2017 KIA Niro

The Hybrid New Kid in Town

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

The Kia Niro may not be the car for everyone, but it is certainly the right car at the right time for us. We were driving a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited with every package known to mankind added. It was certainly not lacking for both features and comfort, but the six-cylinder engine was sucking gas at an alarming rate. The Niro consistently delivers at least 40 mpg and up to 50 mpg, even in Touring trim for us, buzzing up and down Portland hills and the coastal mountains (more like really big hills.) So it consistently meets its EPA projections, unless you're heavy-footed, in which case you'll still reach the high 30's. The nice transition from the luxurious Cherokee was made simpler by the inclusion of many great comfort features, including a heated steering wheel; heated AND ventilated front seats; adjustable power back bolster in the driver's seat; auto folding and dipping rear view mirrors; HID projector headlights; and a host of safety features. The Touring version includes both front and rear parking sensors, which we love and which are a rare find even at twice the price. There's adaptive cruise control, cross traffic detection, automatic emergency braking and more. All this might seem over the top, but once you're used to these features (the Cherokee had them) they are hard to give up. The seats are firm but surprisingly comfortable, and the ride is pretty quiet (Touring has more sound proofing packed into it.) The wheelbase is stretched out with the wheels at the corners, for a more supple ride than you'd expect. Handling is quite predictable. Controls are super-logical, with everything right where you expect to find it. I am surprised at how good Car Play (Apple) functions; I was expecting to turn it off and use Google Maps and Android Auto, but the Apple system works transparently and (most of the time) gets you to your intended destination with a minimum of errors and a terrific interface. This is not a powerful automobile, but with the Sport mode you can harness the combined power of both electric and gas motors for a pretty substantial boost when needed, and this is easily activated with a flick of the gear lever to the side - - great for entering freeways, or for a burst of passing power. In sum, if you're sick of burning through tons of gas, and having to visit the station more often than you'd like, the Niro is the ideal solution, and provides enough comfort and utility to cover most of the bases for singles, couples and small families. It is not really an SUV so much as a "tall wagon" but does carry quite a substantial load with the seat down. It's slightly smaller size compared to many SUVs makes it far easier to maneuver and park in urban situations. The turning circle is quite amazing and small.