BestCarAudio.com

Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry

Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
  • About
  • Upgrades
    • Marine Audio
    • Motorcycle Audio
  • Articles
    • Bluetooth
    • Car Audio
    • Motorcycle Audio
    • Navigation
    • Remote Starter
    • Satellite Radio
    • Smartphone Integration
    • Test Drive Product Reviews
    • Vehicle Insights
  • Profiles
    • Installation Profiles
    • Installer Profiles
    • Retailer Profiles
    • Vendor Profiles
  • Products
  • Dealer Locator
  • Shop
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • 0 items
Home » Vehicle Insights » 2018 Kia Niro Touring. Niro Hero?

2018 Kia Niro Touring. Niro Hero?

December 29, 2017 By Brett Solomon

Kia Niro TouringWhile a lot of Americans aren’t quite ready for full-electric vehicles because of range anxiety, hybrid vehicles have proven their effectiveness. The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight led the charge (so to speak), and now we are getting hybrid offerings from manufacturers we did not expect. For example, Volvo is looking to hybrid-ize its entire fleet by 2019. Moreover, standard hybrid drivetrains are great because of their familiarity to the end user. Plug-in hybrids are wonderful until you move into an apartment complex and have to park the vehicle in a lot without power. In a standard hybrid, you just fill up the gas tank and let the vehicle’s computer figure out the optimal fuel consumption. Kia’s Niro is the latest foray the company offers in the world of hybrids. It is a smart choice. We tested Toyota’s Prius Prime, which looks the part of a space-age hybrid, but the Niro goes for the look of a CUV. No one would know it is a hybrid unless they saw the badge or detected the lack of noise when creeping away from a stoplight. To some customers, that is important.

Rather than use the typical CVT, the Niro uses a six-speed, dual-clutch automated gearbox that is supplemented by an electric motor/generator. Typically, these set-ups are slightly more harsh than a traditional automatic transmission using a torque converter, but that is not the case here. In fact, the Niro is one of the most “regular-car”-like hybrid vehicles out there. The computer works at seamlessly blending the torque from the gas engine and electric motor for a smooth application of power that does not feel weird. Purportedly on the base model, the Niro offers the best fuel economy of any conventional hybrid, coming in at 50 mpg combined. My Touring model tester wears more aggressive footwear and weighs slightly more, so I achieved about 42 mpg overall. Which is pretty darn good for a vehicle that behaves like a car and looks like a little crossover!

Kia Niro TouringOn the interior end, the Touring is loaded. For those who would never consider a Kia, take a closer look at the feature set: The Touring includes heated and cooled front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built-in, as well as built-in navigation, all for $32K. Heck, there are even memory seats! If you want those features in, say, a Mazda CX-3, well, you can’t get them all! Cooled seats are a rarity in this segment (or any vehicle below $60K). However, it is possible to get them as an aftermarket option. Ask your local mobile electronics retailer about the Degreez by Katzkin line.

Kia Niro TouringThe infotainment in the Niro works well. The 8-inch screen is clear, and the button layout is similar to an Audi’s. For people with compatible phones, there is even Qi wireless charging onboard, located on a small pad in the center console. If you choose a lesser LX model, your local retailer can also add Qi. The Harman Kardon sound system featuring Clari-Fi technology is a winner. There are eight speakers and a small subwoofer to help get the party started. Imaging is done well and you can tell the Harman engineers sat down with the Kia designers to get it dialed in. However, you must step up to the Touring model to get it. Customers can save about $10K to get into the LX model, and then pick and choose features in the aftermarket to get the exact vehicle they want.

Overall, I enjoyed my time spent with the Niro. The only hiccup I had was hitting a pothole in NYC and wishing I had a spare tire. As with most hybrids, you are left only with a mobility kit of tire foam that sometimes does not do the trick. However, Kia Roadside Assistance was pleasantly helpful … right down to asking about the clearance of the parking garage to make sure a tow vehicle could get there and get me back in service quickly. For those looking for a vehicle that sips gas and offers loads of practicality, check out our new hero, the Niro!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Email

Related

Filed Under: Car Audio, Navigation, Smartphone Integration, Vehicle Insights Tagged With: 2018, Heated Seats, Katzkin, Kia, Niro

About Brett Solomon

I have been writing and editing for the mobile electronics community for over twenty years. I started as the Editor-at-Large for CarSound Magazine and AutoMedia Magazines. Currently I am the 12 Volt Tech Editor for Dealerscope Magazine. Additionally, I review vehicles for a multitude of publications and I am a member of the International Motor Press Association.

When I am not working, you usually can find me tinkering with my Harley, fishing or figure skating with my daughter (who would have thought?!)

Kicker ad
Audison Forza

Save Time and Money!

Our buying guides will help you make educated decisions when upgrading your vehicle. Click the image above to shop our affordable and informative buying guides.

Industry Profiles

KICKER

Mobile Enhancement Vendor Profile: Kicker

October 12, 2023 By BestCarAudio.com 

When it comes to car audio, KICKER easily ranks highly among brands with the highest recognition rates among … [Read More...]

Amp Rack

Pinnacle Autosound Audi Q3 Amp Rack and Subs

August 16, 2023 By Dave MacKinnon 

A short while back, we looked at the stunning Audi Q3 demo vehicle built by Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City, Florida. We … [Read More...]

Press Releases

DroneMobile XC
DroneMobile Unveils First Dash Cam to Create an All-in-One Solution
Sony XAV-9000ES
Sony Electronics Introduces New Mobile ES Car AV Receiver and Power Amplifiers
RDVFL Mighty Mount Press Release
RDV Becomes Exclusive US Distributor for Mighty Mount
New Heise Connect App Goes Live for Smart Devices
RDVFL CarPlay CP1
RDV Releases New CarPlay Hardware Platform

Vehicle Insights

2023 BMW M340i

2023 BMW M340i. You Can Still Get Old School BMW with New Tech.

2023 Cadillac Escalade

2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum. The Baddest ‘Normal’ Escalade You Can Get.

Find Facility Near You

Subscribe to BestCarAudio via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to BestCarAudio.com and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Popular Categories

  • Car Audio
  • Window Tint
  • Remote Car Starters
  • Vehicle Insights
  • Radar Detectors

Supporting Manufacturers

  • Arc Audio
  • Compustar
  • Hertz
  • Momento
  • Rockford Fosgate
  • Sony

Contact

  • Editorial
  • General
  • Advertise
  • Dealer Locator Guidelines

Miscellaneous

  • Profile Request
  • Press Release Guidelines

Sign up for our newsletter today. Opt out at any time with 1 click.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

BestCarAudio.com is a product of 1sixty8 media, inc. · Copyright © 2023 1sixty8 media, inc. · Privacy Policy · Website by 1sixty8 media, inc. · Log in

 

Loading Comments...