Odd and Interesting as a Front-Running Performance Piece: The 2023 Kia Niro Aero Blade Design

We all had our eyes intently focused on the New York Auto show over the past week, as the 2023 Niro was on display front and center, considerably sharper than before, with the new feature of the Aero Blade running from the top of the rear door all the way down and into the wheel cladding. This fascinating design was explained in detail courtesy of the folks from Autoblog.com, as there’s initially an opening in the blade partway down, right about where the window intersects with the door.

This eye-catching apparatus brings improvements to wind noise efficiency, aero, and the overall stability of the car. It aims to be as fuel-efficient as possible and has helped the new generation hybrid rise up to 53 mpg combined, and the EV resides at 253 miles combined. After many hours spent with the engineering team, we found that this would be slightly better aerodynamically if there were an ample amount of passthrough. It also is a visually intriguing design, blending ideally with the already funky and modern appearance of the Niro. 

If you wish, you can have it painted in the body color for a more uniform look, and it’s a symbol and sign of just how rapidly things are changing with car design and ingenious additives of the times. These help with the functionality and improve efficiency for the popular car that the Consumer Reports team claimed made “evolutionary advancements” for the 2023-year model and is built on a new and lighter platform. There’s also a brand-new infotainment system, as well as a very useful assortment of standard active safety and driver assistance features. 

As far as the new Aero Blade we just looked at, with its high stance, conservative styling, and automatic transmission that behaves very traditionally, this is a great model for those who want fuel economy with unparalleled versatility. Quick and quiet acceleration along with very sharp handling and a comfortable ride will win many drivers over for the Niro’s new model, which can be outfitted with dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment touch screen. 

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability are standard features, and a wireless phone charger is optional. There will be three versions available in the form of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. While using Level 2 charging on 240 volts, the Niro PHEV can recharge its 11.1 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery in just under 3 hours, so much faster than waiting nearly overnight for Level 1. On top of Eco and Sport drive modes, both Niro hybrids will also have a new Green Zone Drive Mode that automatically switches the powertrain and EV drive mode when cruising through residential areas and near safe zones such as schools.