2020 Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$29,490 to $36,390

Original MSRP

--

expert review

2.0

avg user rating

(1 review)
2020 Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In Preview summaryImage

The Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In Vehicle (PHEV) melds a traditional car with hybrid propulsion and some amount of all-electric range. For 2020, it sees light styling enhancements, a new trim, and new technology.

This year, Kia replaced the Niro PHEV’s exterior lights, gave it a new diamond-pattern grille, redesigned the bumpers, and added new wheel options. The result is a car that looks familiar, but fresh. The inside hasn't changed as much but still seats 5 people.

All Niro PHEVs come with a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 60 horsepower motor, 8.9-kilowatt-hour battery, and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). All in, the combination is good for 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. You’ll see fuel economy numbers as good as 48 mpg city, 44 highway, and 46 combined. There are 26 miles of electric range, in which the Niro PHEV delivers 105 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) and 560 miles of total range. You can recharge the Niro PHEV in about 2.5 hours with a standard Level 2 household charger.

The previous EX and EX Premium trims return, but a new base LXS trim slots beneath them for 2020. It comes with projector-beam headlights, LED taillights, keyless access and start, 16-inch aero wheels, rear privacy glass, a new 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The other trims tack on such niceties as a wireless phone charger, heated outside mirrors, a larger instrument cluster display, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, a Harman-Kardon 8-speaker audio system with subwoofer, navigation, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a new power sunroof, and LED headlights.

The Niro PHEV comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite, which bundles a rear-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention warning, and leading vehicle departure warning. Adaptive cruise control, advanced automatic emergency braking with cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, rear occupant alert, and lane-following assist are optional. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested other members of the Niro family and gave them excellent marks.

The Kia Niro PHEV is the best parts of a gasoline and electric vehicle.

Kyree Rollerson
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Kyree Rollerson
A CarGurus contributor since 2017, Kyree has always been fascinated with the automotive world, especially when it comes to premium European cars. But regardless of the vehicle—whether it's an efficient hybrid or the latest luxury sled—he's always ready to dispense information and advice.

User reviews for 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In

Write a review
User rating:
by Bob S
Dec 15, 2023
Has left rear tire alignment problem that may or may not affect premature tire wearDec 15, 2023

2020 Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-In Pricing

Original MSRP
$29,490 to $36,390
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

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 · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · HD 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

Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

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: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

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 · 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 · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · HD 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

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · 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: chrome surround · 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: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

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: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: 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 · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia MyUVO · Smart device app function: lock operation

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 · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Pandora internet radio · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · 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: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: passenger side · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · 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 POIs · Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

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): front

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

See all trims (3)