2023 Niro is all new, gets PHEV, EV, Hybrid powertrains
Debut set for next week at New York Auto Show
Kia is bringing an all-new version of its compact Niro crossover to the New York International Auto Show next week. The automaker has some concept-car detailing in store for the production model, and it will stay true to its original form and come in hybrid, PHEV, and fully-EV variants.
The Kia Niro first arrived in 2016, arriving as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Based on the Hyundai Ioniq chassis, the Niro was a very different approach to green driving than the Ioniq (and several of its competitors at the time) because it didn’t look like a hybrid. Instead, it looked just like any other subcompact crossover.
The 2023 Kia Niro is a big reshape from the first generation, going all-in on the funky and angular designs the brand has introduced in the years between. Kia says it’s inspired by the HabaNiro concept car that debuted in NY in 2019, though it won’t get that vehicle’s butterfly doors.
It will get a very similar light signature with the measuring cup-shaped driving lights. The 2023 Niro will also have an Audi R8-like sideblade behind the rear doors, with Kia showing the panel in both body colour and accented highlight gloss black.
Kia isn’t saying much about the new model, because we’re going to have to wait until April 13th. The automaker does say that it will have “a cabin brimming with technology, driver assist features, and generous cargo capacity.” We’ll have to wait for those details as well as Kia’s powertrain details (and all-important EV range) until the 2023 Niro crosses the stage in NYC.
