2020 Kia Niro PHEV Walkaround Review

The Niro PHEV might be the perfect electric car alternative for people worried about the range anxiety that comes with a full electric vehicle. Check out this extensive walkaround video and decide for yourself if this is the right vehicle for you!

[@srikanthnarayanan]

Great video. Timely now in 2024 as these 2020 models are now showing up as used vehicles. Good to see a reminder of the updated interior between the 2019 and 2020 model years.

[@PamenterDoug]

PHEVs are the best of both worlds!

[@BrantfordKia]

Indeed!

[@Ajlefave]

We have an EV but love the no-range anxiety of a plug-in hybrid for our 2nd car and the Niro is sexy. Nice job.

[@BrantfordKia]

Thanks for watching! If I didn't have a camping trailer to tow, I'd be buying this myself. Like you, we have one EV already.

[@gregsiddles8884]

thanks Peter, very informative. the car looks great! its really good that Kia has updated 2020 with LED lights everywhere.

[@BrantfordKia]

Yeah, I love this car now. It's perfect for a LOT of people!

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

It was funny when you said we’re not allowed to call them wagons anymore. That’s what these are slightly lifted wagons and that’s a good thing..

[@clarification007]

I order mine in July 30th, (in Quebec) ready to wait for 3-4 months warn by the Director of sales, Well, the 4th of August they old me I will get my car the August 11th! 😃 Yessss! That’s fast! 👍🏼

[@BrantfordKia]

I just got back from vacation and I found out that we have as many as 6 Niro EV's on order. Some are pre-sold, but depending on how many we sell before they arrive, we may have some stock of the Niro EV's.

[@RigiLiquid945]

In February, I bought my first hybrid, the Niro SX Touring, love the car. My dealer steered me away from the PHEV. He did order in the hybrid for me in the graphite color that I wanted. Drives great. In normal (eco) mode it feels like a bit of lag when you hit the pedal, which might be due to the dual clutch. When I move the gear shifter over to sport mode, it takes off quick.

[@BrantfordKia]

Yeah, the Niro is designed to prioritize fuel mileage and that causes it to feel a little different to some people. The SX touring is a great car! Enjoy it!

[@denkriss5900]

Hi, I am interested in buying this car after 8yrs driving petrol car but I need some answers to convice me to invest in this car. 1) How much will the main battery last? 2) Does the battery come with a warranty? 3) If the battery would need to be changed how much will it cost for a repair/new one? 4) Do PHEVS battery struggle much in 40 degrees temperatures? 5) Is mpg lowered by hot tempreatures? Thanks for the review and I really hope that I get the answers! 😊

[@BrantfordKia]

These sound like the types of questions that would be best answered by your salesperson. If you're local to us, feel free to reach out www.brantfordkia.com/contactus.html

[@oumloulafoufiben1441]

I just want this car

[@tristany.8901]

This has been a informative video on this. While I'm in Ohio, I have been looking at this car, and plan on purchasing it, but I'm waiting 6 months (given current world circumstances).

[@BrantfordKia]

Yes! I always feel that we should talk about this car more. It's such a practical car, and it's efficiency is exactly what we need in a changing world. I'm a big fan of it!

[@tristany.8901]

@@BrantfordKia yep. Only other negative, the closest the 2020 phev for me to view atm is 112 mils away in Michigan. :/

[@jiatinedaddy]

Good review, just a question not needing a Level 2 charger. How long does the charge take using Level 1? compared to Level 2? Also, do the back seats fold down?

[@kimpossible2739]

Thank you for the review! I wish you guys were in Metro Vancouver Area. Haha.

[@BrantfordKia]

We're just a short drive away! haha! Thanks for watching!

[@CharlesChiu]

Hi, great job on the video. I have two question about this PHEV. In the city, there is usually a combination of highway (401, 7) and street driving. Can you comment on how does this car perform on the highway in EV mode? Specifically, how does driving at 100-120km/hr reduce the range and what kind of power can you expect at highway speeds? I also have a question if the EV range of the vehicle is severely reduced during winter time. Thank in advance!

[@BrantfordKia]

Great questions, we're going to have a couple of these vehicles in stock soon and we'll put them in our live video bay. The short answer is that you can absolutely drive at highway speeds in full EV mode. I don't remember the top speed for the EV motor off the top of my head, but I've driven on the highway on pure EV in these cars. Higher speeds bring an exponential increase in wind resistance so your pure electric range at higher speeds will be lower than it would be at, say, 80km/h. EV range can be reduced in the winter for a few reasons. The batteries themselves are less efficient, and the heat requires the gasoline engine to run at times. Having said that, these cars still maintain exceptional fuel mileage in the cooler weather. If you live in the 401 and highway 7 area, I hope we'll earn your business. We sell EV's right across Ontario regularly. We're the experts in these cars, and our customers find that to be extremely helpful in the purchasing, and after sales process. Hopefully we'll earn your business!

[@jennaduvall2060]

If I got paid for every time he said “car” I would be rich.

[@BrantfordKia]

You and me both!!

[@ghislaincarrier]

Really like your videos. Are wheels alloy or wheel covers or alloy with wheel covers on top? On kia.ca's website, the English version says Alloy for both trims but the French version says alloy with wheel covers for the EX Premium (just like it says for the Hybrid L) and only alloy for the SX Touring. I'm assuming the English version is correct.

[@BrantfordKia]

I believe these are black 5 spoke alloy wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers on top. That's what the Niro Hybrid has, so I think the PHEV is the same.

[@2ndKidd]

Recently purchased this car. My only complaint is that I didnt get the colour I wanted as the Niro's are literally just trickling into Canada right now. I ended up with the white, but it's astounding how the ONLY Aurora Black and Gravity Blue colours are all the way in Vancouver. Come on, Ontario

[@BrantfordKia]

We're pushing as hard as anyone for the availability of every Kia model, trim, and colour! Trust me!

[@Bramster17]

Im looking at the PHEV here in EU and the two trim levels I am considering are 1700 apart and the differences are a couple, one being the keyless entry which I would like, the other extra features I do not care for, would you say its worth to consider anyway Peter? Also; does the key version PHEV Niro also have the UVO app remote start or is that also a feature lost then?

[@BrantfordKia]

I can't speak to what the EU cars have. Their UVO system may be different from ours, and their cars may also be equipped differently than our cars here in Canada. I will say that choosing trim levels is a very personal decision. I tend to stay away from recommending more or less expensive cars. I may prefer the features of a higher end car, but that may be outside of the customer's budget. I tend to recommend the LED lighting feature on our cars if you can afford it because the headlights are so good, but other than that, I stay away from recommending certain features, I simply present what they are and allow the customer to make their own decision.

[@cheitanov]

Hey could you talk about mechanicaly, suspension set up, maintenance, brakes. maybe a look underneath. how about taking car camping to harrison ?

[@BrantfordKia]

Mechanically, I could talk more about things, I'm just not sure that I'm the BEST person to do that. Maintenance and brakes are things that I've talked about in the past, and could do further in the future. Taking a car camping!! Sign me up!! I'd make that video for sure!!

[@SkaBob]

I would buy one from there if it was closer. The dealers here are asking $3000-6000 over msrp, defeats any gas savings when they get people to overpay by that much.

[@BrantfordKia]

I just want to be clear that we don't charge over MSRP at our dealers.

[@SkaBob]

@@BrantfordKia Open up some stores in the US. Dealers here ran big ads 3 years ago saying We Sell Under MSRP but now they all say Call For Price. And it's way over

[@IngemarGustafsson]

How about the noise level while driving on the highway? I've heard that 2019 model is quite loud? Best regards from Sweden

[@BrantfordKia]

What's "quite loud" how do you calculate that. :) Noise levels in vehicles can be very personal decisions, what one person thinks is quiet, another thinks is loud. Even measuring decibels can be deceiving. Sometimes certain frequencies don't bother people even if technically the noise is louder. I don't find these vehicles to be loud, but that's just my opinion. Sometimes in a vehicle with NO other noise, no engine noise etc, people perceive the other noises to be louder than they are. You still have road noise and some wind noise in an electric vehicle.

[@IngemarGustafsson]

@@BrantfordKia I guess the easiest way is to measure decibels, but I hear your point :D thanks for the reply! I drove a Skoda Yeti on the highway yesterday, and me and my friend almost shouted at each others after awhile because of the high noise level

[@BrantfordKia]

@@IngemarGustafsson Haha. So measuring in decibels can be interesting in an EV. You're measuring nearly zero drivetrain noise. A manufacturers spec would be measuring road noise, but on which surface? You would need an independent review that compares two cars on the same stretch of road, in the same weather conditions, and then you'd have to assume that the road wouldn't wear over time. Simple answer... drive it, see if it works for you! We don't have Skoda's here, sounds like I'm not missing much! :)

[@punkem733]

There is a review vid of a 2020 PHEV loaner against the 2019 that is owned. He said it's much more quieter then the 2019, and the transition between the engine starting/stopping is much smoother. Said the 2019 is a bit jerky and unrefined, but he has yet to notice it on the 2020.

[@BrantfordKia]

PUNKem733 I haven't done the review that you described.

[@jamesnguyen1533]

Do the Canadian 2020 Niro PHEVs come with the regenerative braking paddle shifter controls?

[@BrantfordKia]

They do not.

[@adrianciobotaru9595]

why do you say that the regular Niro doesn't have the small battery? in all video i saw, they showed us the small battery...

[@BrantfordKia]

The regular Niro Hybrid is the only vehicle that we sell that doesn't have a traditional 12 Volt battery. The Niro PHEV and Niro EV, and every other car we sell has a 12 volt battery.

[@alirezaxi3304]

Brilliant🔝⚡️

[@BrantfordKia]

Yeah, this is a great car!

[@davidmayer2082]

If I buy this PHEV and never (or very rarely) plug it in, will that do any harm to battery or electrical system?

[@BrantfordKia]

Not that I'm aware of. However, if you don't plan to plug the car in, you could probably save some money by buying the regular Niro Hybrid instead. Once the PHEV runs out of pure electric power, it essentially operates as a Niro anyways.

[@clarification007]

The motor will fonction only when the battery will decide. That’s mean it work primary on electrical then switch to motor when battery are empty! You don’t choose.

[@Dowan_Gim]

Thank you.

[@BrantfordKia]

Thanks for watching!

[@runforit420]

Does Kia have an app to set the car to cool without starting the engine? Basically, does it have an electric compressor for the a/c so the car can be cooled while plugged in.

[@BrantfordKia]

Kia does have an app in Canada called UVO Intelligence where you can set the car to cool down. The PHEV should be able to cool down without running the engine, but it does use the engine to create heat if you need heat in the winter, so it depends on the situation. In some cases the vehicle can get the interior comfortable without the gasoline engine running, but in other cases it may require the gasoline engine to run.

[@runforit420]

Thanks Peter. It sounds like the Niro PHEV doesn't have an inline electric cabin heater. If I intend to buy a Kia PHEV when I am in the market again (likely next year), I will take the trip to Brantford! Before COVID-19, I popped by a local dealer in the GTA (preliminary buying process right now) and when I asked about the PHEV, I was steered toward the hybrid.

[@kendoll7922]

Do you think Ont. will return the incentives on EV and PHEVs?

[@BrantfordKia]

Haha. Honestly, with all the government money given out, and also lost due to COVID stuff, I have no idea what governments are going to do with spending. If it were me, I wouldn't wait in the hopes of a better government incentive. I bought an EV with no provincial rebate, and I have absolutely zero regrets. I love my car!

[@kendoll7922]

when you order a niro phev how long does it take and where does it come from? Vancouver or some USA port? kendoll hamilton ON

[@BrantfordKia]

Great question. As this time, I know that the PHEV's are not difficult to get. We were talking with Kia Canada about keeping one in stock soon. The best thing to do is to reach out to our sales team here: www.brantfordkia.com/contactus.html Tell them I sent you!

[@msawaid7375]

I want to buy now please let me know when I’d be possible to buy from you. Plus please let me know the is exempt from road tax and congestion charge

[@BrantfordKia]

If you're ready to buy, simply reach out to our sales team here: www.brantfordkia.com/contactus.html

[@msawaid7375]

Brantford Kia you didn’t answer my question. Is it exempt from road tax

[@BrantfordKia]

@@msawaid7375 In Canada we don't have vehicles that are exempt from road tax.

[@quattordicimontenapoleone3113]

Does the top model have an electric trunk like the Ceed? It's doesn't look like this one has it.

[@BrantfordKia]

I'm not 100% sure what you mean by an electric trunk. If you're talking about a touch button trunk release, it does have that. If you're talking about a power lifting tailgate, then the Niro does not have that. We do have other vehicles with that feature.

[@quattordicimontenapoleone3113]

@@BrantfordKia Hi, I meant the power lifting tailgate. Strange that it doesn't given that the Ceed and XCeed do. Anyway, thanks for the clarification!

[@JustinAbroad]

Went to toyota. They tried to rip me In Financing. My credit is excellent. My bank gives me a 1.5 apr. Toyota had the audacity in giving me a 5% apr. Got up and left. They said they would lower it and throw some stuff in. I only give them one chance. And they over did it. They completly lost my business for good. I'll try Kia out. They have some good discounts going right now. Interested in the Niro or seltos

[@BrantfordKia]

If you're anywhere near the Brantford area, we'd love the opportunity to earn your business. You can reach our sales team here: www.brantfordkia.com/contactus.html

[@rcorrea26]

When driving this Phev when does it switch from ev to gas engine? My Toyota switches to gas if you go over 60kms

[@BrantfordKia]

Great question. The PHEV can drive at and beyond the legal speed limit under pure EV power as long as you have electric range. Beyond that it turns to a regular hybrid, and functions similarly to your Toyota, but my experience tells me that even without electric range remaining, it can go beyond 60km/h without the engine needing to run.

[@rcorrea26]

Brantford Kia I would love to test drive this car. I’m interested however my understanding with the pandemic test drives are out of the question

[@BrantfordKia]

@@rcorrea26 Nope, we can do test drives now. Reach out to our sales team and we'll explain the process. www.brantfordkia.com/contactus.html

[@Ayd940]

I purchased kia phEV 4 days ago , the electric aspect is perfect but the sound of the engine is really horrible and laud , when engine starts and runs I feel I’m driving a tractor. :-(((((.

[@BrantfordKia]

I haven't heard that complaint before. The gasoline engine does make some noise compared to the near complete silence of the electric motors, but I feel like you're exaggerating a little bit when you say you feel like you're driving a tractor. (although there are some REALLY nice tractors around these days!) ;)

[@28boxingMP]

Can it work with a Tesla super charger. Thank you.

[@BrantfordKia]

Tesla Chargers only work with Tesla vehicles. The charging network for this car is extensive, and of course you have the ability to travel across the country with a hybrid powertrain meaning that you can simply fill at a gas station and go.

[@USATFJUMPER]

Can work with level 2 charger not tesla super charge

[@USATFJUMPER]

I'm sorrybto said sx. Do you mean ex or base lsx?

[@BrantfordKia]

In Canada we have an EX Premium and SX Touring model PHEV.

[@oumloulafoufiben1441]

No