Electric vehicles may not be for everyone, but everyone wants to save money. That’s where the 2024 Kia Niro hybrid comes in.

It combines both the traditional internal combustion engine and an electronic drivetrain to maximise fuel efficiency. The Niro hybrid was all-new for 2023 and it easily improves on the outgoing model in 2024 guise.

EXTERIOR

Kia has never shied away from radical change or design. The Niro shares precious little visually with the old car, pushing more into its role as a crossover SUV, rather than the pseudo-hatchback design it previous had.

The styling is both futuristic and purposeful. Lighting, front and rear, is relatively unique as it takes up the brands move to very angular shapes. Close inspection will show the purposeful elements, like small strakes to direct airflow and a flying buttress near the tail lights. As the aim is fuel economy, Kia has maximised the Niro hybrid’s shape for aerodynamic efficiency.

INTERIOR

The inside of the Niro hybrid represents much of the thought process put into the exterior. There is a futuristic vibe as it moves more into an SUV form. There’s lots of space for human cargo and otherwise. The build quality is on par with rivals within the crossover SUV space.

Soft touch materials are placed at main contact points. The design of the dashboard as it angles and wraps around the front of the cabin is very modern, like some of its controls. Kia’s infotainment, regardless of vehicle, moves fast, has clear graphics, and is intuitive to operate. From behind the unusually shaped steering wheel is all-digital instrumentation. Should one not want to bother with physical controls, wipers and headlights can be set to automatic and left to function on their own. Keeping button clutter to a minimum are the HVAC controls that serve dual purpose as media controls with the touch of one of the several haptic buttons. A big testament to the Niro hybrid’s quality is its low noise floor during EV operation.

ON THE ROAD

The driving experience also makes the move to the SUV side of the automotive graph. Gone is the firm sporty hatchback feel of the previous model, replaced by a softer suspension. It is still composed and can be hustled in the right hands, but the Niro is set up for comfort and eking as many miles as possible from a litre of fuel. A full tank will indicate 781 kilometres of range.

The Niro hybrid combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder combustion engine with an electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery. The total output is 139bhp. This is just a small part of the picture. Electric torque is near instant, delivering enough low and mid-range power to send the traction control if drivers are not careful.

There are only two modes, ECO and SPORT. The transition between both power sources is invisible, and the car will stay in EV mode for the large majority of urban operation. The car recharges itself via several methods including regenerative braking and coasting. Driving in SPORT mode, ironically, provides the fastest recharge time.

The Niro hybrid has obviously been updated to best fit into the current tastes of the SUV-crazy masses. That said, it has moved itself forward in the required metrics, while continuing to define its own path in the Kia line-up. Hybrids continue to be the choice for those not wanting or able to make the commitment to full electric, and the Niro, in hybrid trim, is a good addition to that list of options.