Kia has redesigned the Niro crossover SUV for the 2021 model year. As you would expect from a cutting-edge hybrid vehicle, the technology packages also feature the latest driver-assist systems, in-vehicle connectivity, remote operations, and entertainment systems. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best entertainment and technology offered on the 2021 Kia Niro so you can see for yourself how far the Niro has come.
The Command Center
We start with the hub of all your in-vehicle technology, the command center. All your tech runs through the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen. However, you can upgrade to a 10.25-inch interactive display with split-screen capability. These touch-screen displays come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, allowing you to connect your smartphones for hands-free operation seamlessly. Now you can send and receive calls, access your favorite apps, get navigation information, and more using intuitive voice commands. You can also get access to Kia’s Voice-Command Navigation system.
Keyless Entry
The Kia Niro comes with a key fob featuring keyless entry technology. Simply have the key fob on your person, and the doors unlock. You also get the smart key with a push-button ignition that allows you to start your Niro with the key fob in your pocket. The key fob even lets you remotely start your car.
Compatibility
Bluetooth streaming comes standard in every Niro model, allowing you to stream your favorite playlists. You also get standard USB ports. You can opt for the wireless phone charging station to ditch those pesky cables.
Supervision Instrument Cluster
The unified dashboard design features a 4.2-inch digital display that communicates all your critical driving data. You can see your fuel readings and battery storage that calculate available driving ranges for electric and gasoline reserves. You can see other statistics like speed and rpm, along with your advanced driver-assist updates and alerts. You can upgrade to a 7-inch screen for more visible data.
UVO Link from Kia
Kia’s UVO Link app allows you remote operating functionality from anywhere by downloading the app to your smartphone. You can lock or unlock your Niro, start it remotely, set the interior climate control system, and even sound the horn and lights with the push of a button. The Find My Car function allows you to mark your Niro on a map for later or activate mapping to help you navigate your way back to your car.
When you use the points of interest function, you can send these items to your infotainment system along with turn-by-turn directions for when you get into your Niro. UVO Link also connects with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Now you can instruct your home assistant to operate certain vehicle functions remotely. The UVO Link is compatible with all available trims in select Kia Models.
Driver-Assist Technology
Elevating your driving experience and keeping you safe happens through the latest suite of available driver-assist systems in your Niro. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses sensors that scan the roadway ahead for potential hazards, including pedestrians. The system sends visual and audio alerts when it detects a possible collision and, in some cases, can apply emergency brake support to help mitigate or avoid an accident.
Changing lanes has never been safer with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning System. This system uses advanced optics to scan your blind spots to either side. When the system detects a vehicle entering your blind spot while making a lane-changing maneuver, it sends visual and audio cues alerting you to the presence of another car. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning system uses similar technology to alert you when a vehicle approaches from either side while you back up. Should you fail to react, the system can apply the brakes to help lessen or avoid a collision.
Lane Keeping Assist technology uses advanced optical sensors to track your Niro while traveling within marked lanes. The system applies gentle steering correction when it detects an unintentional drift to keep you centered within your lane. Another advancement in technology comes in Niro’s Driver Attention Warning system. This system monitors the driver’s actions. When it senses the driver’s attention wandering, it sends alerts, signaling it’s time for a break.
The Smart Cruise Control-Curve with Stop and Go system uses a combination of radar and camera technology to keep your Niro at a preset speed and distance while in traffic. The system will automatically slow you down as the traffic slows, even to a complete stop. When the way ahead clears, the system returns you to your preset speed and distance. This automation reduces driver fatigue and improves safety on those congested commutes.
A new Rear Occupant Alert provides audio and visual alerts to detect a passenger in the rear seat upon exiting the vehicle. When used with Kia’s UVO Link, you receive a push notification to the account holder’s phone, allowing you the ability to check on temporary drivers who might be distracted.
Hybrid Technology Innovation
Your Niro’s hybrid system operates in a parallel environment, smartly pairing your gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver efficiency and power-on-demand. The hybrid technology now includes a regenerative braking system. This system captures the energy used in braking and recharges the Niro’s Lithium-Ion drive battery.
Audio Systems
A six-speaker sound system comes standard on the lower trims. A Harman Kardon 8-speaker premium audio system comes with the upper trims. This system features an integrated subwoofer and Clari-Fi restoration technology that transforms your music into theater-quality sound for an immersive audio experience like no other.
Trim Levels
The Kia Niro comes in five available trims, the LX, LXS, Touring, Touring Special Edition, and EX Premium. Some of the technology features come standard, with others available as options on certain trims. Every trim level features steering wheel-mounted controls for audio, cruise control, and infotainment systems, so no matter what tech you have included on your trim, accessing it is no problem.
At Huffines Kia McKinney, we understand the increased role technology plays in all of our lives, especially on the road. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Kia Niro models in each trim level, loaded with the latest tech to elevate your ride and keep you connected, no matter where your busy life takes you. We invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by our dealership for a hands-on look at the latest tech.
Image via Flickr by automobileitalia