Because this is the final year of the current Niro’s life cycle, the 2022 Kia Niro PHEV returns unchanged.
It represents one-third of a trio of electrified crossovers that also includes the hybrid (HEV) Niro and the Niro EV. The Niro PHEV sort of bridges its Niro siblings.
The Niro is a traditional hybrid. Its gasoline-fueled engine and electric motor work together to propel it.
The all-electric Niro EV sources all of its power from a battery-fueled electric motor. It must be plugged in to charge.
Straddling the technology of the other two, the Niro PHEV also requires plugging in for a full charge. However, its electric motor can propel the Niro on its own for a government-estimated 26 miles before the gasoline engine takes over.
The Niro and Niro EV are discussed in detail elsewhere.
Why a Niro PHEV? The simple answer is, it provides enough electric-only propulsion for daily errands. Yet, when the gasoline engine takes over, it can go hundreds of miles, interrupted only by occasional fuel stops.
Easily parked, the Niro PHEV’s size and nimble handling qualify it as a serious urban runabout.
Kia offers the Niro PHEV in LXS, EX, and EX Premium grades.
All grades use a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor for its thrust. A 6-speed automatic transmission rotates the front wheels. All-wheel drive (AWD) isn’t available.
The combined performance numbers are 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assesses vehicles that can run on battery power alone with a formula called miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). On battery power, the EPA-estimated mileage is 105 MPGe.
Once it switches to the gas engine, the estimated fuel economy is 48 miles per gallon city, 44 mpg highway, and 46 mpg in combined driving.
2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid LXS (Starting at $29,590)
Even when dressed as the entry-level grade, the Niro PHEV is fairly well equipped.
It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off projector-beam headlights, cloth seating, keyless entry with push-button start, and remote start.
Among its other standard content are dual-zone automatic climate control, 4.2-inch color driver-info display, and cruise control.
Among its infotainment features are an 8-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth with voice recognition, two USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto.
Standard driver aids include forward-collision warning with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and high-beam assist.
None of the Niro PHEV trims offer any factory options.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the LXS base price brings the total to $31,125. With no money down, financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $559 per month. Find a 2022 Kia Niro PHEV LXS for sale near you
2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid LXS Includes:
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Interfacing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from your smartphone to the vehicle’s multimedia system is achieved without cables.
Projector-beam headlights – A step up from reflector headlights, projector-beam headlights include a lens that magnifies the brightness of the beam. Here, they also feature auto on-off.
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX (Starting at $33,390)
To the LXS content, the EX adds an electronic parking brake with auto hold, foglamps, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and LED taillights.
Inside additions include leather-cloth seating, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, 7-inch driver info display, 10.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless phone charger.
Among the additional driver aids are lane-following assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-go.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the EX base price totals $34,565. Financing that amount with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $621 per month. Find a 2022 Niro PHEV EX for sale near you
2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX includes:
10-way power driver’s seat – Including lumbar adjustment, this power-operated seat also offers recline and height adjustments.
Wireless phone charger – It recharges any Qi-enabled smartphone without a cable.
LED taillights – Longer lasting than incandescent bulbs, LEDs are also brighter and easier for following drivers to see.
2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX Premium (starting at $36,490)
Building on the EX grade, the EX Premium adds a power sunroof, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a Harmon Kardon audio system.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the EX Premium base price totals $37,665. With no money down, financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $677. Find a 2022 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium for sale near you
2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX Premium Includes:
Highway Driving Assist – Kia’s semi-autonomous system helps drivers steer and brake the vehicle.
Harman Kardon audio – This 8-speaker system includes a subwoofer and HK’s Clari-Fi audio rebuilding technology.
Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, they help keep you comfortable in hot weather.
