If I had to do it all over, I might have waited for the PHEV version.
So far, I can't complain!!

 

Don't hold back. We appreciate detail.

Why does 6-speed beat CVT? Sound? Feel? Perceived power? Responsiveness?

And how would describe "better built" to someone without an engineering background?

 

Well, when I was driving my Gen II with its CVT, I never got 50+ mpg driving on the freeway! Ever!! Now with the Niro, I can cruise all day long and and hit 50+ mpg and keep it there. The places that suck gas are going uphill... and that's pretty much it! In city driving, it's even better. As I learn the car, my mpg is climbing. Last tank was 43 mpg, but it is cool out there, and I enjoy lots of heat!
As far as build quality, the day I drove home with the Gen II, it took all of 10 minutes for the dash, all of it, to fall out of the car! Then the install of all the new toys to be installed went quickly. In the Niro, it's taking much more effort to pull the guts out for add ons! It's far more solid. But then, I love the stereo, no need to upgrade it, the seat & steering wheel heaters are just fine, and work really well also, love that heat!! No rattles, no shimmying, a much quieter ride than my Gen II! It's really the most comfortable car I have owned in many years. Has much more room for passengers in the back and style wise doesn't look like it was pre-rear ended. I really hate the styling direction the Prii have taken! Maybe someday they will snap out of it! For now, really happy with my Niro!

 

@Mendel Leisk needs to read this.

 

trouble maker ...

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wait, my wife is right here, who are you?

 

Agree with you in most areas, that car sounds great but keep in mind your Gen 2 is over 10 year old now. I’m anxious to see thier Hybrid.I too am disappointed with the Primes stying, it’s overkill and I don’t think very attractive and definitely not prone to easy washing. All the present car companies should learn something from the classics.

 

Oh I’m sorry I’m Hilda.

 

ah, thanks. i'm indisposed.

 

In dis posed ? What room is that?

 

disposable diapers.

 

Hehehe I love it here! I just wish Kia put the license plate on the hatch! Such a nice little suv too. I might have to get those ugly pull up bars that cops have to protect the front and rear bumper!

Like this: 07 - 12 MAZDA CX7 REAR BAR BUMPER PROTECTOR GRILL GUARD SINGLE TUBE S/S - CX7 - Mazda - Cars

and Front Runner Bumper Guard S/S | Auto-Beauty Vanguard

It just sucks because its SO much more expensive than the rubber protectors. The bars also damage other cars when they bump into you, or you bump into them!

 

I think the Niro/Ioniq are neat vehicles...BUT I really doubt long term reliability. It will take a few years of 'proof' to assuage my doubts.

 

Did you know the Niro topped the reliability list? I think it was two years running.

I looked at the Niro PHEV and liked it. It has a lot to offer and is a great value. But the EV range was just not enough. We bought a Honda Clarity and love it.

 

I'm not trying to be anti-Hyundai 'just because'..like some here. We also own two Hyundai vehicles ( a 2012 Sonata and a 2013 Elantra GT ) and they have been really solid.

However, the Hyundai/Kia hybrid system in the Ioniq/Niro is far more complex than Toyota's HSD and still has a LONG way to go to be proven 'reliable'. Two years does not make it 'reliable' when you are going against Pruis vehicles that have been out there for a LONG time. Heck, there are many, many Gen2's still going strong that have been in the road since 2003! Frankly, Prius reliability is pretty legendary.

Note that reliability is more important to me than a few MPGs here and there. It may very well be that dual-clutch systems might slightly outperform Toyota's HSD. However, the simplicity and reliability of the HSD more than makes up for that in my book.

 

The Sonata hybrid is into its second generation; enough time for Honda hybrid level issues to be heard here.
And the Prius reliability has slipped from its peak with the gen2. The EGR tends to get clogged within carbon build up on the gen3, and one of its recalls was because of a software glitch had cars 'stalling' on the road.

The Sonatah does use a tradition step automatic, and Hyundai had issues with their DCT in the Tuscan. So I won't fault people for being hesitant over the new Ioniq and Niro.

 

Yes the DCT of the Ioniq and Niro was a concern to me as well. The Clarity is much more like the Prius Synergy drive without the racing engine sound . I agree reliability is more important than a few mpgs.