2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
The Kia Niro, an efficient small crossover, was introduced for 2017 and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model followed in 2018. For 2019, the Niro PHEV carries over with minor updates to the vehicle’s three trim levels.
The Niro’s exterior is designed for mass appeal, looking fresh and modern. Kia has streamlined the color palette, omitting last year’s Platinum Graphite, Metal Stream, and Rich Espresso, and swapping out Crimson Red in favor of Runway Red.
Every Niro PHEV gets the same powertrain, a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, 44.5 kW electric motor, and 6-speed automatic transmission. This combination yields 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, making it super efficient, with an EPA estimate of 105 MPGe combined and an all-electric range of up to 26 miles.
Trims include LX, EX, and EX Premium. Standard features in the Niro PHEV LX include cloth upholstery, 6-way adjustable front seats, projection headlights, LED daytime-running lights, LED turn signals, push-button start, a multi-function steering wheel, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The EX trim adds upgraded upholstery and door coverings, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and power-folding outside mirrors with turn signals. The top-tier EX Premium includes ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, and LED headlights.
A 7-inch color touchscreen comes standard, and infotainment features include AM/FM radio, MP3 compatibility, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 4-speaker audio system. Budget for the EX Premium to get an 8-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and navigation.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet evaluated the 2019 Niro, but the 2018 model earned Good scores and a Top Safety Pick+ award for models equipped with front crash-prevention technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the 2018 or 2019 Niro. Standard safety features include a reversing camera, smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and driver-attention assist. The EX model adds lane-change assist, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. EX Premium includes front and rear park assist.
The Kia Niro is a great crossover, and the availability of a plug-in hybrid powertrain makes it even more versatile. There’s a lot of appeal here, for experienced PHEV owners as well as for newcomers to the fold.
User reviews for 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Top Comparisons
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.9 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 45 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (120V): 8.75 hours · Electric motor charging time (240V): 2.25 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 26 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 104 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 109 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia MyUVO · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: passenger side · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.9 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 45 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (120V): 8.75 hours · Electric motor charging time (240V): 2.25 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 26 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 104 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 109 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia MyUVO · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: passenger side · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.9 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 45 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (120V): 8.75 hours · Electric motor charging time (240V): 2.25 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 26 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 104 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 109 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia MyUVO · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front