Learn More about Hybrid Kia near Rio Rancho, NM

 Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you fed up with increasing gasoline prices? Do you want to lessen your carbon footprint? Yes? Then it’s time to research the benefits of a hybrid Kia near Rio Rancho, NM. With an assortment of reliable Kia hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric models, our selection of Alternative Fuel autos symbolizes the future of environmentally friendly driving in New Mexico. 

Differences between Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs

The electrification of vehicles has been going on for more than a decade. (In actuality, electric cars were invented BEFORE gasoline-powered, or ICE (internal combustion engine) automobiles, but that’s a whole other story!) Yet, many of us still don’t understand the difference between hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EVs. However, due to a host of reasons, the sale and popularity of these autos are on the rise, so it’s time to discover what defines each type and the benefits of each. 

A hybrid vehicle pairs the ICE with a battery-powered electric motor to make the car go. The electric motor can operate independently or with the ICE, thus improving fuel economy. When driving in fully-electric mode, the range of the hybrid car can vary from around 15 to 50 miles. The driving range is dependent on the battery’s size. 

With a hybrid powertrain, the ICE recharges the battery as you drive. A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has a larger battery, thus, a higher range. It is recharged by plugging it into an electrical outlet (like charging the battery on your cell phone) at home or at a charging station.  

An EV (electric vehicle) uses only an electric motor and a battery to propel the automobile. There is no internal combustion engine. The battery in these vehicles has a MUCH larger capacity than those found in hybrid cars. Consequently, the driving range is significantly increased. Automakers believe future EVs will easily top 300 miles of range on a full charge. Currently, most EVs have a range of 200+ miles.  

Now that the differences have been explained, it’s time to explore hybrid Kia near Rio Rancho, NM.  

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is a small crossover/SUV/hatchback offered in all three electrified versions: a regular hybrid, PHEV, and EV. All three models received a total redesign for 2023, including an improved interior and more technology. The traditional Niro is the most affordable and has a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It provides excellent fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 49 mpg combined. 

The Niro PHEV has a 4-cylinder gas engine combined with an electric motor. But enough energy is stored in the 11.1-kWh battery pack to return an EPA-estimated 33 all-electric miles from a full charge. When the charge runs out, it gets 48 mpg. With better acceleration than the standard hybrid and a higher range than the Niro EV when using combined gas + electric operation, the Niro PHEV may be the best of both worlds. The battery can be fully recharged in less than three hours using a Level 2 charger. 

The Niro EV has a range of 293 miles on a full charge and comes with fast charging capability that can add 100 miles of range in less than 30 minutes using a DC fast charging outlet. With its electric motor and battery powertrain, this Niro has an impressive output of 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. It also has a laundry list of standard features and an excellent warranty (as do all Kia models).

Hybrid Kia near Rio Rancho, NM: Sorento and Sportage

Slotting between the larger, three-row Telluride and the slightly smaller Sportage, the Sorento Hybrid is one of the few compact crossover SUVs with three rows of seating. It’s also available as an ICE model and a PHEV. It has loads of standard features, delivers 227 hp, and gets 37 mpg combined. The Sorento Hybrid is quite plush for its price and is a highly-rated SUV.

The Kia Sportage was also redesigned for the 2023 model year and comes in Hybrid form for the first time ever, along with a PHEV and gasoline-powered version. It’s larger than before, offering more room for passengers and cargo, and has a technology-rich new interior with a very modern look. The Sportage Hybrid is one of the quickest and best-riding hybrid crossovers in its class. It’s a solid rival to others in its segment, including the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and if you’ve been thinking about either of those, please check it out.

Visit Fiesta

At Fiesta Kia, we know electrified vehicles are the future, and we intend to provide area drivers with the best selection of hybrid, PHEVs, and EVs that Kia has to offer. We invite you to browse our inventory online or visit us in person at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.