2023 Kia Niro | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports

[@firstcitytraveler]

I think the road noise is due to the very hard "Green" eco tires. My 2019 was quiet but as tires wore it got noisy. Also some of the Korean reviewers thought there may be a little less sound deadening material compared to first generation Niros. Changed my OEM tires for Michelin CrossClimate2s much quieter now.

[@steven112024]

Did your mpg fall when you switched tires to the CrossClimate2? Thanks.

[@easternpa2]

Just saw a great tip in another video. Long press the mode button that you want the buttons to default to for three seconds. If you set it to default to Media, you can flip it to Climate, make your adjustment, and it will flip back to Media a few seconds after you're done making the changes.

[@phuot1]

Front wheel drive with good winter tires is more then enough for the winter, except if your driveway is going really up. AWD cost more, take more fuel and more maintenance. Never been stuck with my FWD even in deep snow.

[@IamGroot786]

Depends where you live and how deep of snow you're talking about. Here in Chicago, there's no way that an FWD vehicle (Even with winter tires) can get through the alleys after a heavy snow fall if you want to get to your garage. I spend half my time helping neighbors that get stuck.

[@Mr21scott]

@@IamGroot786 That's ridiculous. I've lived in New England my entire life, with RWD cars as a kid. You just have to be smart.

[@scottdean27]

That’s unfortunate that Chicago can’t keep up with its alleys. I live in the Buffalo area and we get a lot of snow, obviously. I’ve always had small economy front wheel drive cars with snow tires from November through March. I’ve never gotten stuck in a parking lot, or alley, but I have helped out a lot of cars and AWD and Four Wheel drive SUVs that had all season tires on them that get stuck in the same parking lot or roadway where it isn’t even very difficult for my winter tire equipped car to go easily. Winter tires make all the difference, more so than having front wheel drive or AWD or four wheel drive. Just ask the drivers I have dug out with my shovel and rock salt and traction mats. (It’s my Good Samaritan supplies, since I’ve never used them on my car.)

[@nickolastiguan]

Good panel today. easy to listen to (well spoken, not too much erm, you know), quick to their points (no going round and round and not even answer the viewer’s question), no egos and not try hards. 👍

[@rayschoch5882]

I don't care if it doesn't have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, and I live in Minneapolis. Beyond infrequent fill-ups and the occasional oil change, the owner's manual recommended changing brake fluid, so I had that done a couple months ago, along with new wiper blades, but in terms of maintenance over 4+ years, that's it. 53 mpg around town, 45-48 mpg on long interstate trips. No warranty issues. Power is no more than adequate, though it's faster than the Subaru Crosstrek that preceded it. It handles fine on mountain roads and the brakes are decent. No squeaks or rattles, and it has carried everything I've asked it to. At this point, it's the 2nd-best car I've owned over 60+ years of driving.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

What was the best car you owned?

[@hereigoagain5050]

Glad to have a diversified panel. Alex looks like he has been pumping iron! Be careful not to impede finger flexibility for guitar rifts :) Kia Niro is excellent for young people who want to experience the quiet desperation of middle age.

[@CLL-1]

This video reminds me of that SNL skit with the two craft ladies talking on their radio show. Lol

[@michaelschneider-]

@CLL1 ... +1. The SNL skit "The Delicious Dish on Public Radio" is priceless. . Thanks for the laugh ... Vail, Colorado

[@roguedogx]

7:09 it also breaks the hierarchy of usage. it takes 2 button presses to access the climate controls or radio knob, that should only ever be direct controls. I will say I do like the innovative nature of idea, and for secondary controls it might work fine (like adjusting suspension, or adjusting cabin lighting), but for something so basic, it's just not the tool to use.

[@roguedogx]

21:23 I can second that, I literally just did mine. the cabin air filter was a bit of pain because I accidentally spilled the contents of the glove box (my fault), but engine air filter was probably the easiest change I've done. Also, don't worry about tools for these jobs. I got mine done with no tools, and that's not an uncommon scenario.

[@buixote]

I would go for the Soul.

[@rodrigogoytia925]

the volume is on the steering wheel, there's also a mute button 😑

[@richdc7654]

Alex is looking very GQ these days. Nice.

[@j96700]

Good discussion...insights I can actually use! 🙂

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video looking forward to seeing this vehicle at the LA autoshow November 18 thanks for the presentation

[@chuckwalla2967]

Emily taking subtle shots at Jen.

[@mrleeboston]

There is some seriously unpleasant echo on the mikes. Not typical for CR. Hope it gets fixed next time.

[@TealSide]

I remember the good ole days of Talking Cars videos where there was more than one viewer question.

[@hondajohn6948]

people dont ask that many anymore....

[@dylans2669]

I strongly disagree with your take on dealerships. the dealerships have the lowest paid mechanics around some once they get experience they leave. And the people that you work with at the counter are generally paid commissions on what they get you to agree to so they are incentived to lie. The only time i would suggest a dealership is better is when you want someone with deep pockets to do the work so you have a backup if you have to sue them for destroying your engine by say doing a bad job on your timing belt. if its not free, competively priced, or worth the added cost due to convenience go somewhere else.

[@robdc4829]

Agree - the only time to go to dealership is for warranty. I don't think people care about maintenance on resale, even though they should. They only care about year and mileage.

[@petegalindez9961]

Great panel! Nice to see it changed up a bit…the 3 grumpy men were getting a little grumpy! LOL…I owned a 2021 Kia Niro PHEV and now own a 2022 Kia Niro EV. I LOVE THE EV version. Much better than the PHEV. The DCT is a great tranny….normally, but not in this car…very clunky and too loud when the engine kicked in…I previously owned a Tesla Model Y and 3 which I loved. But, with teenagers starting to drive, they were not going to get the TESLA…the Niro EV is perfect for them. Plenty of room and the range is awesome! It’s rated at 239, but if I charge it to 100% I get close to 310! Everything in it works great. The UI is great, and the paddles are awesome. As for the complaint about the arm rest Emily, I’m 5’8” and just about every car I’ve ever owned falls short on the arm rest unless it’s a moveable/sliding arm rest (like my 2017 CRV)…not sure what it is…

[@PamenterDoug]

I have a 2021 Niro PHEV and love it!

[@OreoDave]

Love this panel group

[@IamGroot786]

I have OCD so I do my own oil changes.

[@davidgrisco1939]

...and all my repairs too. But what do I know, our 03 Chevrolet truck just passed 300k.

[@chrisbirch4161]

Independent shops are generally less expensive, I've found, but my Subaru dealer offers no- appointment-needed oil change service even on Saturdays. Very convenient with a nice waiting area. Our local Chevy dealer is doing the same thing.

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. .. The automotive brand KIA has been on the move . . . . Doing their homework has payed dividends ... GM & VWAG take note ...

[@Mr21scott]

Having your car catch on fire isn't a "dividend".

[@TalismanPHX]

Keep this panel!! Very conversational and informative 👌

[@lenuhley2723]

This is a helpful review, as usual. Could you also test the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid? (I know you're planning to cover the Niro EV, but the plug-in might be the Goldilocks car for some of us.) I hope the PHEV's more powerful engine/motor set-up (180 HP) would address the complaint about the Hybrid's 139 HP. I also saw a review that said the windows on that model have better soundproofing, but you'll know better. Thanks.

[@DavidPerez-rq1sd]

I had the same question a couple of years ago and was told they have no plans on testing the Niro PHEV. I ended up leasing one anyway and have been very happy with it. My ability to access an outlet while parked has changed so I will probably go to the hybrid once my lease is up. The car in economy mode is underpowered for sure. The Performance mode does add a bit of zip, but nothing that will throw your head back.

[@robbilton9006]

I'd argue that the longer EV range is the only difference with the PHEV it has a much larger electric motor (41hp more) this time so the total output is rated at 180hp. Even the last model had a more noticeable increase in performance between the two. This is why I chose a PHEV over the hybrid

[@timdsd]

You're not the only ones who have commented how noisy the new Niro is. I've seen two other KZbin reviewers say the same thing. Other than the noise, the Niro looks like a good car. And it's the perfect size for a big city.

[@NotSoFast71]

Hard compound "eco green" tires are to blame. I have a 2024 EX model and the tread blocks are very hard to the touch when trying to press on the corner of one. The "normal" tires on my Ranger are much softer and pliable in comparison and they are a year old at this point.

[@dylans2669]

Please don't keep your automate maintenance records in your car. They have your address on them among other information.

[@davidm5707]

I keep a file folder for each car, in the house.

[@scottdean27]

I don’t keep my maintenance records in the car, but not because it has my name and address on them. Don’t you keep your insurance card and your state registration card in your car glove box? Don’t those have your name and address on them? I think mine do, but I’ll admit I never really look at them. I guess I will have to check them tomorrow morning.

[@ItsAlive111]

What is Kia’s long term reliability? Are their small turbo engines holding up after 100k miles?

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Bet on it catching on fire.

[@tomjanowski8584]

They said the Niro was reliable through the 2022 model year.

[@ddhsd]

The Niro doesn't use the Turbo that you find in the Sportage. So people that prefer a naturally aspirated motor will go for a Niro over the larger Sportage. I'm on the fence between the 2 models but leaning towards Niro because alot more of them are available. The Sportage (and Hyundai Tucson) are much more in demand (December 2022)than the Niro and availability in San Diego is poor.

[@tomgrainger9566]

How is Tom doing 🤔...does he still have the Durango 🚙 ?

[@danhall3450]

I'd definitely take car to dealer for 1st service as it seems like there are always a few questions I have about the car. Then go to dealer every other year to keep up with service bulletins and any quirks of your particular model

[@juelzm149]

Great discussion about the Niro! As far as the question - in the case of Hyundai/Kia vehicles specifically I would recommend that you do whatever it takes to get into an actual dealer. They are known to reject warranty claims when the service history hasn't been done at their shops.

[@davidm5707]

Then tell them about the federal law that says you're not required to use the dealer. But do keep all documentation.

[@juelzm149]

@@davidm5707 couldn't agree more! I've seen a lot BS from them behind their warranty and wanted to spread the word.

[@jsfbay1]

$110 - $125/hour? (21:12) Try $180/hour here in the beautiful (but expensive) San Francisco Bay Area!

[@n1vca]

Thank you, that is a nice and diverse panel that is refreshingly open and honest about their experiences and impressions 👍love that. Regarding the final question, I always thought you would lose your warranty if the regular check-ups are not being done through an official Kia dealer, who has the ability to fill out the online logbook for the car, which I thought would not be accessible from any non Kia repair shop? I guess what I may have misunderstood, the question was not about a regular service interval, it was about a simple oil change?! I ordered the Niro EV and will not have to think about oil change, oil filters, spark plugs, gear box oil, timing belt, clutch, muffler ... it doesn't have any of that, but still you need to have a regular visit at the Kia shop to have everything looked at in order to keep your warranty. From what I heard from the previous Niro model, the costs of the average inspection (around 150-300€) is way below the annual THG payment (CO2 compensation fee) you will receive from the government here in Germany. So if you don't mess anything up there should be little to no extra expenses over the first 7 years of warranty, apart from tires and brakes. So you will have overall a good compensation for the higher price, that it should even out with the advantage that you don't burn fuel, which is already a bad CO2 killer even before you start burning it, just the refining of fuel is pretty bad for coming generations. So apart from having much shorter intervals of longer charging breaks when on longer road trips, which is the only serious downside of current EV technology, it is not more expensive to drive electric, but definitely better for the planet. My last car was highly efficient and had to be refueled every 800+ miles, this will be a bit of a change 😬. I have been wondering about the criticism on the dual function panel, because that is not purely a matter of taste ... when changing the volume just use the steering wheel volume control without even releasing your hand from it, the manual knob is more for the passenger seat for my understanding or just for stubborn old farts like me who learned driving in the 80s with cars from the 70s 🙂... and you can also still leave the control in climate mode because you can enable the navigation from the touch screen or steering wheel as far as I have heard ... so it seems more a matter of being open to learn how to operate a modern car rather than sticking with what you grew up with. All Niro's are definitely cars for very pragmatic and cost-conscious drivers, who want the car to be comfortable, reliable and efficient, nothing fancy or crazy ... else you have to get the EV6 GT with nearly 600 HP, which seems not to come from this world. It is also a matter of your own character, if it is not that shallow you car doesn't have to make up for it 🤣. Even here in Germany, where the costs of living have increased quite a bit, especially this year, Kia and Hyundai are giving the German manufacturers a big headache, because our supposedly "highly reliable and expensive quality" cars often have a warranty of only two years!!! These idiots don't even trust their own "great" quality. Since the last 10 years sales for the South Korean cars have increased a lot and now they have gotten even better, so things have to change locally, else I don't see our national car industry staying in business for too long. Maybe buying a German car is now a good investment, because you can soon resell it to a museum 🤣. Greetings from Munich, Germany into the beautiful and classy Connecticut.

[@shayneizunobi7130]

Kia and its parent company are off limits to me unless and until they repair their defective cars. It’s nice to see the Niro coming back with better mileage.

[@RigiLiquid945]

As a current 2019 Niro owner, I am interested in the 2023 Niro PHEV EX trim. How has that changed and improved?

[@Coronet_1969_]

Good looking car......it must be fun and novel to be able to drive new cars but major consumer issue is reliability and how long these super expensive cars will last over time so brand reliability should always be discussed. Just don't trust KIA/Hyundai, am I wrong?

[@gman9543]

Totally agree with you guys -- modal controls are stupid!! Same goes for the VW ID window controls that switch from controlling the front to the back windows with a modal switch. So basically they saved ONE switch by using 3 controls instead of 4 (1 per window to be controlled.) And somehow this is suppose to be cool and avant-guard. I'd much rather take the cost savings of putting 1 set of window controls (hey look bean counters, we saved *FOUR* switches!!) in the center console (like my old Scirocco) than anything modal.

[@danhall3450]

I'm very happy with my 2019 Niro PHEV. I drove the 23 model. NHV moderately better in new model. Overall it feels a bit larger and more solid than 1st gen. Not enough to sway me to the new model. PHEVs used to be a no brainer over hybrids but with many PHEVs losing their tax credit, hybrids make way more sense. Looking for your long term drive of the hybrid

[@adamwright9741]

There's a reason I don't mind at all about the double-panel function in the keys. The red and blue curved lights above the two knobs are extremely easy to see, when in climate mode.. even in peripheral vision. And those are the only areas where there are prominent red and blue lights that look like that. You just have to get used to quickly looking to see if those lights are on or off and then you know. I digress a little though, because I don't like the placement of the switch button, where it should be the exact first one after the volume knob. So you still need to look to make sure your finger is pressing the exact perfect place about a third of the way into the panel.

[@NotSoFast71]

I have the Niro hybrid in the EX trim. PLEASE explain why Kia has a base model with an 8" infotainment screen, WIRED phone charger and WIRELESS Apple carplay while the higher up trim level has the 10.25" screen, WIRELESS charging and WIRED carplay. It makes zero sense. If you plug in your phone to use carplay, it negates the need for a wireless charging system. The opposite is also true. Why have wireless carplay if you need to plug in your phone to charge it?

[@ned8249]

Love the new Niro even like the weird aero thing on the side. Happy y’all are back in the same room!😊🚗

[@MP-ni7el]

So frustrating listening to this review and many other SUV reviews. Regarding cargo space! Saying it is big or deep is not that helpful. Why not measure and give dimensions???? I have a very large dog (Akbash Dog), and I want her to ride safely in a crash-tested crate. Will that crate fit in the back of this Niro? No way to tell without the measurements, but the previous years' models were too small. I plan to use an XL kennel with these exterior dimensions: Length 40 3/8", width 22" at widest point, height 29 7/8". Why is it so many reviewers, if they mention dogs riding in vehicles at all, almost always assume the dog will be riding loose? I wear a seatbelt for safety and want my dog safe too. So Consumer Reports please consider us dog owners who have their dogs in crates. Particularly large or giant breeds of dogs. I'm planning on going to an auto show with a tape measure since neither car company websites nor car reviews on KZbin are very helpful.

[@alvin.holbrook]

Echoing what a few other comments said. Love seeing the diversified panel, especially women and femme folks talking as that is such an underrepresented demographic. Hope to see much more Emily and Jennifer talking about their experiences testing cars in a round table style like this.

[@tomvansoelen6557]

I have had my 2023 niro for a month. I think the 3 of u are so car jaded u dont appreciate an extremely technically advanced ,comfotable, cutting edge styling well designed car. Add in the low price point filled with features and luxury, I dont understand your less than luke warm opinion of the car. In a world of over priced unreliable luxury brands, I believe Niro offers a lot for little $$. But maybe CR and its people only love the high performance luxury brands that will drain your wallet faster than a Vegas slot machine.

[@ddhsd]

I was all set to buy the Sportage Hybrid when a friend (a Kia Soul owner) mentioned the new Niro Hybrid and suggested adding this to my list. I like the price & availability of the Niro, but was worried about performance on a highway. The electric motor does seem to provide some needed oomph (more in the PHEV too)

[@scottya138]

Jennifer! Are you growing your hair out? Looks good!

[@roberthardman3774]

1976 Corvette had 350 had 180 HP

[@phuot1]

Suggestion: less talk on the car of the week and more questions by the members.

[@jordysong]

sounded all to negitive for me esp the first lady with the dark hair. Ive seen so many great reviews without nit picking

[@shopwithaaron]

Yikes!! Is KIA chasing the meh factor of Toyota?? Proly not! At 4:56...

[@williamsmith5462]

Ice car? Pass

[@Hallowsaw]

It is a wagon... just say it

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Because of their atrocious actions in screwing their customers for decades, I will never buy a Hyundai/Kia product, and I'm Korean.

[@mohamedlallany9062]

Yeah most of this conversation was bogus, you guys have been reviewing cars for how long, don't you know you can adjust the volume through the steering wheel controls, there's a volume high/low button right there.. You can also switch between different inputs straight from the steering wheel controls also. Cargo space, yeah this car doesn't compare to Ioniq5 in dimensions, the Ioniq's wheelbase is longer, it has more room so it's longer for sure. If you guys don't like South Korean cars, just say so, don't start complaining about small things....

[@chriszawertany5242]

KIAs are total garbage always being recalled for something-Toyota is the king of hybrid technology-I got 385000 miles out of a 2008 Prius you will never hear stories like that from a KIA or Hyundai.

[@tomjanowski8584]

The wheels were falling off the Toyota EV.....

[@americantroy77]

Y’all sound so out of touch