The 2021 Kia Niro near Rio Rancho NM is an Eco-friendly Trendsetter

 All over the world, carmakers are switching from gasoline-powered vehicles to eco-friendly hybrids and EVs and Kia is no exception. In fact, the 2021 Kia Niro near Rio Rancho NM could actually be a trendsetter in the automotive market. 

Just as other small crossovers do, the Kia Niro is offered with a choice of powertrains. But unlike the other vehicles of this type and size, not one of the options is a conventional gasoline or even diesel engine. And there never will be one of those options. 

With prices in ascending order, first is the "self-charging" hybrid model, which has a small lithium-ion drive battery and e-motor for short periods of engine-off driving, mated with a 1.6 liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine that does most of the work. Regenerative braking takes the energy created when you brake, and uses it to recharge the drive battery. This model has an EPA estimated 52 city, 49 highway, and 50 combined MPG.1 

 Next up is the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) which can run for extended spells on electric power (if you remember to plug it in, ha!), but just like the previous model, uses the same 1.6 liter gasoline engine as its major method of driving force. It also utilizes regenerative charging. Fuel economy in this 2021 Kia Niro near Rio Rancho NM boasts an all-electric range of up to 26 miles, 46 MPG combined, and 105 MPGe combined.2

Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models come with a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Four different driving modes are included: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Eco+. Each mode adjusts the regenerative braking level, heating/cooling settings, and even speed limits to help you manage the Niro effectively. In Sport Mode you'll get a better feel when steering, increased throttle response, and smooth shifting when accelerating. Neither is especially fast, but the excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions surely make up for the lack of raw power. Besides, the Niro was never meant to be super fast, it was meant to be economical.  

2021 Kia Niro near Rio Rancho NM: Electric Version

Last but not least is the Niro EV, which of course gets rid of the gasoline powered engine altogether in order to employ an all-electric drive. Kia gives the EV version of the  2021 Kia Niro near Rio Rancho NM an estimated 282-mile range, which is quite good.2 With 291 lb-ft of torque and the 201 hp electric engine, this little SUV can get-up-and-go. There's an overall sense of solidness to the Niro EV, a balanced weight distribution thanks to the batteries under the floor. This low center of gravity combined with the instant acceleration of the electric motor make this Niro a blast to drive!

 Underneath everything the Kia Niro is essentially the same vehicle as the Hyundai Ioniq, which in turn is similar to a Toyota Prius, only better! However, while the Ioniq looks like a hybrid, slippery and low, kind of futuristic; the Niro exchanges a bit of efficiency for a more practical and stylish crossover type body. But all models of the Kia Niro look generally the same, no matter which powertrain you choose. 

A few subtle, cosmetic differences are all that separate the three Niro variants, even fewer now since the Hybrid and PHEV were recently updated to get them aligned with the newer Niro EV. On the outside this looks like redesigned headlights and front fascias, while inside it looks like new trim and improved touchscreen infotainment systems. 

Now more than ever, car companies are making the switch to hybrids and all-electric vehicles, but the 2021 Kia Niro near Rio Rancho NM was designed to be clean and energy-efficient since its beginning. Make an appointment to discover more about the Niro at Fiesta Kia, located at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE in Albuquerque. 

Disclaimers: 1Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle's condition.  2 All electric range is based on EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practices, battery age, weather, temperature, and vehicle's condition.  Battery capacity will decrease with time and use.