The 2022 Kia Niro lineup has been announced and the biggest change is the addition of Kia’s new logo. You’ll still be able to get the subcompact crossover in three versions: a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a full battery-electric vehicle. The Niro Hybrid and Niro PHEV carry over unchanged while the Niro EV gets the 10.25-inch touch screen, built-in navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system as standard equipment on both trims. Kia has also discontinued the standard Touring grade on the Niro Hybrid and LED headlights have been discontinued on all three versions.
Powering the 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid and Niro PHEV is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder coupled to an electric motor, a 1.56-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The combined system output is 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. EPA ratings are 53/48/50 mpg city/highway/combined for the most efficient FE grade. The LXS, LXS SE, and EX Premium are rated at 51/46/49 mpg. Touring SE models are the least efficient at 46/40/43 mpg due to the larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
Niro PHEV models swap in a more powerful electric motor and a larger 8.9-kWh battery. This enables the crossover to travel up to 26 miles in all-electric mode. However, power ratings are the same as the standard Niro Hybrid. The EPA rates the Niro PHEV at 48/44/46 mpg when driven as a hybrid. With a full tank and a full charge, the total driving range stands at 560 miles.
The Niro EV continues to utilize a single electric motor with 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. On a single charge, it can travel up to 239 miles thanks to the standard 64-kWh battery. DC charging to 80 percent takes an hour at peak rates of 100 kW. A level 2 AC charger peaks at 7.2 kW, allowing you to fully charge in 9 hours and 35 minutes. If you’re looking for the quickest Niro, the EV is it. Kia says the Niro EV can hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Those living in cold climates can also add a heat pump and a battery heating system to the Niro EV.
Pricing for the 2022 Niro Hybrid starts at $25,865 for the base LX grade, the same as the previous model year. The most expensive version is the EX Premium at $33,165 or $960 cheaper than the 2021 equivalent. The Niro PHEV’s base price carries unchanged at $30,765 for the base LX grade. However, the range-topping EX Premium model is $60 less at $37,665.
At $41,165, the 2022 Niro EV is $900 more than the 2021 model due to the additional standard equipment. The EX Premium grade, on the other hand, carries over without any pricing changes at $45,825.
The lack of any major changes for the 2022 Kia Niro family is a hint that production for the current generation model has started to wind down. That means the next-generation model, which wears the project code SG2, is not far off and could debut before the end of the year. It should feature a similar look to the HabaNiro Concept and be offered in three flavors once again since it will use a heavily modified version of the current car’s platform. Expect all versions of the second-generation Niro to be available in all 50 states.
