2017 Kia Niro Starts at Less Than $24,000
CARS.COM — When we first caught wind of the Kia Niro ahead of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, we assumed it would be a concept car. But here we are less than a year later, and the South Korean automaker has announced that the subcompact hybrid SUV is set to arrive at dealerships in early 2017 at a base price of $23,785, including an $895 destination charge.
Related: 2017 Kia Niro Review: First Drive
That price is for the FE trim, the lowest of five trim levels that also include the LX, which starts at $24,095; the EX, starting at $26,595; the Touring, $30,545; and a limited-run Launch Edition, $28,895. All prices include destination.
While the Niro largely lacks apples-to-apples competition as an electrified subcompact SUV, it does compare favorably against 2017 versions of would-be rivals. The Ford C-Max Hybrid hatchback starts at $24,995, the Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback at $25,550, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid compact SUV at $28,850.
Boasting an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 52/49/50 mpg city/highway/combined, the FE comes standard with 16-inch wheels, six-way adjustable front seats, keyless entry, a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen, a backup camera, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. The LX adds Kia’s Smart Key system with push-button start, roof rails and LED rear combination lamps. Buyers who move up to the EX will also get heated cloth-and-leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated power folding mirrors, front foglights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.
The Touring trim takes a hit on fuel economy but adds even more features. Getting an estimated 46/40/43 mpg city/highway/combined, Touring buyers will also get a power sunroof, front and rear park assist, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way power memory driver’s seat and a premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. The Launch Edition, meanwhile, offers model-exclusive exterior paint options including Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black Pearl, along with Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels, a metallic-color grille, 10-way driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system and the premium stereo.
Among a trio of available options packages, the LX’s Advanced Technology Package costs $1,450 and adds forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. The EX’s $2,300 Sunroof and Advanced Technology Package includes a power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Finally, the Touring’s $1,900 Advanced Technology Package includes high-intensity discharge headlights, a wireless phone charger with a 110-volt inverter, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning.
