Kia to launch second-gen Niro in U.S. this summer; EV range increases

The second-generation Kia Niro crossover, available in three electrified variants, will go on sale in the U.S. this summer in all 50 states, the automaker said Wednesday.

Steven Center, Kia America's COO, called the gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric Niro "the trifecta of electrification." The latest Niro is built on what the automaker calls its K3 chassis.

"Part of our electrification strategy is to sell electric cars everywhere, not just to comply with regulations and the exempt states, or the California standard states," Center said. "People want electric cars all over the country."

The Korean automaker said the all-electric Niro's range increases 14 miles to 253 miles. Recharging time on a Level 3 charger from 10 to 80 percent also will drop below 45 minutes compared to previous charge times of more than an hour.

The plug-in version of the Niro also gets a boost in all-electric range, up 7 miles to 33 miles, with a larger 11.1 kWh battery (up from 8.9 kWh). The electric motor — paired with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine — is now 62 kW versus 59kW, and combined system output increases from 139 to 180 hp.

The Niro's longer range now makes it eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit. Kia said pricing will be released closer to launch. The 2022 Niro PHEV is priced around $30,000 and the EV is $40,000.

The hybrid Niro uses the same engine as the PHEV paired with a 139-hp electric motor. Fuel economy improves slightly, returning 53 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Niro is larger and the wheelbase expands to 107.1 inches, pushing overall length to 174 inches. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats increases to 22.8 cubic-feet.

The latest Niro EV will be equipped with the same vehicle-to-load capability as Kia's new EV6 electric crossover, which means it will be able to power small appliances at a camp or work site or necessities during a power outage.

Kia previously released details about the Niro's latest styling, which borrows cues from the HabaNiro concept revealed in 2019.

The Niro hybrid and PHEV are distinguished by black door cladding and wheel arches, and the Niro EV has dark grey or black exterior trim, depending on the body color.

The Niro has become a sales leader for Kia. In March, combined deliveries of the Niro increased 126 percent to nearly 4,000 compared to the year-ago month. U.S. sales jumped 126 percent in the first quarter. Consumer interest in the new EV6, coupled with spiking gas prices, has drummed up fresh interest in the model.