In Case You Missed it: The 2021 Kia Niro PHEV Gets New Features & Pricing

author: Manish Kharinta   

The 2021 Kia Niro PHEV

Earlier this month, we reported that Korean car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Co announced a refresh of its Kona electric crossover, which is set to hit dealerships across North America later this year. Hyundai's refreshed Kona will debut as a 2022 model and will get many exterior and interior updates.

Now, Hyundai's sister company Kia Motors also announced an update to its all-new Niro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which will be offered as a 2021 model in North America. The Niro PHEV is getting several updates along with a range of new features.

The new model carries forward the powertrain from its predecessor and comes with an 8.9 kWh battery. It will offer 26 miles of all-electric range as per EPA estimates.

The hybrid Niro's drivetrain features a conventional 1.6-liter gas-powered motor mated to an electric motor which generates a combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of peak torque. According to EPA estimates, the 2021 Niro PHEV will offer around 44 mpg of fuel economy on the highway and 48 mpg in the city. 

The 2021 Kia Niro interior.

Kia also increased the price of all Niro PHEV trim levels, but only slightly. The entity-level LXS trim models are now priced at $29,590, which includes a $100 price increase and an additional $55.00 destination charge. 

The prices of the Niro EX and EX Premium trims now start from $33,390 and $36,550, respectively. But the 2021 Kia Niro PHEV will now come equipped with an all-new rear occupant alert feature as standard.

The cabin will also get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which will come equipped with a wireless interface for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The crossover's predecessors only featured a wired interface and did not offer a remote engine start feature, which is now available on the new Smart Key equipped models.

All navigation-equipped models will now get Kia's MapCare suite. As a bonus, Kia will offer complimentary map updates for 10 years. 

Kia has also updated its "DriveWise" Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in a major way. All models equipped with Smart Cruise Control and navigation now get Kia's new Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Curve (NSCC-C).

The NSCC-C system uses navigation data to predict the incoming curve of the road and automatically reduces the cruising speed as the vehicle enters the section of roadway. Upon exiting the curve, the system automatically accelerates back to the preset speed selected by the driver. NSCC-C adds an additional layer of safety when navigation through curves. 

Kia said that it will release the full details and specifications for the 2021 Niro PHEV later this year. 

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.