New 2023 Kia Niro vs. Old "No More Compromises"

[@bostitchrider2026]

In 2017 I got the 2018 EX HEV model. I really liked it. I was getting 4.9L/100km in the summer and 5.5l/100KM in the winter. It was a company car. I traveled alot in it and it never let me down. Great in the Winter( East coast Canada so average snow). It has 263,000KM. Changed a wheel bearing 5k ago, the engine light came on around 190K. It was a "Crank Shaft Sensor Fault Bank#3" To replace the sensor was $5K. Owners opted not to. Never made any difference in performance or gas economy. I changed the breaks twice. At the time I found the storage great and with the seats down even better. The bad.....at 240K it started to develop a coolant leak in the catalytic converter heat exchanger. I needed to add coolant each week or the engine would over heat. On cool days the exhaust burnt badly. This would have been a $5K repair. Around 200K it started to burn oil. I was having it changed every 10K but had to have it done every 5K from 220K on because at this point it was low and very black. All in all it was an excellent car. 260K and very little repairs and always great on gas. We traded it in last week for a new 2023 LX HEV. The 2023 LX is more comfortable, more room, better switching of electric motor/gas engine, better breaking, smooth steering. Better display and the wireless Apple car play is great. Strange enough the 2018 needed cable to enable it but this connection method had reduced call quality than Bluetooth but better music quality then Bluetooth. So far I miss the folding mirrors and the push button start. It will take awhile to get used to a key again. I do like the lane assisted driving. It has the heated seats but I'll miss the heated steering wheel (I actually used it alot) and heated mirrors. I don't have the wireless charger but no big loss at it's in a terrible place. Like anyone ever keeps that area clear of coins, pens...etc I never used it. The 2018 also had a button on the handle to unlock the driver door or all doors, I miss that. I suppose I can go back to the remote to do that. I won't miss the 2018 remote alarm going off all the time as it was too easy to press the button in my pocket. Too bad I didn't get the EX model again as the little things are very nice and convenient.

[@SirT80]

This was the all new Kia Niro review/comparison I was waiting for! The new Niro is a huge improvement. I’m glad that the c-pillar body color is optional for those who aren’t digging the two-tone effect.

[@DKTek07]

Just turned 421,000 miles on my 2017 FE. Oil, filters, tires mostly. Still going strong and mileage is still about the same. It’s a Florida car so mostly flat terrain, no major hills or mountains.

[@bigbangtheory88]

Some things I'd like to point out: This not the latest facelift of the previous model. The one used in this video is probably the 2016-17 model. The 2021 model has different day lights and upgraded headlights and rear lights. The grill in the front has also changed. In the interior the latest facelift of the previous model has also an upgraded 10.25 in. infortainment touch screen and an all digital 7 in. cluster. Also they have added ambient lights and some other features. Other than that, a pretty decent comparison of the 2 cars provided.

[@petatavu4029]

One of biggest things in first gen Niro was that Kia wanted to it look like a ”normal” car. Back in 2016 when Niro launched hybrids had some wacky things when it comes to design. Just think about Prius and it’s interior design. First gen Niro has all buttons people are familiar but also touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Gear selection is simple and so…

[@kristianhermann5971]

Maybe just me, but I like the old version. Nice to see they kept the same powertrain, but I don't care for the new tech or look (as much).

[@bethwright8595]

I think the new version's ugly.

[@franki3Ru550]

Lol that's why there is alot of boring average cars because people like you... come on make the world look futuristic

[@franki3Ru550]

@@bethwright8595 you people are old school and boring. You guys only understand a Dodge Caravan with yellow headlights that makes everything boring. Move on to something futuristic and new..wake up!

[@theirvman]

I was just at the dealership this week. I had them side by side and the old one was just more of a car than some futuristic space ship. I immediately ordered the 2022 model without doubt.

[@cmneff25]

Me too, I don't like the 2023 version

[@floydepperson3226]

The video ended showing 35.5 mpg, I had one of the original niros and got 55 mpg going from Texas to Arizona round trip. If the new model is not getting better mileage it would not be a good buy.

[@TOURMANBOB]

My 2017 first generation Niro Hybrid is almost perfect and I don't plan to buy a newer version based on the relatively minor cosmetic changes on the newer ones. Gas mileage is phenomenal (better than my motorcycle honestly). Once the lease is up, I will be buying it....

[@nixnet83]

You compared the new version with pre-lift 2016 model, which looks a bit dated. The facelift brought some nice updates to headlights, front grill and much improvement to the dashboard. The previous version with FL looks decent, and some people like the stealthy look over the flashy appearance :) The hood of the new Niro looks a bit too much UFO-like to me. The C pillar change looks fine, but there is a bit of glass missing now, so it might be darker inside. The heavy, more aggressive look doesn't fit the hybrid type of the car that should encourage calm and easy driving, prioritize fuel saving, etc :D KIA might have put the turbo version of 1.6 engine, but that's the right vehicle for that - You want to cruise from A to B, not to race in a hybrid. For an EV it looks futuristic and fits just right. PS. You said that the driving experience is better, but I didn't catch the WHY :D Overall good comparison

[@joanerler6054]

I have the 2017 version and LOVE it. ❤️ I got it for the 50+ mpg. One thing that surprised me is the door handles would break off on a regular basis. I hope this has been addressed in the newer versions. Other than that I really have no complaints.

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

It was addressed in 2018 I believe.

[@RobertWierzbowski]

Lol at how matter of fact you stated that

[@ysjmichael]

Much thicker C-pillar is a deal breaker to me. I prefer earlier version.

[@PamenterDoug]

Yes, a big design improvement. However, the first generation is still a fantastic car. I just picked a used SX Touring edition cheap in Canada. The new ones have an 18 month to two year wait - no thanks!

[@ELAlcoRS3]

I leased a 2020 Niro EV and really loved it. The acceleration was fantastic (although the wheel spin wasn't), I plugged in to a level 2 charger in my garage. The EV saved me around $250 a month in gas. The car was perfect, reliable, the ONLY issue was having to replace the tires because of a nail in the side. I loved it so much I leased a new 2023 Niro EV, I found it to be more refined, a bit more comfortable. less acceleration but no wheel spin. I love the dynamic dash too. The 2023 was not perfect like the 2020. They removed the pop out sun glass holder above the windshield which I loved and so did everyone else who drove in it - one person purchased a KIA just for that. The 2020 had more and better storage; the console is solid and no longer has the space under it to put a bag from Starbucks or my wife's purse like the 2020. The storage in the armrest is smaller too. When we plug our phone into the USB it cuts out all the time (cables, type of phone...etc. make no difference) heat seems to make a difference. As far as level 2 charging, the 2020 would plug in and charge at over 30 amps perfectly. The 2023 is nothing but problems, it stops charging for no reason after 45 minutes. To avoid this I've had to turn the charge rate down to round 20 amps adding considerable time. I do love the armrests on the 2023, the way it drives and other aspects of the interior and seats. In summary I wish they kept a few features the 2020 had and the same perfect reliability. When this lease is up, I will get another EV but it probably won't be a Niro unless they resolve these issues.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

I believe the ambient lighting also changed the led light ring inside the shift knob.

[@hafsahali1007]

I have a 2020 hybrid and would be great if there was a review against the more updated version to the 2022 version 🙌🏽

[@dearbulls]

6:42 Hello Mari, I think you meant to say "Stretch out" other than "spread out". The former is going front and back, and the latter is going sideways, a bit too sexual...

[@sausterlitz6326]

i have to disagree. i am much more of a fan of the old generation. yes, the interior for the new generation looks better but exterior is very disappointing. i hate the square shape "kia soul" look. that's not what the niro was about.

[@lassesaikkonen501]

I am currently driving a 2019 Niro but I just bought a 2022 e-Niro. I just couldn't see the point of waiting at least 6 months for the 2023 model and I didn't like the new look enough to wait.

[@pkabatek]

The curved shape reduces air drag and is more fuel efficient, although if refined in a wind tunnel the edgy shape imact can be minimised.

[@TheRick.M]

I’m looking to buy one next month, can I still get the old model? I like most other ppl don’t like the new exterior, lights, and rear pillars

[@sethje]

strange to compare an old style Niro with a new niro. There was/is a much improved update. Looking at the inside the newer Niro is very digital in dash monitors. So all in all a strange comparison.

[@stevenriveravideos]

I'm glad I went with the Steel Grey Kia Niro 2022 Hybrid because it looks better than the first generation Niro hybrid, in the U.S., compared to the squared out 2023 Kia Niro, in my opinion. . Great review otherwise. Hopefully people see that Kia is here to stay and take over the roads.

[@ZoomZoom870atGmail]

Wait so the 2022 she's reviewing is actually the 2023 in America? I was hoping to go look at a 2022 this week but the dealer didn't have any pictures on their website. I was super excited because this new interior looks miles ahead of the old one and the exterior of the old one looks like an early 2000s Ford Taurus to me.

[@catladyfluff8423]

We have the self charging niro 2021 plate. Love it outside and in. Just wishing went into electric vehicle mode more than it does. Like the look of the new one too and will probably get that one when we change cars in couple of years. Just wanted to mention the mode is called eco as in 'ee co' short for economic. Not 'echo' as in sound rebounding to you.

[@firstcitytraveler]

I will keep my 2019 Niro Touring. In the US KIA has lowered the options and content available since 2019. I would bet my Touring has things that KIA will leave off the 2023 just like the 20, 21, and 22 models in the US. And although I am supposed to average 40 mpg, I get 44+ in the winter and 54+ in the summer. if KIA has some of the same problems as Hyundai with the dash tech, I don't want the hassle of a recalls (2019 Touring no recalls). And I am not sure about the C pillar on the 2023 Niro. And why does KIA put the turn signals low in the bumper making them much harder to see. I forgot the 2019 was a top safety plus pick on IIHS. No Niro since 2019 has even had any safety rating on IIHS.

[@patrickjoseph1408]

Don't say: "spread out", say: "extend or stretch out", love you😃

[@CraigWinstanley1]

Thanks for a great review comparison. Ms Cho has excellent communication skills. Clear and concise. A pleasure to watch ! Well done and professional.

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@michaelbui6618]

Mari is beautiful. Too beautiful to be exact. Her sophistication and poise just elevate her to another level. A beauty among beauties id say.

[@adrianciobotaru9595]

1. the design of the old version was nicer and better than the new one, in almost every aspect. 2. the interior is also uglier on the newer version, especially in the front... that "hole" where the ambient light is, it is very ugly... and the zone under the wind shield, also ungly... 3. the engine... is the same... they should have used the turbine engines... so, it is the same car, with an unglier design...

[@_djsport]

I cant see nothing attractive on this new Niro. I don't understand Kia's design makers. The new Sportage and the EV6 both have nice attractive design, why don't use similar design for the new Niro?

[@beefen7921]

Greetings from Boston, MA! Great review, Mari! Keep it rollin!

[@namcojr]

Actually, the new one is uglier. "Where are the headlights" is the first thing that comes to mind, it instantly looks like something is missing. Ok, the old one wasn't THAT pretty, but the new one isn't much better... The back looks like the also ugly Ford Focus, old backlights were much more stylish.

[@seniorbaka]

Agreed. The new 2nd gen boxy Niro looks like a stretched out version of the latest Soul which is an ugly car. 1st gen Niro looks better imo.

[@charger9937]

i own 2019 niro touring, 18" wheels instead of standard 16 inch. I like the looks of my 2019 although the new one looks good too. The touring suspension on the 2019 with sport mode made it drive completely different over the standard. Glad they left the turbo off, as i love getting 44 miles per gallon even when exceeding 75 miles per hour. What Kia needs is a plug in that will go 50 miles on electric charge, what good is 25 miles?

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

I have a 19 Touring and absolutely love it . It's got great build quality and to me looks smoother and less overstyled than the new one. Buying a car with no shifter is going to be a tough sell .

[@johngatsby1473]

I had a 2017 Niro, loved it and it was 75k trouble free miles, only 2 tires BUT I ran over a diesel tire on the freeway and it was totaled underneath. Ended up get a 22 Sorento hybrid s AWD but it only averages 30.1 mpg city but is WAYYYY bigger.... Just hit 4500 miles on the Sorento and it broke down on the hwy last week. The Kia dealership is so shorthanded that they have yet to even look at the car much less update me on the status.

[@amranyahya4305]

Please make a comparison between this NIRO and Sportage hybrid

[@raymondterrific2023]

Funny the way you loved the old version right up until the new version came out 🤔

[@Meldonator]

4:08 for the Mari Trunk Test that everyone longs to watch :D (the most funny thing is that Mari now looks for comfort in the trunck!) I confess that the new Niro is making the "old" one looks so old! This Niro looks better than the Sportage IMHO I still find the Niro looking more like a rised car than a SUV, it's a pity but well. The outside design is really nice. I do really like the back although I'm not fan of the light into the bumper because it's so fragile! The inside is really nice but as nice as the EV6's. (argh too many piano black, please someone tells the designer that it looks only cool on a showroom!! please 😢)

[@medio7880]

I would take the old exterior design with the new interior on any day!!! New exterior is just unpractical... when driving in most parts of europe your bumper will get driven into all the time and having the indicators and headlights built right in those spots is just not a great idea

[@nicalev]

Wow, I’ve never heard of the European issue of having your rear bumper driven into before

[@medio7880]

@@nicalev Well now you do :)

[@steven0654]

All cars have digital display now I have a digital display on my current car never had a problem and seen many cars with Low turn signals I have never not being able to not see them and if anyone rear ends you it's cause they are driving without due care and attention not because you touch a digital display 😀

[@KrisZelvis]

@@steven0654 good for you 😅

[@anthonym1475]

Im glad I stumbled on this. I was between the nitro hybrid and a Mini Cooper se. But now will probably wait on this one

[@elvisitor]

I wonder if they have fixed Kias noisy cabin while driving? Road noise until your ears bleed is not nice 😭

[@ESegelbranth]

Can’t wait for the EV comparison.

[@vladimirart758]

But on the some new cars or suvs ( crossovers ) tracking lights sre too low. On the highway you can’t see them. Like previous Sportage and the one before that!

[@fredh3152]

Are you sure the fuel economy of 35.5 is correct? On the web it says MPG 53 city 45 highway

[@RobertWierzbowski]

Fantastic review, very informative and clear. You touched on points I care about as a buyer as opposed to marketing. Thanks!

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Thank you for watching!

[@AlexandrosKaragiannakis]

What is the difference between them in terms of ground clearance? can you please kindly provide some specs?

[@MotorgraphWorld]

I don't have any information at the moment. Sorry.

[@ashfiqsupantha]

Great review! Thanks!

[@cannygrowabeard]

Only when these two generations are side by side is it clear just how physically different the new model is. In terms of the Niro EV, I was keen to see a battery of around 52kWh to replace the entry level 39kWh and a bigger bump for the larger battery, but ah well. I need to see the configurator to see if the two tone is going to work.

[@jeffruebens8355]

The first generation had average reliability and average owner satisfaction, from Consumer Reports owner surveys. Some added extra seat cushions on top of the bottom of the front seats.

[@rogertriv]

Hi Mari. Thank you for the informative video. I have been looking at the Niro hybrid for a time now. Hopefully, I will get to check the Niro out this weekend at the Pittsburgh auto show. Roger

[@peteruk8925]

Great video but will you be driving the EV version for test drive? Also will EV version have no transmission tunnel through center of car - front to rear especially for rear seat passengers ! May I ask also will ev car come with Heat Pump to help with even more efficiency, for the UK.

[@rickrichmond2420]

I just got a 2022 Eniro it's so cool, the 2023 looks like a box! If you like a Ford pickup, you will love the 2023, but not me!

[@robbrandon4625]

I’ve got a MY21 Niro PHEV and was considering changing to this new Niro but I really don’t like the the low rear indicators that is putting me off.

[@Pyroo0]

when will it come to the US?

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Later in 2022

[@MrBoungie]

Great review. Thank you 🙋🏾‍♂️🙏🏾

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Thank you for watching :-)

[@fatrat84r]

Simply can’t stand the fact that the turning indicator is at the bottom, I hate the previous generation of sportage for the exact reason. When you follow most cars you are trained to have your eyes look at certain area of car at front of you for break and indicator light, not Kia, they love to put it right at bottom…

[@lexanon5315]

Love your style of reviews!

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Thanks!

[@PhiLPHiL]

Can't wait for the e-Niro version!

[@martinjc9699]

Just got my 2022 version. Very happy with it and excellent fuel range. Not sure I like the huge back end edge on the new version but otherwise a good upgrade.

[@Antiorganizer]

Standard sales tactic: new version is superior to previous version and therefore, you should upgrade.

[@RedPanda_00806]

Nice review and very very good job done by kia with this upgrade, regards from Spain

[@michaelcline7458]

Is the handling still terrible? My 2020 is very sluggish in corners for its size. I do also find the engine a little noisy. Other than that it's an amazing city car. Tons of space without being too big and fantastic fuel economy.

[@MotorgraphWorld]

I'd say boring, not terrible :-)

[@richardhaywoodh]

Reviewer obviously likes the new model, but I prefer the 2021 E-Niro. I can't see any worthwhile improvements to make me want to buy it

[@stargate25645]

Only 35.5mpg? Were you driving super fast? The current version gets above 40, right? This new version has me excited but not at that much of a mileage reduction! Also, any word on an electric AWD system?

[@marvinsamuels1237]

The interior of the new gen is a massive improvement, but the external styling of both is a turn off for my wife and I. We’ve settled for a Hyundai Ioniq Electric 38kW. Eventually I’d like to trade up to an EV6.

[@johnkinsfather64]

Mpg numbers much higher on 2023 model, surprising, but still good value as about $10.0 less than base EV6

[@OldThomMerton]

Sorry, Mari . . . while I agree with you ideas on the nose of the old Niro, I love the profile the previous gen. Hatchback/low CUV look . . . works for me. As to the new one, the coloured C-pillar is a no go for me, I'll get one without it. The rear view is so . . . plain, minimalist. Meh. The rest of the 2nd Gen Niro looks great. Thanx for the side-by-side look!

[@peterequations]

Is it available in USA?

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Later in 2022

[@volkhen0]

Great car, I would buy it but it’s not available yet in Europe so I have hard choice between Xceed and Sportage which is too big for my needs.

[@anxiousappliance]

I like the older design better - it's tidy, well thought out, and charming. sue me - lol

[@ooops15]

Thanks a lot. This is amazing. Glad to see Kia is pushing own cars with better design and technology. Those two cars look so different. Is not like bmw 3 generation and cars look thr same inside 😂. Kia is my favourite

[@073rwb3]

Thanks Mari….I thoroughly enjoy your reviews!!! Not sure about the c-pillar two-tone color?

[@Muushondje]

Superb view on both generations of Niro. I am very interested in the new Niro EV. I love the new design style of KIA.

[@nonokro1461]

Il n’a pas de toit ouvrant en France 🥹mais je l’ai commandé en version 100% électrique. Livraison septembre 2022. Merci pour cette vidéo et merci la Corée pour vos superbes véhicules ❤️

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Merci!

[@remoteaccess6599]

4:39 is that the battery bank? what are those two modules?

[@MotorgraphWorld]

That's a subwoofer box :-)

[@tbone4919]

Very drastic changes in design but that's bc of Peter Shreyer. The new Niro has that rear c pillar blade like design similar to the Audi R8 with differences in body color. Very informative video Ms. Cho. Awesome job as always.

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

He was there in 17 . The new one is less user friendly.

[@ukiah501]

Nice car, I really like this one. I ‘m interested in the EV, I hope more affordable. When is this coming out in Europe?

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Accroding to Electric Vehicle Web, it will reach the UK and Europe in the second half of 2022.

[@be236]

Can you also do a Kia Niro EV 2023?

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Soon!

[@denisrousseau9071]

Hello Mary love your new straith hair style , beautiful hair!

[@adrianciobotaru9595]

i own a 2020 kia Niro... i'm telling you: mine is much better looking than the new 2023 Niro... that C pillar si ugly... i have a nice window there... the front and the back are too much ufo-like... the headlights are lower on the new version... the back lights were nicer in the past, too...

[@arthurthedane9204]

Thank you for the video. I am going to trade in my current Kia Sportage next year for the new e Niro when it comes out in the UK. It is stunning. However it isn't without its faults. The black panel at the side rear means that it has an enormous blind spot there. The current design has a rear glass quarterlight which gives it more vision there. My Kia Sportage GTLine S has 360 degree camera which I love, but I believe it won't be an option on the UK spec of the e Niro. That's sad. the new e Niro is also going to be slightly larger too. Why do they do that? If I wanted a larger car then I would choose a larger car.

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Thank you for watching!

[@GriffinCerva]

Great comparison! I really like the new Niro. Now that the new Sportage has a hybrid version, could you do a comparison between the Niro and the Sportage hybrid?

[@highviewbarbell]

I like the old one better myself :) But that's cuz I own one lol

[@PeterNidzgorski]

great vid, I'd go with "ee ko" vs "eh ko" for "eco" mode

[@markmd9]

I don't believe that you have room to spread the legs on the back seat, Next time you need to show some proof 😂

[@dearbulls]

Nice interior, a hint of the EV6 vibe looks nice.

[@ruudkraan7072]

The new one is very good to see.

[@colinmonaco976]

I’m so upset now that I bought a 2022 Kia Niro hybrid…. Damn… this look so sexy! I want one! Ugh!

[@B9M3]

The mismatching C pillar looks like a factory mistake and would drive me to buy a Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. The piano black interior will be all scratched up in a few months. Terrible design decision.

[@MrsVoss]

I have the piano black on the 1st Gen and I love it.

[@johngowers8045]

Yes me too want the full ev version

[@michaelschmidt2394]

The Niro 1 is realy the old Version not the modern Facelift with agressiv daylight and tigernose. So the comparisson is not actual. The back of the Niro 2 is ugly. The possible change to an agressiv design was not used! Lets wait for the technical improvement. I realy expect more EV range for the PHEV and the EV.

[@jakubonojakubono3087]

The new one looks odd. Far too odd for my European taste.

[@osamehammadi9167]

Good video Nice car ❤👍🥰KIA🥰👍❤

[@tomattime]

A high quality review, the difference between the models is quite remarkable. Excellent episode Mari and crew 👏🏽

[@MotorgraphWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@tomattime]

@@MotorgraphWorld thank you for your fascinating episodes

[@RicoZed]

Interior is great, exterior is weird, particularly the rear. Curious vehicule

[@wayneullman5079]

I would t call it improved just different. What goes around comes around. Angular then rounder then back again.

[@Dancer810]

Please use "much wider" and "much lower". Adding the word "more" (as in "much more wider") is redundant/unnecessary. 🙂

[@ИннаЛогвин-и7х]

Thanks you

[@Tofi246]

35.5mpg?? First I thought it was a typo.. there's no point to buy new hybrid with that short mpg!

[@mahdihosseinali7492]

Previous design of Sportage was a cross between a frog and crocs

[@alantaylor9331]

Extremely clear and concise constructed comments well done.

[@mikel4879]

The boot volume behind the back seats is too small, therefore the car is unusable.