Kia on Wednesday, at the New York auto show, revealed a completely redesigned lineup of 2023 Niro models—including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV versions. 

Niro Hybrid models have a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine paired to a 32-kw electric motor that’s packaged with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That combination makes 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and Kia expects to earn 53 mpg combined. 

Plug-in hybrid versions gain a 62-kw electric motor and a combined output of 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, as well as an 11.1-kwh lithium-ion battery pack that will allow an EPA-estimated 33 miles in some versions, which Kia says is a 25% improvement over current Niro PHEVs.

The Niro EV gets a 64.8-kwh battery pack and 201-hp electric motor. It can now charge its 64.8-kwh battery pack from 10% to 80% in less than 45 minutes—at up to 85 kw—or to full in less than seven hours at the peak rate from its 11-kw Level 2 charger. It will return a targeted 253 miles of range—versus 239 miles for the current version—and an available heat pump and battery warmer should help some achieve that in less than ideal conditions.

Kia has also added a Green Zone Drive Mode for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, allowing them to automatically prioritize electric driving near schools and hospitals. And an intelligent regenerative braking system uses radar and road information. The whole Niro lineup remains front-wheel drive. Its 6.3 inches of ground clearance keep it closer to a car than a utility vehicle, although Kia adds a skid plate in back

The exterior of the new Niro draws from the look of the HabaNiro concept revealed at the New York show three years ago. Kia says that the drag coefficient of the Niro is 0.29—impressive for the somewhat boxy, upright shape. It takes on an evolved version of the contrast-color rear pillar behind the rear door—only in black instead of orange. More cladding around the vehicle has been shifted from chrome to black, while the front styling is framed with sharp LED running lamps and rear the rear gets an upkick with Boomerang-style LED taillights. Niro EV models replace the black cladding with Steel Gray in some versions. 

Kia says that the new Niro family is larger inside than the current version—with 8 more cubic feet of passenger space, Kia claims—even though it’s about the same size on the outside. It’s 174 inches long, on a wheelbase of 107.1 inches. Cargo space is a good 22.8 cubic feet. 

Kia has described the aesthetic of the dash itself as “calming, yet irregular,” with the design of the doors fitting into an arc that rises over the gauges and interface. Kia appears to have emphasized gloss-black surfaces—and, unfortunately touch surfaces—but it’s kept the metallic cues to a minimum. The family syncs up with Kia’s Plan S for more electric and electrified vehicles, and its drive to upgrade its interiors with sustainable yet premium materials. Here, that includes a headliner made with recycled wallpaper, seat upholstery made from bio polyurethane and eucalyptus leaves, and paint that it claims is free of benzene, toluene, and xylene. 

Kia hasn’t yet detailed trim-level feature differences for the 2023 Niro lineup, but it says that it will offer a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient mood lighting, eight-speaker premium sound, adaptive cruise control, a Digital Key system, a head-up display, and dual 10.3-inch screens covering instrument-panel and infotainment duties—with over-the-air updates for maps and more. Kia says that the system has both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus a wireless phone charger. A full suite of active-safety items now includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and a safe-exit system to help with parking on busy roadways.

Previously, the Niro has been offered in hybrid form in all 50 states, with the plug-in versions limited to 12 states. The Niro EV is an efficient and pleasant-driving vehicle, and it was a runner-up for our Best Car To Buy 2020, and we suggested it might have won had the model been widely available. The brand started to expand availability of those models last year, and Kia now plans to offer all three versions in 50 states—just like the new EV6 electric crossover. 

Kia says that the full lineup of Niro models will reach dealerships starting in fall 2022. 

Sign up to get the latest green car and environmental news, delivered to your inbox daily!

I agree to receive emails from Green Car Reports. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy.

Scout is the new name for VW electric SUVs. Rivian’s price hike seems to have spurred more interest. And Foxconn is a U.S. automaker, enabling Lordstown and Fisker. It’s been a busy news week, full of twists and turns. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. With the completion of the sale of a former GM plant in Ohio to Hon Hai Technology Group—otherwise known as Foxconn, the contract maker of the iPhone—the Lordstown Endurance electric pickup is on for production later this year. That also re-ups plans for Foxconn to act as the contract manufacturer for the...

With the iPhone maker Foxconn as contract manufacturer, Fisker is aiming for a minimum of 250,000 a year at the Ohio factory that used to crank out Chevy small cars.

Foxconn will also invest $100 million in a joint venture that will work with Lordstown Motors and engineer vehicles to be based on Foxconn’s MiH (mobility in harmony) platform.

Rivian has made a total of 5,000 trucks cumulatively. But it has 10,000 new preorders, for trucks costing an average $93,000, since raising prices on its trucks by as much as $12,000 in March.

What Thing? VW is bringing back the Scout SUV badge as a fully electric SUV brand, with models due in 2026.

Tesla screens have been overheating. The big electric semi from Freightliner and Daimler Trucks has bowed in production form. And we drive the F-150 Lightning. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning doesn’t reinvent the pickup truck, but it makes it better by...

Overheating could cause the screen to lag or restart. Since the rearview camera feed is displayed through the screen, this is considered a safety-critical issue.

The production eCascadia will be available with single or tandem e-axles, with battery packs ranging up to 438 kwh. The heavy-duty semi is still considered a short-haul truck, with a maximum range of 230 miles.

The F-150 Lightning outdoes its gasoline counterpart in many respects—and charts new territory as a power broker.

With the 131-kwh extended-range battery pack, the Lightning gets up to 320 miles of EPA range and delivers 70 MPGe combined.

BMW believes in electric versions of its gasoline sedans. EV chargers are a security concern. And is this a new start or the beginning of the end for Ohio’s Lordstown Motors? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Will Lordstown survive? This is the week we’ll likely get a better...

SUVs aside, BMW will start truly diverging its EVs from the rest of its traditional lineup in 2025. But in the meantime, it sees no hurry in forfeiting its share of gasoline sales.