The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a hybrid vehicle with some all-electric range, just like the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid and Toyota Prius Prime. There aren’t many changes for 2021.

The lone powertrain for the Niro Plug-In Hybrid incorporates a 1.6-liter inline-four engine, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), an 8.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and an electric motor. Total system output is 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. But it’s the Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s efficiency that’s more impressive: 105 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric mode, and 46 combined city/highway mpg in gasoline mode. It’s also rated for 26 miles of all-electric range and 560 miles of total range. Charging-wise, the standard Level 2 home charger will replenish the car’s battery in 2.25 hours. DC fast charging (Level 3) isn’t available, however.

Just like last year, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid comes in LXS, EX, and EX Premium grades. The base LXS comes with 16-inch wheels, projector-beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, a six-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The EX comes with mirror-mounted LED turn signals, front fog lights, LED taillights, Qi wireless device charging, a 7-inch instrument cluster LCD, rear console vents, cloth-and-leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, adjustable ambient lighting, and heated front seats.

The EX Premium tops the range with LED headlights, a sunroof, an eight-speaker audio system that includes a subwoofer, LED interior lights, leatherette upholstery, cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety-wise, even the base LXS gets forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning with lead-vehicle departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX comes with cyclist avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-following assist, and a new rear-occupant alert feature. Moving up to the EX Premium gives you rear parking sensors and navigation-enabled adaptive cruise control.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid (without the plug) four out of five stars for overall crash safety, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Niro Plug-In Hybrid top “Good” marks in all crash tests.

The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a thrifty and practical vehicle.