Garden Grove Kia

Top 5 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Facts and Features

It seems that hybrid vehicles are undoubtedly the most practical and efficient options in the current automotive landscape. Anything that requires a charge is instantly less appealing for many simply because the infrastructure in America just isn’t quite big enough at this time. We predict plug-in hybrids will become the next top choice, followed by fully electric vehicles once charging stations are as prevalent as gas stations, and charging times are reduced to a reasonable wait time. For now, we’re excited to talk about the top 5 facts you should know about the 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid, along with some of the features we’re most excited about.

What you need to know about the 2017 Kia Niro

1) The 2017 Kia Niro has a 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle GDI engine paired with a 42kW electric motor. The downside of hybrids is often the power output, and nobody wants to drive a sports utility vehicle that is all efficiency and no power. Total system output is 146 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while Kia estimates a combined fuel economy of 50 mpg. Kia claims the model will have a nearly 600-mile range, though official EPA estimates are not available yet.

2) Maximum cargo volume is 49.5 cubic feet. Just how big is the 2017 Kia Niro? Full interior dimensions haven’t been revealed, but cargo space with the seats up is 18.8 cu. ft. The wheelbase is 106.3-inches with front headroom sitting a 39.8 inches and front legroom coming in at 41.7 inches.

3) The Niro isn’t equipped with a CVT. Maybe a continuously variable transmission isn’t a deal breaker for you, but some drivers find them boring, which has been a long criticism of hybrids in general. Kia didn’t want to add another boring hybrid to the market, which is why you’re seeing a crossover instead of another bean-shaped hatchback and why you’ll find a dual-clutch six-speed automatic as the transmission of choice.

More for 2017: Is the 2017 Kia Soul getting a turbocharged engine?

4) Pricing is expected around $25,000. We’re used to seeing low prices from Kia, and the brand has only been rising when it comes to long-term value and reliability ratings, so there really is no catch. A hybrid, and a crossover, at this price is an excellent deal, but if the model really does average 50 mpg, it will be one of the smartest choices for the cost of ownership.

5) Advanced hybrid technology in the 2017 Kia Niro helps you drive smarter. We expect a range of driver assistance features to be available in the mode, from blind spot detection to smart cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. But we’re already seeing these features. What you should be watching out for is the Eco-DAS system, which includes Coasting Guide and Predictive Energy Control. The first features tells you when to start coasting to save on fuel, while Predictive Energy Control uses the navigation system and cruise control features to consistently check for topographical changes. Basically it automatically decides when it’s best to use the electric energy or charge the battery depending on road conditions.

We could go on and on about the aerodynamic design, weight reduction and noise cancellation design elements that allow the 2017 Kia Niro to be as impressive as it is, but we think these are the key takeaways you’ll actually be interested in. The Kia Niro isn’t at dealerships yet, but we expect a release date sometime early in 2017. Stay tuned here at the Garden Grove Kia Blog to learn more about trims and color options once the model hits dealerships.