2019 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid Specs, Release Dates, Prices

The 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) brings an exciting new dimension to Kia’s alternative fuel car line-up. As Kia third plug-in model, the Niro PHEV offers the same crossover utility, fun-driving and winning design of the Niro hybrid.

Rated at an EPA-estimated up to 26 miles of All-Electric Range, the Niro PHEV can help some drivers consume less gasoline in most driving conditions and in all-electric mode it produces zero emissions. And with the total driving range rated at up to an estimated 560 miles, it offers fantastic versatility. With the 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid you can have it all—pure EV daily driving and the ability to take long road trips.

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers all the same feature-rich packaging and driving fun of the hybrid Niro, but with a few PHEV-exclusive touches, such as a subtly-modified front grille insert and surround, hybrid blue exterior accents, available LED headlamps, a charge port door and available 7-inch color meter cluster with digital tachometer.

POWERTRAIN

The 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid pairs an all-aluminum, efficient 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder engine with an 8.9 kWh (59 kW) lithium-polymer battery pack and a powerful 60-HP (44.5 kW) electric motor, a set-up for optimum fuel efficiency and electrically driven range. While the Niro PHEV boasts an MPGe rating of 105, its EPA-estimated MPG ratings of 48 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 46 mpg/combined are similar to those of Niro hybrid. The estimated driving range when both electric and gasoline systems work together is up to 560 miles.

Increased high-voltage battery capacity and output/power have helped make the Niro Plug-in Hybrid an efficient, low emissions crossover with a 105 MPGe rating. The 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid compact, high voltage battery is neatly tucked under the cargo floor and under the rear seat and maintains the same spacious cargo capacity as the Niro hybrid. A single charging port is located in the driver’s side front fender. A full charge can be achieved in approximately 2.5 hours via a 240V (Level 2) charger, and under 9 hours via a 120V (Level 1) charger.

The 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid employs the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) as the Niro, which translates to more enjoyable and engaging driving. Drivers can choose from several driving modes, including EV mode, Hybrid mode, (default) Eco mode, or Sport mode for quicker transmission response that takes advantage of the powertrain combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Another notable energy-conserving feature is the Driver-Only Air Conditioning, which directs the ventilation toward the driver only and decreases the power consumption of the air conditioning system.

TRIM LEVELS AND PRICING

Like the Niro hybrid, the Niro PHEV seats five and offers the same great crossover functionality and generous cargo capacity. The 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid offered in three trim levels—LX, EX and EX Premium.

Standard equipment for the base LX includes 16-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, 60/40-split folding rear seats, keyless entry and push-button start, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Also standard are a 7-inch infotainment display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, two USB ports, and a four-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Also standard are a rearview camera, front collision warning and mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

The EX trim level that adds xenon headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear air vents, leather and cloth upholstery, additional adjustments for the driver's seat, and heated front seats. The EX Premium adds LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a bigger driver information display, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 110-volt power outlet, a Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system, a wireless phone charger, and ventilated front seats.

The 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid also includes UVO eco which extends Kia’s award-winning connectivity service by offering convenience and safety features tailored to eco-minded drivers. With UVO eco, drivers can remotely monitor and charge their vehicle’s high-voltage battery, setup charging schedules to take advantage of off-peak utility rates, preset the vehicle’s cabin temperature, turn on window defrosters, and heat the steering wheel, lock or unlock doors, and find their vehicle from their smartphone or web enabled device.

MSRP for all 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is as follow:

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ *excludes $995 destination