2023 Kia Niro: First Look

© Kia America2023 Kia Niro
Kia debuted the second generation of the electrified Niro hatchback at the 2022 New York International Auto Show. Featuring distinctive, expressive styling, the 2023 Kia Niro will be offered in three versions when it goes on sale: hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all electric. Stronger, lighter and more powerful, the new Niro is also larger than its predecessor with an overall length of 174 inches. The new Niro rides on a 107.1-inch wheelbase.

© Kia AmericaElectric Momentum
“Kia’s electrified vehicle momentum continues with the launch of the all-new second-generation Niro, which offers more refinement, versatility, connectivity, and technology than ever,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America. “The 2023 Niro was designed for today’s needs and for sustainable future mobility,” noted Center.

© Kia AmericaOpposites United
The distinctive and sporty exterior includes design elements from the 2019 HabaNiro concept and is based on the “Opposites United” design philosophy that Kia describes as a combination of inspiration from nature with aerodynamic refinement. At the front, upswept daytime running lights flank the new iteration of the signature tiger nose grille. At the rear are boomerang-shaped LED taillights and a heartbeat-shaped rear reflector.

© Kia AmericaAero Blade
The side profile is highlighted by the Aero Blade, a unique design element that also improves aerodynamics. The Aero Blade can be painted in the body color or a number of contrasting colors. Niro HEV and Niro PHEV feature black door cladding and wheel arches, while the Niro EV includes Steel Gray or black exterior trim depending on the body color.

© Kia America2023 Kia Niro HEV
All three versions of the 2023 Niro are front-wheel drive, and the hybrid-electric Niro gets power from a 1.6-liter engine combined with a 32 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor for a total combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That power is delivered through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kia has improved cooling, friction and combustion technologies to boost efficiency, and fuel economy is projected to be 53 mpg combined. The Niro HEB will have a total range of 588 miles.

© Kia America2023 Kia Niro PHEV
The plug-in hybrid electric Niro combines the 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a 62 kW electric motor for a total system output of 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is stored in a 11.1 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, and the estimated all-electric range is 33 miles when fitted with 16-inch wheels — a 25 percent improvement over the previous generation. When connected to a Level 2 charger, the Niro PHEV can fully charge the battery in less than three hours.

© Kia America2023 Kia Niro EV
The all-electric Niro EV is powered by a 150 kW (201 horsepower) electric motor; the energy for that motor gets stored in a 64.8 kWh battery. With standard DC fast-charging capability, the Niro EV can charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes at a maximum charging rate of 85 kW when plugged in to a Level 3 fast charger. Equipped with a 11 kW onboard charger, the Niro EV will recharge on a Level 2 charger in under seven hours. An optional heat pump and battery warmer help preserve range in cold temperatures.

© Kia AmericaDrive Modes
To improve driving efficiency, in addition to Sport and Eco drive modes, the all-new Kia Niro introduces Green Zone Drive Mode, which automatically transfers Niro HEV and Niro PHEV into EV drive mode based on information from the navigation system and driving history. Intelligent regenerative braking offers different regeneration levels to slow the car and capture kinetic energy to maximize driving range. The system uses radar and road gradient information to determine the amount of regeneration required to capture the maximum amount of energy from the brakes while bringing Niro to a stop.

© Kia AmericaNiro Interior
The interior design of the all-new 2023 Kia Niro complements the bold exterior with a parametric design that draws cues from the all-electric Kia EV6. Niro employs premium materials and textures to create a high-tech feel with an emphasis on sustainability. The Niro EV interior features animal-free textiles including the premium seating surfaces and touchpoints throughout. The headliner is made of recycled wallpaper, and the slim seats with integrated coat hangers are covered with high-quality bio polyurethane and Tencel made from eucalyptus leaves. The BTX-free paint used on Niro’s door panels does not include benzene, toluene or xylene isomers.

© Kia AmericaDual Screens
Niro offers available panoramic dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, with a lower panel that toggles between infotainment controls and climate control options like the EV6. Active Sound Design allows the driver to digitally enhance the engine and motor sounds of the Niro, while an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system is optional. The 2023 Niro EV is available with the same vehicle-to-load onboard generator functionality first offered on EV6.

© Kia AmericaDriver-Assistance Systems
The suite of standard driver-assistance systems for Niro includes forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot collision avoidance and other features. Smart cruise control with stop and go and a navigation-based curve system is available across the Niro lineup. Optional for the first time on Niro EV is Highway Driving Assist II that integrates lane change assist, forward collision avoidance with lane change, and smart cruise control with machine learning.

© Kia AmericaKia Connect
Kia Niro EX and above includes Kia Connect advanced in-vehicle connectivity, which is accessible in the vehicle or via the Kia Access app. A new Digital Key 2.0 allows the driver to unlock the 2023 Niro doors and start the vehicle using an Apple iPhone, Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Digital Key 2.0 can also be shared by sending a text.

© Kia AmericaOn-Sale Date
All three Kia Niro versions will be available for purchase in all 50 states at any Kia retailer beginning in summer 2022.

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