If there is one thing that is true about our beloved brand, it is that we are very experienced in loading up large amounts of value and features into small places. That trend continues on all fronts with the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV: with the base LX trim level, you get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a 4.2-inch display in the gauge cluster, power adjustable driver's seat, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control. Within the base trim's infotainment system, you get a 7-inch touchscreen, equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.
Moving up to the middle EX trim level provides heated side mirrors for cold St Louis mornings, cloth seats with leather inserts, heated front seats, and rear AC vents. For safety, there is blind spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert on deck. When customers come to talk to us here on the lot at Jim Butler Kia, safety is among their top concerns. We know what it's like to have a family or loved ones in tow, and the need to keep them safe at every single turn. Backing up out of a driveway sometimes takes place in a hurry, and it's so crucial to monitor every little bit of movement around you before you go to reverse.
At the top of the Niro's lineup is the EX Premium trim: it really doles out the extras with LED headlights, a 7-inch display for the gauge cluster, a 110-volt power inverter, leather seats with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and an able-to-rock 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Safety features have seen the ante upped a bit, thanks to the addition of front and rear parking sensors, and the infotainment screen gets a few more navigation capabilities, as well as a screen with an extra inch in size.
No matter what trim you choose the powertrain remains the same on the Niro. A 1.6-liter, Atkinson-cycle 14 pairs impressively with an electric motor for an impressive output of 139 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque. The battery provides the power for 26 mile of all-electric range, yielding a total range of around 550 miles. EPA ratings on mileage are 48 mpg in the city, and 44 on the highway. The good folks at Road Show blog were impressed this week with what the car offers for the price, and we know that you will be too. As far as getting around in the New World, the games have changed a bit, and sustainable energy has been a hot topic of concern. Check out just how much the new Niro has to offer, and get ready to make a difference for the environment with your New Year's vehicle selection.
