SUMMARY
PHEVs have seen a massive boon because of the rise in fuel costs and the importance of fuel efficiency with newer drivers. The 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid is the brand’s smallest SUV that’s been given a hybrid powertrain for better fuel usage. Its powertrain isn’t as perky as its rivals, but it does make up for it with the impressive MPG scores it managed to get. If you’re looking to make the jump to a PHEV, then this Kia Niro might just be the one for you. This 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid review will look into the specs and features that give it the reliability you’ve come to expect from the brand.
LATEST
The only change made to the look of the Niro PHEV is the inclusion of the brand’s reworked logo on several spots like the steering wheel and the car’s exterior. Apart from that, the Niro PHEV releases with no major alterations made to it.
ESTIMATED PRICE
The 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid price point varies depending on the trim level you choose. The base LXS is the simplest in the lineup and comes with only a handful of specialized features and technologies when compared to its higher-end siblings. Things get much more complex with the layouts of the EX and EX Premium models as they carry the bulk of the roster of standard technology features. The EX Premium gets extra marks from us for its inclusion of navigation-based systems and improvements to the infotainment system. The roster of 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid colors ranges from Runaway Red, Deep Cerulean, Horizon Blue, and other options which total to 7 different colorways. Below are the different starting MSRPs of each trim level of the 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid:
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| 2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LXS | $29,950* |
| 2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX | $33,390* |
| 2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium | $36,490* |
Much like any of the vehicles produced by Kia, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid can be leased through the brand’s leasing program. You can find the 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid lease price on their official site alongside other potential financing options.
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
The 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid specs show how the 1.6-Liter 4-Cylinder Engine is supported by an AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor. The traditional gas engine is capable of 104 horsepower and a torque output of 109 pounds-feet. The electric motor creates around 60 horsepower and 125 pounds-feet of torque, creating a total of 139 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque for the combined system. The transmission system on the Niro PHEV is a Dual Clutch 6-speed Automatic system with only a front-wheel drivetrain setup made available. The 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid range is around 560 miles and has an all-electric range of 26 miles.
BATTERY LIFE
All models of the Niro PHEV make use of a Lithium-ion Polymer battery pack with a voltage rating of 360 volts. It’s got a battery capacity of 24.7 Ah and an output of 59 kW. Supporting the electric motors in providing power to the system, it’s recharged by a regenerative braking system that harvests energy from the car’s brakes.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
The EPA has only recorded the combined MPG of the 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid. Looking into the car’s performance with gas only, we see it’s still capable of decent numbers with 46 Combined/MPG. Using the Hybrid system, its efficiency skyrockets to 105 Combined/MPG. Below are the respective MPG scores of the 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid:
| Trim Mileage Estimates | City/mpg | Highway/mpg | Combined/mpg |
| 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid (Elec + Gas) | N/A | N/A | 105 |
| 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid (Gas) | N/A | N/A | 46 |
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
The company’s new design philosophy has bled into the 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid interior design, producing a space that’s easy to navigate and simple. However, we do note that the material work uses a lot of synthetic plastics and cloth trims which is a trait shared by even the EX Premium. The Niro PHEV has a passenger volume of 100.9 cubic feet and is made for 5 passengers. Seating trims vary on every trim level and range from Cloth, a combination of cloth and leather, and SynTex seating materials. For cargo capacity, the Niro PHEV has a cargo volume of 19.4 cubic feet with the rear seats deployed. With the rear seats being folded in a 60/40 manner, the cargo volume increases to a max of 54.5 cubic feet.
TECHNOLOGY
The infotainment suite on the 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid starts with an 8-inch Color Touchscreen display that’s upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the EX Premium. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard to all models alongside Bluetooth Hands-Free Connectivity options. Wireless Phone Charging is only available on the EX and EX Premium with the option for USB Power Outlets standard across the lineup. Drivers can make use of a 4.2- or 7.0-inch instrument cluster depending on the trim level. The audio system on the LXS and EX models is a 6-speaker AM/FM/USB audio system that’s improved to an 8-speaker setup provided by Harman Kardon.
SAFETY
With a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, this PHEV does a decent job at giving passengers a feeling of safety and security. The safety suite of the base models of the 2022 Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid is a bit barren when it comes to driver-assistive tech but gets better as you go upgrade to better trim levels. All models come with some form of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping and Following Assists, Driver Attention Warning systems, and Stability/Traction Control Systems. Cruise Control functions are only available on the EX and EX Premium with the latter of the two sporting a navigation-based system with Stop & Go features. Highway Driving Assists and a Park Distance Warning – Reverse are only available on the EX Premium.
WARRANTY
Kia is a brand that’s well known for its extensive vehicle warranty packages and value-oriented policies. Their limited warranty covers 5 years of use or the first 60,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. Next is their outstanding powertrain warranty which spans a whole 10 years with a mileage limit of 100,000 miles driven. It also comes with a 5-year anti-perforation warranty and a roadside assistance plan with mileage limits of 100,000 miles and 60,000 miles, respectively.