The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid will be arriving early next year with a starting price of $28,840.
For the new model year, the base LX trim will come standard with a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 4.2-inch display gauge cluster, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a smart key with push-button start and immobilizer, autonomous emergency braking and smart cruise control.
The EX trim, with a starting price of $31,500, will add more features including heated front seats and outside mirrors, 10-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, cloth seats with leather inserts, blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
Finally, the range-topping EX Premium trim has a starting price of $34,500. Standard features include LED headlights, an 8-inch infotainment system voice-command navigation, leather-trimmed front seats with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and a 7-inch display gauge cluster.
All three variants are equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine that delivers 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid also comes with a 60-horsepower electric motor that derives power from an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery.
The eco-friendly subcompact crossover attains an all-electric range of 26 miles while both electric and gasoline systems can provide up to 560 miles. It also provides an EPA-estimated 48 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving, 44 mpg for highway driving and 46 mpg for combined driving.
Despite being more expensive than Toyota Prius Prime and Toyota Prius Two, the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid will reportedly be cheaper for customers who plan to lease.
According to Cars Direct, Kia will offer the Niro LX Plug-In Hybrid will cost $259 for 36 months with $1,999 to be paid at signing. Given the same terms and amount at signing, the Toyota Prius Two will cost $269 per month while the Prius Prime Plus will cost $349 per month.
A lower lease deal is possible because the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is able to factor in a $4,543 federal tax credit and an allowance of 12,000 miles per year.
