Kia Releases Pricing for Its Unusual 2017 Niro Hybrid
Kia has released the price list for its new hybrid crossover, the Niro.
The Niro, which launches in the first quarter of this year, carries a base sticker price of $23,785 after destination. Carrying a brand name that doesn’t immediately spring to mind when utility-hungry shoppers think “crossovers,” the front-wheel-drive-only hybrid Niro stands out on the basis of its powertrain alone, but is it what people want?
The Niro comes in five trim levels, though each rung on the ladder has the same power on tap. An Atkinson-cycle 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque joins forces with an electric motor, boosting total output to 139 hp and 195 lb-ft. The only transmission choice is a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
In base FE form, the Niro delivers a lot for the price. Providing features like a back-up camera, seven-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, it’s not devoid of technology. Moving up to the LX only adds a push-button start, LED taillights, and rails to mount a roof rack. While it doesn’t receive a huge list of upgrades, the $24,095 LX is only a modest $310 step up.
For $27,595, you can get the EX, which comes with many more features. This trim level includes fog lamps, LED running lights, heated power-folding mirrors, heated seats, a steering wheel with leather, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist. A $2,500 increase might seem steep, but it is still priced much lower than any of its competitors.
The special Launch Edition is next with a $28,895 price tag. This package includes 18-inch alloys, a larger touchscreen, premium audio, and a 10-way driver seat. Top-end Touring trim adds another $1,650, topping out the range at $30,545. Standard equipment on that model includes a tilt/slide sunroof, heated steering wheel, and ventilated seats. Features from the Launch Edition are included with the Touring, as well.
Packages containing a host of driver-assist technologies are offered on various trim levels. Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning are available on the LX for an additional $1,450. These features are a $2,300 upgrade on the EX, but that package also adds cruise control and the same sunroof as the Touring.
The Touring has a $1,900 option that includes the driver-assist tech, plus HID headlights, a wireless phone charger, and a 110-volt power inverter.
While the Niro can be considered a trailblazer in the fledgling subcompact hybrid crossover market, stickering for $10,000 less than larger hybrid crossovers with comparable features, it remains to be seen if the sub-segment takes off or fizzles.
[Image: Kia Motors]
More by Tyler Wooley
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I like the idea of this, but much like the Santa Fe Sport, Sonata Eco, and Elantra Sport (which I still really want but probably won't buy), I have a LOT of apprehension toward the DCT. More specifically, regarding DRY DCT setups. I've read a lot of kerfluff over Santa Fe no-power and overheating conditions in the Santa Fe. We also have a '16 Fiesta with the PowerShift DCT. Yes, different automaker, but when comparing wet and dry clutch DCTs, clearly the wet clutch is superior (VW...) The caveat is that I have not yet driven Hyundai's DCTs, and I SHOULD (and will) be giving them a try. Plus it has the excellent 10/100 warranty that should generally ease anyone's apprehension. But as much as I like the direct drive feel of a dual-clutch setup, and being a manual enthusiast who has spent more than half his licensed life drivinfg manuals for daily driving, I've found the Fiesta impossible to drive smoothly and without shift shock unless the throttle is pinned to the floor. Even in manual mode, too, the DCT gets a bit confused from time to time... and there's been a couple situations, even in Sport mode, where it's been caught between gears at a rolling stop and just kind of... rolls for a second or two before finally kicking down a gear and going. Kind of unnerving with traffic behind you. If Hyundai offered a wet clutch setup, maintenance-be-damned, I'd feel a lot more comfortable. And a lot more confident that a couple hard launches in 100 degree-plus California Summers in rush hour traffic won't result in overheat warnings from the car.
I must not be paying attention. For some reason I thought the Niro was AWD, with electric motors on the rear wheels. It's much less interesting to me as a FWD -- not much different than the Soul in terms of utility. Will the fuel savings make up for the higher price?