10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Kia Niro Shakes Off Chevy Equinox, Traverse
The Kia Niro is back for the 2023 model year in all three fuel-economy flavors — hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric — along with upsized dimensions, updated style, upgraded onboard tech, improved mileage and competitive pricing. In one of Cars.com’s most popular articles of the past week, reviewer Damon Bell’s comprehensive critique of the redesigned subcompact SUV, we equip small SUV shoppers with the info they’ll need to make an informed decision as to whether Niro is fire or just fiddling around.
Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Electrified Ford F-150s Pull Past Kia Sportage Hybrid
In his review, Bell commends the Kia for its flashier exterior styling; quiet quickness of the electric variant; confident regenerative braking; agreeable ride and handling; improved powertrain efficiency across all models; cabin classiness; and competitive starting price ranging from around $28,000 to just over $35,000. Among criticisms are a rather unrefined exhaust note and user-friendliness issues with the dual-purpose capacitive-touch panel that toggles between climate and infotainment controls at the touch of a virtual button. Overall, however, the Niro is worthy of subcompact SUV shoppers’ consideration.
“The Niro doesn’t break new ground in efficiency or driving range,” Bell notes in his conclusion, “but the numerous enhancements and welcome new features for 2023 make it a compelling competitor to any number of compact vehicles regardless of which powertrain you choose.”
For our full review on the 2023 Kia Niro lineup, follow the link below to the No. 3 article of the week.
Further down the countdown for those on the hunt for discounts like kids on the hunt for candy this Halloween, we’ve rounded up the best deals we could find on new cars, beginning with the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The compact SUV is available with a factory discount of $1,200 for an approximate price after savings of $26,500 to $43,500, or roughly 3% to 4% off. Another Bow-Tie brand SUV, the mid-size 2022 Traverse, is offering a factory discount of $1,000 for approximately $34,000 to $60,500 after savings, which translates to 2% to 3% off. Yet another SUV, the compact 2022 Jeep Compass carries a factory discount of $500 to $2,000 to bring the cost down to about $28,000 to $41,500, or about 2% to 6% off. And, finally, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 half-ton pickup truck is knocking off $1,200 for a price after savings of around $26,500 to $43,500, or 3% to 4% off.
For the full details on these new-car deals, all of which run through All Hallows’ Eve, don’t wait until All Saints’ Day to follow the link below to the No. 4 article on this week’s countdown.
Beyond that, we’ve got headlines on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Genesis G80, Toyota Sequoia, Jeep Wrangler, BMW i4 Gran Coupe and much more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. Get Ready, Parents: Many Teen Drivers Will Learn in EVs
2. Here Are the 11 Cheapest Electric Vehicles You Can Buy
3. 2023 Kia Niro Review: More Personality, Still Practical
4. What’s the Best New-Car Deal for October 2022?
5. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Review: Nearly Silent Off-Roading Is Nice
6. 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 Review: The Best G80?
7. Is the Redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
8. Jeep Wrangler: Which Should You Buy, 2022 or 2023?
9. 2022 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe Review: Electric Rocket Ship
10. Which Cars Fit 3 Car Seats?
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
