If you’re planning to buy a small SUV, you may be interested in the 2021 Kia Niro. This subcompact crossover is a well-built vehicle that excels in almost every department, from ride quality and fuel economy to comfort and technology. With its competitive pricing, it offers better value for the money than most of its rivals. Additionally, it’s a highly customizable SUV that comes with an extensive trim lineup. Check out this comprehensive comparison of the 2021 Kia Niro trim levels to determine which one is most suitable for you.
2021 Kia Niro: Specifications and Features
Before comparing the trims of the 2021 Kia Niro, let’s take a look at how this popular SUV fares in the following departments:
Exterior
The 2021 Kia Niro is a stylish yet down-to-earth subcompact SUV that looks somewhat like a hatchback. This crossover has a low-slung stance, downward-sloping hood, and a raked roofline that give it a sporty appeal. However, it also looks somewhat rugged with its stout proportions, chunky fender flares, and roof rails. While it doesn’t make a striking statement on the road, the Niro is undoubtedly a good-looking SUV.
Powertrains
Whether you choose a hybrid or plug-in hybrid model, the 2021 Kia Niro is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that combines with an electric motor to produce a total of 139 horsepower. Unlike most other hybrids that use a continuously variable transmission, it has a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This crossover is also available as an all-electric vehicle with a 201-horsepower permanent-magnet motor and a single-speed transmission.
While it isn’t particularly quick, the Niro delivers more than adequate power for just about any driving task, from highway merging to overtaking. It can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, which is reasonably good for a subcompact SUV. If you want quicker acceleration, opt for the electric version to shave about 2 seconds off the sprint time.
Handling
The new Kia Niro is a great vehicle for commuting in an urban area. Its small size and tight turning radius make it easier to maneuver in heavy traffic and parking lots. Additionally, this SUV has a well-tuned suspension that enables it to ride smoothly over uneven surfaces such as potholes, bumps, and railroad tracks. It also feels surprisingly agile and well-planted around corners, making it relatively fun to drive.
Fuel Economy
Few subcompact SUVs can beat the 2021 Kia Niro in terms of fuel economy. In the standard hybrid version, this crossover earns 51/46 mpg (city/highway), which is outstanding even for a hybrid. If you choose a plug-in hybrid model, you’ll get 46 mpg combined with gasoline power or 105 MPGe with electric power. Also, you can travel up to 26 miles on electricity alone. The all-electric Niro has an impressive range of 239 miles and returns 123/102 MPGe.
Interior
The Kia Niro is a two-row SUV that can seat up to five people. This crossover offers sufficient headroom and legroom for adults in both rows, which is unusual for a subcompact SUV. Despite its comparatively low price point, the Niro has a well-built cabin that features many quality materials and soft surfaces. Outward visibility is great in every direction.
Cargo Capacity
The cargo capacity of the Kia Niro is about average in its segment. If you leave the rear seats upright, you’ll have 19.4 cubic feet of storage space. Fold those seats down and the cargo capacity expands to 54.5 cubic feet. The all-electric model has a slightly smaller cargo area.
Safety
The 2021 Kia Niro received the highest possible rating of “good” in six crash safety tests with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Besides basic safety features such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control, this crossover offers plenty of driver-assistance features to help you prevent accidents.
2021 Kia Niro: Trim Level Comparison
If you decide to purchase the 2021 Kia Niro, you have six trim levels to choose from, including the entry-level LX, the LXS, the Touring, the Touring Special Edition, and the range-topping EX Premium. The following is a comparison of the prices and features of the different trim levels:
LX
With a starting price of $24,690, the base LX comes standard with cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, the UVO infotainment system, an 8-inch touch-screen display, USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additionally, it has advanced safety features such as a rearview camera and rear-seat reminder.
LXS
The minimum price of the LXS is $26,090. This model offers all of the features found in the LX, plus a push-start button and remote start. It also comes with a long list of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, and driver-drowsiness detection.
The LXS is one of the two trims that can be fitted with the plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the other one being the EX Premium. A plug-in hybrid LXS costs at least $29,590.
Touring
Starting at $28,390, the Touring trim adds cloth-and-leather upholstery, a sunroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and adaptive cruise control.
Touring Special Edition
With a base price of $30,590, the Touring Special Edition boasts leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touch-screen display, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, HD radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
EX Premium
A standard hybrid model of the EX Premium has a minimum price tag of $32,950. The plug-in hybrid version starts at $36,500, while an all-electric model sets you back at least $44,600. Standard features in this trim include synthetic leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, ventilated and heated front seats, a wireless device charger, and rear parking sensors.
Now that you know the features and options that come with each trim level of the 2021 Kia Niro, you’ll be able to make a more informed purchasing decision. The best way to know which trim is right for you is to drop by Huffines Kia McKinney for a test drive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Image via Kia.com