Larger than before but with a similar gas-electric powertrain, the second-generation Niro will arrive in the U.S. later this year.
Kia has released further details about the second-generation Niro, which was unveiled late last year. The Kia Niro will be available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions in 2023, with the conventional hybrid being the first to arrive.
- Kia has revealed more information about the new 2023 Niro hybrid.
- It will again use a 139-hp powertrain with a 1.6-liter gas four-cylinder engine. Plug-in-hybrid and EV models will follow.
- The Niro hybrid will likely go on sale in the U.S. later this year.
A 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will power the Niro hybrid once more. Kia claims that the overall output will be 139 horsepower, the same as before, and that it will only be available in front-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid and electric variants haven’t been revealed yet, but they’ll almost certainly have more powerful electric motors and larger battery packs. Kia has revealed images of the Niro EV, which highlight a new front-end appearance.
The 2023 Niro is slightly larger than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and a 2.5-inch longer body that should provide greater passenger and baggage space. Its style is mostly inspired by the HabaNiro concept car, and it will come with a variety of trim options: eight exterior colours, six colour options for the contrasting C-pillar trim, and three trim options for the body cladding.
Like many other new Kia models, the Niro has a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a digital gauge cluster on the inside. The Niro hybrid variants now come standard with a rotary shift knob, which was previously only available on the Niro EV.
We expect to see Kia provide more U.S.-specific information in the coming months, as the Niro is set to go on sale in Korea first with other markets to follow later this year.
