KIA NIRO save the most on fuel

Discussion in 'Hyundai/Kia/Genesis Hybrids and EVs' started by John321, Jun 11, 2025.

  1. John321

    John321 Senior Member

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    The Kia Niro Is The Hybrid SUV That Saves You The Most On Fuel Over 5 Years

    "The Kia Niro Is Designed To Save Money.
    Delivering the highest five-year fuel-cost savings of any self-charging hybrid SUV on the market (bigger or smaller), the compact crossover stretches out every gallon of fuel and carries on its mandate of reducing the cost of ownership, starting with its sub-$30,000 purchase price. And, there’s no required external charging routine—just fill it up and go."

     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    nice vehicle. i read the whole article, but could not find any numbers
     
  3. John321

    John321 Senior Member

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    upload_2025-6-11_16-10-47.png
     
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  4. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Yea - maybe post a link with EPA numbers to give a basis of comparison. Kia / Niro build some great cars with great warranties, but to de facto claim they are the highest mileage utility vehicle? Perhaps it should say small utility vehicle?
    Then also distinguish whether it's a plug-in versus regular hybrid?
    Example: it's Spring time. That means less AC or heat. Our Pacifica MPGe (averaging over 400 Mi increments) gauge reads out thusly as of today;

    20250611_115741.jpg

    But in the dead of Winter where temps can drop below 0°f - the ICE kicks on for that measly 10 or 15 minute trip which will drag that 400 Mi efficiency averages down into the low 40s MPG range. Still very decent for the volume of cargo that minivans can schlep around.
    Hot summer AC effects efficiency in the summer, as well as very short trips.

    Searching fuel economy.gov, Kia claims efficiency in the high 40s for fuel economy. On the other hand car review sites, (Car & Driver example follows) say that's exaggerated.

    Screenshot_20250611_150320_Chrome.jpg
    .
     
    #4 hill, Jun 11, 2025
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2025
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    to compare gas savings to other cars, i suppose you would need all the specs.

    i take it that 'self charging hybrid' is their term for no plug
     
  6. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Not surprising with some thought. The Niro is probably to most wagon like small crossover available. Then Kai paid attention to aerodynamics. The latest model matches the drag coefficient of a sedan, perhaps even the gen1 Prius.
     
  7. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    " saves the most fuel" . . . . is fuel saving comparative?

    Vehicle #1gets 10 mpg.
    Vehicle #2 gets 50 MPG

    Both travel 1,000 miles

    Vehicle #1 required 100 gallons
    Vehicle #2 required 20 gallons


    Increase efficiency of each by 5mpg, & now?

    Vehicle #1 gets 15 mpg.
    Vehicle #2 gets 55 mpg.

    Inquiry: Which vehicle's 5mpg improvement saves the most fuel traveling 1,000 miles?
     
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  8. John321

    John321 Senior Member

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    53.5 MPG, No. 1 in U.S. Testing, Ahead of Lexus and Toyota: Kia Niro Hybrid is a Hidden Gem
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    53.5 MPG, No. 1 in U.S. Testing, Ahead of Lexus and Toyota: Kia Niro Hybrid is a Hidden Gem

    "[Niro Hybrid / Kia] As gas prices continue to climb, the global automotive market is locked in a fierce battle for fuel efficiency. In a surprising turn of events, a Korean SUV has risen to the top, surpassing Japanese brands long considered leaders in this arena. According to the latest fuel-efficiency rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, the Kia Niro Hybrid secured first place in a notable upset.
    [Niro Hybrid / Kia] During real-world road tests conducted in the United States, the Kia Niro Hybrid delivered outstanding efficiency, recording fuel consumption of 53.5 mpg. This remarkable achievement allowed the Niro to edge out formidable competitors like the Lexus UX and Toyota RAV4, securing its position at the top of the midsize crossover segment."

    (Owning this vehicle in a PHEV model in a small town is comforting in times like these making buying gas a choice rather than a necessity)
     
    #8 John321, May 23, 2026 at 7:11 AM
    Last edited: May 23, 2026 at 7:34 AM
  9. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Nothing wrong with being a fan of one make or model, but talking plug-in hybrids now? Why 'settle' for only 30-some miles of range when the RAV 4 will get you in the 50s of electric range.
    Can't help but notice Kia Niro plug-in was discontinued after 2025, & it was never offered with all-wheel drive availability (plus it's shorter ev range)
     
    #9 hill, May 23, 2026 at 9:53 AM
    Last edited: May 23, 2026 at 9:59 AM
  10. John321

    John321 Senior Member

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    Back when our youngest went to school 25 miles away (round trip) we would go up to 90 miles each day on electric with the little Niro .
    We have a level 2 charger in the garage - would drive 25 miles on all eclectic (round trip) to school -come home and plug in - then in the afternoon do the 25 mile roundtrip again on all electric to pick her and her friends up. In between school trips we would run multiple errands as well as make trips again in the evening - somedays putting in over 90 miles on all electric. The little car goes to a full charge and 25 miles electric range in just 2.5 hours - really in ideal conditions we would often go up to 40 miles on all electric on a single charge.

    Like so many things in life these cars use and fit is only limited by the user's desire and proper preparation.

    What a great, cheap universal car for an economy minded individual's use.

    53.5 MPG, No. 1 in U.S. Testing, Ahead of Lexus and Toyota: Kia Niro Hybrid is a Hidden Gem