What Is the Most Affordable Plug-In Hybrid SUV?
A plug-in hybrid uses internal combustion and electricity to move the wheels of a vehicle. A typical PHEV powertrain setup consists of one or more electric motors, an engine, and a battery that can store enough power for the vehicle to travel using just electricity. This complex powertrain system can get pretty pricey. Many plug-in hybrid SUVs start at over $40K, which is out of the price range of some drivers. What is the most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV?
What is the cheapest plug-in hybrid SUV?
The most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV is from none other than South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company’s brand Kia. Hyundai and its brands are experiencing great success in electrifying its portfolio. The Ioniq 6 recently won the 2023 World Car of the Year award.
The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid starts at just $33,840. It’s one of the few PHEVs to have a starting price under $35,000. The question is, does the Kia Niro PHEV provide adequate value for the money?
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The subcompact plug-in hybrid SUV achieves about 50 miles per gallon. It can travel for 33 miles using the power its stores via its battery.
The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid should be able to travel for nearly 523 miles on a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery. The PHEV can save drivers big bucks at the pump thanks to its stellar fuel economy and great electric-only driving range.
What comes standard on the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Niro PHEV includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a smart key with push-button and remote start, and a wireless phone charger. It also features auto-sensing windshield wipers, SynTex and cloth seat trim with heated front seats, and smart cruise control with stop and go.
The subcompact plug-in hybrid SUV comes with rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and blind spot detection technology. It features roof rails and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Kia Connect, and SiriusXM satellite radio as well.
The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is well-equipped for its affordable starting price. It has a great mix of standard creature comforts, driving safety and assistance features, and tech.
Kia really packed value into its subcompact SUV offering. It’s also available in an SX Touring configuration for drivers that want features like a sunroof, smart power tailgate, and a heated steering wheel. The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid SX Touring starts at $39,590 (which is still pretty affordable).
Should you get a Kia Niro PHEV?
There are several great plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market including the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Kia Niro PHEV isn’t exciting in terms of power, but its value proposition is tough to ignore.
The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is great for drivers that regularly travel far distances and care deeply about fuel economy. It got a high expert review score from Kelley Blue Book. The Niro PHEV is a great choice for drivers that have access to EV chargers to get the most out of the SUV’s capabilities.
