The sales and service staff here at Jim Butler are once again excited about a Consumer Reports survey, and the results proving how Kia is a superior force in the longevity and reliability game. Some of the predominant findings from this year are about newly redesigned models in general: they are likely to have less reliable engines, jerky transmissions, or high-tech features that may completely fail. Passengers love their infotainment systems: they are the entertainment vehicle that keeps them ultimately entertained while they cruise to their next destination. But this year's results showed that on re-designed vehicles, people actually reported twice as many problems on Infotainment systems.
Cars such as the Subaru Impreza showed below-average reliability, with issues such as in-car electronics. Sometimes the rearview camera did not work properly, and the phone tended to suddenly pair without warning. GMC's Acadia sometimes produced blank screens, and in in-dash navigation system that is known for sudden malfunction. The Chevy Cruze was redesigned for the 2016 and 2017 model years, and suffered problems within the power equipment, engine, and transmission in terms of reliability.
The 2017 Kia Niro was the one that scored highest in reliability, a benchmark achievement for one of our absolute favorite vehicles. Billed as an “un-hybrid”, the Niro is a very successful combination of a hybrid powertrain, with a subcompact crossover for the best of many various uses. The interior is plenty roomy, with an elevated seating position for easy entry/exit, and a clear view of the road directly ahead of you. Fuel economy is rated at 52 MPG for the city, which immediately lures many to line up to purchase one. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning are some of the available safety tech devices on board, that will assure for you a safe trip under any circumstances.
12 years after Ford added electric assist options to its Escape, a hybridized, small utility vehicle finally gets to show its true potential with the Niro. We are adamant about just how great this vehicle is for the price, as it is much cheaper than the Nissan Rogue, and the 32-mpg RAV4 hybrids by several thousand dollars. The hybrid powertrain technology basically behaves quite similarly to a conventional gasoline-only vehicle, and rewards the buyer with high efficiency. You can fit 6 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, and the traditionally sharp design elements of Kia will win you over with a new Niro. It's always refreshing to see compact hybrids deliver to the max with your money's worth: ranking high on Consumer Reports is a lofty feat to be reckoned with!
