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Kia Niro Hybrid Wants To Kick Toyota Prius Butt, With Style

  • <p>The Niro rides on a new chassis designed for Kia and Hyundai’s efficient models.</p>
    1/7

    2017 Kia Niro

    The Niro rides on a new chassis designed for Kia and Hyundai’s efficient models.

  • <p>At 106.3 inches, the Niro has the exact same wheelbase as the Prius.</p>
    2/7

    2017 Kia Niro

    At 106.3 inches, the Niro has the exact same wheelbase as the Prius.

  • <p>The engine-electric-battery combo in the Niro churns out 146 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with 40 percent thermal efficiency—again, just like the Prius.</p>
    3/7

    2017 Kia Niro

    The engine-electric-battery combo in the Niro churns out 146 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with 40 percent thermal efficiency—again, just like the Prius.

  • <p>The small 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery does not cut into cargo space much.</p>
    4/7

    2017 Kia Niro

    The small 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery does not cut into cargo space much.

  • <p>The Niro sports the routine set of safety features and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.</p>
    5/7

    2017 Kia Niro

    The Niro sports the routine set of safety features and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

  • <p>To get to 50 mpg in a larger vehicle, the Niro employs several tricks, such as cutting back on how much air it’s gulping for the HVAC system.</p>
    6/7

    2017 Kia Niro

    To get to 50 mpg in a larger vehicle, the Niro employs several tricks, such as cutting back on how much air it’s gulping for the HVAC system.

  • <p>Pricing wasn’t announced; the Niro should go on sale later this year.</p>
    7/7

    2017 Kia Niro

    Pricing wasn’t announced; the Niro should go on sale later this year.

<p>The Niro rides on a new chassis designed for Kia and Hyundai’s efficient models.</p>
<p>At 106.3 inches, the Niro has the exact same wheelbase as the Prius.</p>
<p>The engine-electric-battery combo in the Niro churns out 146 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with 40 percent thermal efficiency—again, just like the Prius.</p>
<p>The small 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery does not cut into cargo space much.</p>
<p>The Niro sports the routine set of safety features and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.</p>
<p>To get to 50 mpg in a larger vehicle, the Niro employs several tricks, such as cutting back on how much air it’s gulping for the HVAC system.</p>
<p>Pricing wasn’t announced; the Niro should go on sale later this year.</p>
Justin Hyde
·Managing Editor

When it comes to hybrids, there’s the Toyota Prius and then everything else. The Prius commands roughly 45 percent of all hybrid sales in this country and a plurality worldwide. It’s so dominating few automakers have ever attempted to build unique hybrid-only models, and when they do, they usually aim for customers outside the Prius’ landing zone.

Today, Kia unveiled its new hybrid designed to hit the Prius where it hurts. Dubbed the Niro, the subcompact SUV offers seating for five in a stylish package that mimics the ride height of today’s most popular models. A new engine-electric motor combo should deliver 50 mpg. And Kia promises more actual driving enjoyment, although the new Prius does make some gains in that measure as well.

Hybrids live or die by not just how well they save fuel, but how smartly they manage all the technical steps of getting power to and from the wheels and at what price; more than most cars, it’s impossible to pass a verdict on the Niro from pictures alone. But so far, Kia appears to have made smart, and even lucky, choices. Take a closer look in the images above.