If you are looking for a hybrid SUV this year, look no further than the 2018 Kia Niro. Voted as Green Car Journal’s 2018 Green SUV of the Year, this crossover is versatile, economical, and fun to drive. The features that contributed to the Niro being named Green SUV of the Year include the full parallel hybrid system, the dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the regenerative braking system. When working together, these features provide superior fuel economy for the Niro, which might be the best feature of all.
Full Parallel Hybrid System
Using a full parallel hybrid system, the 2018 Niro has a powerful lithium-ion battery and a hybrid optimized engine with a lightweight electric motor. These components work together to create a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers a smooth and reliable ride.
The electric motor is energy-dense, offering 1.56 kWh of power when paired with the lithium-ion battery. The gas engine is a four-cylinder and is a 1.6L engine with gasoline-direct injection. The electric motor has 43 horsepower while the gas engine has 104 horsepower. When they are combined, the electric motor and gas engine offer 139 horsepower, so you still get an exciting, sporty feel when driving.
Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission
The six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) offers both efficiency and fun to drivers of the Niro. With a dual clutch, the transmission has two clutch packs; one for even gears and one for odd ones. With two clutch packs, you get a smooth transition of power between the gears, saving energy in between shifts. With the dual-clutch transmission, you get the fun-to-drive feel of an SUV with the impressive efficiency of a hybrid.
Regenerative Braking System
In addition to the full parallel hybrid system and dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Niro also has a regenerative braking system that contributes to its fuel efficiency. The regenerative braking system can recharge the lithium-ion battery while you are driving. The way the system works is by taking all the kinetic energy that comes from the vehicle when you use the brakes to slow down and transferring it to the battery. Just by driving you can recharge the battery and give yourself extra mileage to increase the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Superior Fuel Economy
The 2018 Kia Niro offers excellent fuel economy as an SUV. With the combination of the full parallel hybrid system, the dual-clutch automatic transmission, and regenerative braking system, the Niro gets an estimated 52 miles per gallon in the city and 49 miles per gallon on the highway. Competing vehicles in the same segment range from 26 to 34 miles per gallon in the city and 28 to 30 miles per gallon on the highway, so there is a significant difference.
As the 2018 Green SUV of the Year, the Kia Niro delivers on fuel efficiency while also providing a fun ride to its passengers. If you are looking for an SUV that leaves a smaller environmental footprint, be sure to schedule a test drive at Gay Family Kia today.
This photo, “Da Parigi, ecco Kia Niro, I’utilitaria ecologica per famiglie,” by Automobile Italia used under CC BY 2.0. “Da Parigi, ecco Kia Niro, I’utilitaria ecologica per famiglie” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.