The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid Is the Ford Maverick of Compact SUVs
Are you interested in buying a new compact SUV? One interesting choice is the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid. Small crossovers like the Niro have become more popular for their spacious interior, smooth car-like ride, and versatility. Buying the hybrid version of the Niro is a lot like buying the Ford Maverick. Ford’s truck is a small, versatile compact pickup with a standard hybrid engine for a low price. That’s why the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid is the Ford Maverick of compact SUVs.
How much does a 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid cost?
The price of a base model 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid starts at $26,490 MSRP. In addition, the automaker charges customers a $1,295 delivery fee. Kelley Blue Book calls the Niro Hybrid “sensible, but weird.” Furthermore, the base model isn’t the only affordable trim level. Every Niro Hybrid starts at a lower price than many other compact SUVs, especially those equipped with a hybrid powertrain. It sounds like another vehicle we know all too well.
Just like the Niro Hybrid, the 2023 Ford Maverick is more affordable than its rivals. Moreover, it’s the cheapest pickup truck in the compact or full-size segment. Starting just above $20,000, it’s surprising it comes with a standard hybrid powertrain, offering the best truck fuel economy in the market. As buyers sort through the trim levels, they quickly find that no Maverick exceeds the $30,000 mark.
| 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid trim | Price | 2023 Ford Maverick trim | Price |
| LX | $26,490 | XL | $23,670 |
| EX | $29,090 | XLT | $25,930 |
| SX | $32,490 | Lariat | $29,430 |
The Niro has new unique design changes for 2023
According to KBB, the 2023 Kia Niro has a new aerodynamic feature the automaker is calling the “aero blade.” It’s a chevron-shaped body panel in the rear of the vehicle, which is an inch from the other bodywork, allowing air to flow through it. It’s available with either a contrasting color or painted the same as the body color to match. KBB prefers the contrasting shade as it matches Kia’s paint jobs.
The automaker says the chevron reduces road noise and improves fuel economy. In addition, KBB thinks it will make passersby notice the Niro more often than not. Next, the Kia compact SUV received a complete overhaul for its interior. It now has two screens as one on the front center dash, which is an upscale look most Kia models have adopted.
Is the 2023 Kia Niro available as a non-hybrid?
The 2023 Kia Niro can come as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle. There is no standard gas-only powertrain. Unfortunately, pricing is not available for the other variants just yet. According to KBB, Kia is regularly announcing prices recently, so they’ll likely reveal the additional Niro costs sooner than later.
The Niro Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that runs on a lithium-ion battery. Together, the pair make 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Just like the Ford Maverick, Kia’s compact SUV is a genuine gas-saver. It’s rated for 53 mpg in the city and 54 on the highway. Even compared to other hybrid compact SUVs, the 2023 Kia Niro Hyrbid gets impressive fuel economy.
In conclusion, the new 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid has a lot going for it. With a completely redesigned interior, it’s just another Kia model looking upscale and fancy inside. However, it’s a cost- and fuel-friendly compact SUV, which reminds us a lot of the Ford Maverick pickup truck. Models like these outperform their opponents in some ways, but most importantly, with affordability.
