2023 Kia Niro | Review & Road Test

[@CapELarry]

That interior is a massive upgrade from the last gen. Well done.

[@newchannel1220]

i just saw EV 6 in junkyard. avoid KIA hyundai EVs/

[@christopherthompson3023]

@@newchannel1220 Dude for real kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTCgZ1-is2GjNk Its so funny to see these things in spite of their flaws

[@ericthompson4820]

@@newchannel1220 lmao it was probably totaled.

[@danhall3450]

I have a 2019 Niro PHEV, a great easy to drive city car, decent on highway as well. Interior is quite nice, very spacious feeling (actually feels more spacious than our 22 Outback) with excellent visibility in all directions. With flat folding seats the cargo area can handle a lot of gear and even a full size road or mt bike (with front wheel off). Its not a powerhouse but no problem getting over 3,000' passes here in WA. Although 2019 PHEV is rated at 26 mpg I (and most other owners typically get 28-32 miles / charge. Also the highway mileage on both HEV and PHEV typically exceed EPA rating. Gen 2 has some nice improvements but not enough to entice me to spring for a new one -- assuming one could find one.

[@johnnyk6906]

good subtle improvement is very nice. I have the 2019 touring HEV and it's a perfect commuter or long distance hauler. with a hitch, I can haul things to/from the dump and home depot. easily carry bikes both inside and out with a bike rack, and roof top box can further expand the storage space. during warmer months, i am averaging 50+MPG but drastically drops during colder months and hwy driving. if it wasn't for the high markup, i would have already upgraded to PHEV. Niro is the best commuter/utility vehicle for the $$.

[@BrendenPragasam]

I remember the first generation was famous for having an msrp around the 20k mark. Thats a depressing big 6k price difference.

[@andresmattos7541]

You pay for what u get

[@harriettanthony7352]

Nope, a 2019 Niro was circa 35$K I own a used 2019

[@jadens.7540]

I love Micah's reviews! Peppy, entertaining, and truly informative! Great work man

[@winstonmcse]

thanks Micah, great review and very informative as my 22 yr old car was put to rest, I am now looking forward to purchasing a Hybrid!!!

[@sal1nger]

I'm pretty sure if you long-pull on the left hand paddle the car will switch to iPedal mode, which is Kia's one pedal driving mode. That's how it works on my EV6 and I've seen other reviews of the Niro EV confirming it works the same way.

[@nujxad]

I test drove one the other day and it would switch to I pedal for some reason. It kept giving an error message

[@AllStars2525]

It seems like sticking to the Volvo XC40 is still the best idea. Another reviewer said that when the A/C is on, the drain on the engine is noticeable and the A/C never gets the cockpit cooled enough.

[@harriettanthony7352]

You are correct, the A/C does draw on the battery. I own the 2019 Niro. The XC40 seems like a good choice,, BUT its the size of the Kona=small. I rarely use the A/C I roll down a window or three

[@TnTteam09]

There is a dedicated home button On the Niro Ev, Really in all of the New Kia Models and it is the star (Favorite) button. You can set that button to have quick and direct access to what ever menu you want it to go to.

[@MDKN22]

I'll absolutely take a vehicle made in South Korea. One car I used to own and one I own now (hint, it's a Hyundai) were both made in South Korea and they've been so damn reliable, despite apparently having "poor" reliability scores. It seems the Americans and Mexicans don't build reliable or trustworthy cars.

[@harriettanthony7352]

Kia/Hyundia worked long and hard to get to this point of reliable. And it shows, as you, OP note. I have the 2019 Niro, and love the EV an its used!

[@JWFas]

It's a shame they didn't make it e-AWD standard. It would be serious competition for the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

[@futurepaver2039]

I don't just dislike any new crossover that doesn't have a back window (C-pillar), I HATE it!! I find it to be a HUGE blindspot issue and if nothing else, makes it look more hatchbacky. I'd buy the old Niro.

[@rahuljayachandran4128]

The front end looks good but the rear end not so Gr8 but still all in all a nice looking car. Btw Loved the review. Thanks.

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Surprised by the omission of any awd options. For those of us living in adverse climate regions, it’s just a mandatory piece of mind requirement that - unlike some things like tires, the owner can’t just add themselves aftermarket.

[@edhcb9359]

They probably figure enough things are going to break on it already.

[@obhatti]

AWD helps with traction in wet/rainy conditions more than in snow. For good grip in snow, it’s better to get a decent set of winter tires, even on a FWD vehicle. People who drive in adverse climate regions with all-season tires saying « but I have AWD! » are delusional at best, dangerous at worst, and plenty of studies / comparisons have demonstrated it.

[@sentiencepsn2714]

@@obhatti I’ve already mentioned the tires point - this is something drivers can change themselves. Everything else equal, AWD is still superior FWD or RWD alone in adverse weather.

[@DestroyerOfWords]

I've had four KIA's and loved them all. EXCEPT that with the 2023 Niro EX, the door button on the driver's side does not work consistently. It is frustrating as hell ,constantly pressing the button over and over. I took it to the dealer 3x and they really gave me the run around and lectured me it was my fault--knowing damn well this is a known problem since at least 2017. Basically, KIA refuses to support the dealership with this issue. This leads me to wonder what else is instore. Aside from that I've been very, very, happy with all my KIA purchases and good quality. So far.

[@lucasworktv]

Lovely car! Absolutely adore Kia!

[@mutestingray]

Oh I just noticed: piano black interior? No way.

[@lucasl.5084]

Micah is getting buff

[@diegomontoya8889]

Everytime I see a KIA Niro EV, I think the same thing: Why didn't KIA allow the north American market to get the KIA Soul EV? It is the best version of the KIA Soul and it already looks like and drives like a KIA Soul, which is a much better car than the Niro. Let's be honest, the Niro was made to compete with the Prius. It is a utilitarian livery mobile, that is focused on side hustle ride sharing and making it as efficient as possible. Unfortunately, those same hallmarks have left it completely soulless. Added to that, it is still made in Korea, not Georgia, so KIA is not reaping any build and ship efficiency over the Korean made Soul. So, at that point, why?

[@harriettanthony7352]

To this I have heard the 'official view'--the Soul EV would be overpriced in the USA market

[@diegomontoya8889]

@@harriettanthony7352 But, would it be more expensive than a NIRO EV...? The Soul is a subcompact Crossover Vehicle.

[@jayleezy3681]

Detecting some bias. I like the style minus the gloss black panel behind the rear doors.

[@christopherthompson3023]

Totally see that too dude kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTCgZ1-is2GjNk Theres alot of other non-biased sources and you should consider getting more than one take. for one can't help but pay attention to its glaring flaws. Too many features. Space makes its feel soulless. Not stopping for gas isnt for everyone and this car really feels all in on EV with its features like preventing smog near school zones. It feels like Kia is just showing off

[@chrishornsby153]

What about the head up display?

[@DoubleHCreations]

Before we had the Niro, we had the Rondo. Anyone remember the rondo?

[@thedavidj1996]

front and interior look great. Back is fine.

[@TrustOnTom]

The 10” displays run on Lennox, and incompatible with Bluetooth, I believe I’ve heard that may be corrected as early as 2025, and I’m trying to remember but I’m pretty confident you can set the ‘star’ button as Home

[@CJ-wc6lf]

As I'm watching this video, all I can say is I am thinking stuff about this vehicle

[@ikephipps2696]

On screen Micah is cool but where is that squirrel 🐿️

[@scottfromboston4957]

Anyone know if any of the NIRO models automatically connect to Apple CarPlay without a USB cord?

[@rickperoni250]

I drove the Lexus UX and to my surprise the Niri was a nicer car

[@mylesthemyles7081]

You can set a dedicated home button

[@snakehandler87]

Tim the enchanter 👉💥

[@techpappee]

The torque is limited in the EV so you don't roast the tires. Its programmed not to give full punch at launch.

[@theruleoffire]

“Ow that is hot”. This just in: Another kia suddenly bursts into flame, while being reviewed by Kelly Blue Book, host Mikah. Thankfully No one was injured. 😂 Ty dude love your reviews. Love the entire team. You lynn and mike are awesome

[@rohantorati7943]

That’s if it isn’t stolen by the Kia boyz

[@BTC909]

@@rohantorati7943 Is Micah one of the Kia Boyz?

[@rohantorati7943]

@@BTC909 i dont know

[@lazynow1]

much better value than a Tesla....AND...it works like a "normal" car

[@nujxad]

Nothing beats a tesla

[@lazynow1]

@@nujxad Yep, Nothing beats a Tesla for being over priced and lacking in quality....and the warranty is terrible...so yea..go get the nothing beats a Tesla and be happy.

[@EdgewoodGarden]

No one who is seriously considering this car cares about zero to 60…

[@0uHiroshi]

The pricing doesn’t make any sense. The hybrid is only $1000 cheaper than the more practical Kia Sportage Hybrid. The Niro EV is about the same price as the EV6.

[@tsmatthx2]

Um, why does the plug in hybrid have worse mpg than the non plugin? Makes no sense

[@RupeshMulakkal]

More Horsepower for phev

[@aest2and114]

Where do I find that lancia stratos t shirt?

[@davidbrookes9424]

It does have ipedal mode.

[@omaral-azzawi2266]

I was looking for a Corolla hybrid but this could change my mind

[@promontorium]

I don't need hippie crap just because it's electric/hybrid. There's no doubt eucalyptus seats unnecessarily raise prices. That said, $26,000 is pretty damn cheap. $39,000 for the EV, considering it has a slow charge, is ridiculous.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Better avoid any front end collision or you can't charge this car

[@James-134]

I mean you can say that about any car lol

[@harriettanthony7352]

Or, in the same vein, do not get hit where the charge door is----or in gas car terms, avoid front end collisions , you will break the radiator and cannot drive the car

[@davidbrookes9424]

The back seats do recline.

[@adamlaferriere3791]

There is a ipedal (one pedal) driving mode. You have to hold the paddleshifter.

[@brandonyoung6726]

My knowledge of watching all the KBB videos: Micah is 5'10"

[@bridgetrobertson7134]

Yeah, the higher trim models lose feature on the radio but there's not a single video on here about the smaller radio. Wtf is wrong with you people?

[@shopwithaaron]

Liking that interior!! Thx Micah!

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

A nonstarter for me is no 16” wheels at fully loaded Touring levels. You lose more than 15% MPG with the big wheels, which is absurd.

[@B9M3]

Why do smaller wheels matter? Wouldn't it be about the width of the tires (and wheels) ?

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

@@B9M3 yes. However there are minimum widths tire manufactures make in various wheel diameters. Thinner tires aren’t widely available on the 18s, meaning the 16s are the way to go. 16” tires are also a hell of a lot less expensive. You’re way more likely to blow a tire and bend a wheel if you hit a pothole with an 18” wheel… and no spare is a big problem. Smaller wheels mean more sidewall, which improves ride quality and extends the life of your suspension connectors because the tire absorbs more impact. Also protects your wheel from bending if you tag something. This is not a race car, so the extra sidewall deflection doesn’t matter. Big wheels are idiotic, especially if you live in a country with cratered third world roads… like the United States. They exist for styling purposes only on most vehicles, and appeal to fashion idiots that will never drive hard enough to push the limits of a 14” wheel/tire combo on a 1989 Honda Civic, let alone an 18” set on their 2023 shitbox people mover… especially on a budget suspension set up.

[@Jakespaar]

JS: I agree with everything that you've said about the 16" vs 18" wheels. Have you considered the SX trim level? That's the one that I'd be most interested in. Unless I've missed something, it has all of the upgrades that the EX Touring does and more. Every option is as good or better on the SX. The only thing that you can't get on the SX (other than 18" wheels) is the Alloy Sport Pedals, which I couldn't care less about. Yes, the SX is $1,100 more than the EX Touring, but I think it's worth it (you get a higher quality audio system and better upholstery, plus other improvements).

[@danhall3450]

@@Jakespaar No LED headlights except SX Touring model.

[@diegomontoya8889]

Ride share driver's of the world rejoice!

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent review Micah!😸

[@TK-76054]

Micah, your wife is sooo lucky.

[@adamcheklat7387]

If there’s a battery defect, might as well call it the Nero.

[@iamgermane]

Boy dressed up for video in a T-shirt!?!?

[@marcosgarcia8509]

Was interested until I heard there's no AWD...which was a minute Into the video lol.

[@ozoneA6]

Electric all the way!🇹🇹🔥🎯💯

[@benttoolip]

You’re looking to buy a 2023 Kia Niro hybrid, my advice is to purchase literally any other car. Three weeks into my four year lease with the temporary tags and plastic still on the floor mats, this car just abruptly stopped in the middle of the road saying hybrid system failure. It has 1100 miles. What a joke.

[@scha897]

How is running now?

[@mduncan1424]

Seems like a giant "meh"

[@kh.6534]

Wtf is destination charges? Lol

[@theruleoffire]

I’m wondering is it gonna burst into flames too?

[@harriettanthony7352]

Not near as likely to burst in flames as a gas car, gas cars hold the record for that. EVERY gas car is a WMD {no joke, look up the ingredients for Napalm]

[@Stingray_614]

Petition to have KBB add a “new model” graphic (like the mid cycle refresh one). Breathe to sign, recite the Bible in Japanese to oppose

[@seymorefact4333]

🇺🇸 Micahn Michael... stick with these humpty dumpty vehicles!

[@aabrantes1999]

Base package now includes a built in fire extinguisher

[@qpalzmsk1986]

EV without one pedal driving is just odd.

[@puncherdavis9727]

So I have no idea what you're talking about you talk about it not being sophisticated what the hell does that mean talk about it not being a motive when I left hand turn it doesn't roll it doesn't turn too sharp I'm confused. And for my studies Eco terminology and programming is there to make the environmentalists feel better about driving the car. So I would have preferred a more in-depth car review you're a nice guy but the review was pretty lame

[@bspaet]

do your homework. There IS 1 pedal driving. lame review.

[@SSS-mp8th]

So it drives like a boring compact CUV like the rest of them.

[@naveenthemachine]

But you get a daring exterior and a premium cabin with state of the art tech

[@christopherthompson3023]

@@naveenthemachine There is not a single thing daring about the car... I mean, they played it safe with the 53mpg, played it safe with the interior and its space, put too many features where it feel like your coddled, and honestly just feels like Kia is trying to show off a bit of the futuristic look. They do an amazing job with the EV6 and that, but it feels a little soulless on the Niro kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTCgZ1-is2GjNk I want to see Kia as a brand take some risks with their design now they are coming out of their shell

[@naveenthemachine]

@@christopherthompson3023 the styling outside is daring. And the interior is futuristic and luxurious and really great styling and design and state of the art tech

[@sultanniazi2394]

Dang thats pricey. 😢

[@chuckwalla2967]

This is one ugly car.

[@dogbsas]

I would say that he just destroyed this car.

[@benttoolip]

You’re looking to buy a 2023 Kia Niro hybrid, my advice is to purchase literally any other car. Three weeks into my four year lease with the temporary tags and plastic still on the floor mats, this car just abruptly stopped in the middle of the road saying hybrid system failure. It has 1100 miles. What a joke.

[@Rodri-SaKi]

Now, what happened?

[@benttoolip]

@@Rodri-SaKi It was in the shop for over 2 weeks because Kia apparently has no one who knows how to work with their new computers (an issue I think many car companies have). No issues since it's been fixed.