The famous small crossover 2021 Kia Niro is ready for further updates. In addition, the manufacturer will refresh its whole line of SUVs and it will also launch some new SUVs on the market. The recently introduced Kia Seltos at the Los Angeles Auto Show confirms that claim.
According to officials, the refreshed version of Kia Niro will bring more features, and it will hit the dealerships later this year. Besides excellent styling, the new model will be available in three versions. The Korean manufacturer will introduce hybrid, plug-in, and an all-electric model.
2021 Kia Niro Styling
The refreshed 2021 Kia Niro will look more promising than the predecessor. Thanks to some updates that are happening outside, the new model will get a tweaked front. The new sharp-edged headlights with projector lamps inside of them dominate on the front.
Moreover, the attractive grille now has a mesh insert, which creates a bolder look. Chevron-shaped LED running lights are placed on the lower corners of the front fascia.
Better Graphics and More Comfort
The Niro’s cabin comes with more standard features than before. On top of that, we can expect more quality materials and an eight-inch infotainment screen as standard equipment.
Like before, the Kia Niro will be available with many optional features. So, if one goes for the upper trims, he can get a 10.25 inches infotainment touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman/Kardon stereo system. Styling inside will be tweaked, and it will including better graphics and more comfort. The driver assistance tech will be expanded and the manufacturer will add lane following, lane keeps assist and high beam system.
2021 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Specs
The base Niro employs a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 43-horsepower tractive motor sandwiched between the engine and gearbox. Thanks to that, this combination produces a combined 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid model also uses 1.56-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and quick-shifting 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel economy is one of the best in class and it exceeds 50 mpg in the city.
Moreover, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid will deploy a 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4 that produces around 185 horsepower. Also, this version gets a larger battery pack of 44.5-kW allowing an all-electric range of 26 miles. The combined fuel-economy rating of the plug-in model is 46 mpg/105 MPGe.
All-Electric Model
The all-new Kia Niro will be also available as an all-electric version. This model comes with a big 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor. Thanks to this combination, the output of electric one is 201 horsepower and a robust 291 lb-ft of torque.
Charging time with the wall outlet 120-volt is very slow, and it takes an estimated 59 hours. However, with a 220-volt charger time is cut to 9.5 hours. DC fast charger is also available and is the best choice right now. Charging with this charger can full Niro EV to 80 percent in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Moreover, with a full battery, this model can travel over 239 miles.
Release Date and Price
The release date of the redesigned Kia Niro will happen this year definitively. The upcoming 2021 Kia Niro starts with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) around $24,500.
Generally, the price can jump to around $33,000 for a fully loaded Niro Touring model. The Plug-in model that starts with LX trim costs $29,000, while the Kia Niro EV begins at $39,500.