KIA’S NIRO EV AND HYBRID REVEALED

August was a hectic month for Kia, after announcing three new models joining their portfolio: the 2022 Niro EV, Plug-In Hybrid, and the Sorento. Each accommodating to different needs of the users, a long list of upgrades has been fitted as well. 

2022 Niro EV

The 2022 Niro EV will continue to deliver an EPA-estimated range of 239 miles (384 kilometres) on a single charge. Two variants would be available, namely the EX and EX Premium. 

The new model year sports the new Kia badging on the front grille, tailgate, steering wheel hub and wheel centre caps. In terms of its interior, the cabin is fitted with a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard, alongside Navigation, UVO link, Sirius XM satellite radio and a Harman/Kardon sound system. 

Powering the vehicle is a 64 kWh battery and a 201 hp electric motor, with a combined fuel economy (MPGe) of 105. Safety-wise, it features the DriveWise - which includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance-Assist and Highway Driving Assist, just to name a few. 

The 2022 Niro EV will sell starting from $39,990 (RM167,558) for the EX and $44,650 (RM187,083) for the EX Premium. 

2022 Niro Plug-In Hybrid 

Meanwhile, a new PHEV has also joined the Niro family, arriving for the 2022 model year. The hybrid will be available in three variants: the LXS, EX and EX Premium.

The Niro PHEV maintains the EPA-estimated 26 miles (41 kilometres) of all-electric range on  a single charge. In terms of fuel economy (MPG), all three variants record a combined capacity of 46. 

The hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre GDI engine with an electric motor alongside an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This allows the vehicle to produce 139 hp and 264 Nm, with the hybrid system performance combined. 

Nothing much is different from the EV model, with the hybrid fitted with the same Kia badging as the former, which goes the same for the safety features. 

Prices for the Niro Hybrid starts from $29,590 (RM123,982) for the LXS, $33,390 (RM139,904) for the EX and $36,490 (RM152,893) for the EX Premium. Note that both models are currently only available to the United States. 

Additionally, Kia also revealed the 2022 Sorento, one of the brand’s longest-standing nameplates. For the model year, a new PHEV was introduced, alongside an all-wheel-drive for the Hybrid model. The X-Line package has expanded to the EX and S trims due to the high demand for the rugged version. Prices range from $29,490 (RM123,563) to $38,290 (RM160,435) depending on the variant, with the PHEV price to be announced soon.