Once upon a time, car categories were simple — sedans, convertibles, station wagons, vans and pick-up trucks. Vehicles had concise, practical names often referencing ferocious or fast animals. But ambiguity now reigns.
Consider the 2018 Kia Niro and its close relative, the Hyundai Ioniq. The former, introduced two years ago, is designated as a subcompact crossover hybrid SUV, but it more resembles a hatchback. It doesn’t offer all-wheel drive or extra ground clearance, customary SUV characteristics.
Key Takeaways
- Niro PHEV new for 2018 with 26-mile electric range: The plug-in hybrid variant adds to the existing hybrid lineup, recharging in under three hours with portable equipment stored in a backpack-style case.
- Federal and California tax credits trim sticker meaningfully: $4,543 federal credit plus $1,500 California state credit, HOV-lane access, and about $35,000 MSRP make total cost competitive with the Prius Prime.
- 139 combined horsepower from gas-electric pairing: A 1.6-liter four-cylinder plus electric motor drives a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering peppy commuter performance without hybrid-style powertrain drone.
- Doesn’t look or drive like a traditional hybrid: Handsome streamlined styling lacks the aerodynamic oddity of a Prius, and suspension tuning stays surprisingly nimble through corners.
- 54 cubic feet of cargo with rear seats down: Battery placement under the rear seat preserves interior volume, producing cavernous cargo space unusual for a subcompact crossover.
Like the Niro, the Ioniq is also considered a subcompact crossover SUV, but it looks nothing like the Niro. It’s available with multiple engine options, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric. It further adds to the uncertainty where the two efficient, stylish, un-hybrid-like vehicles fit in the automotive family.
The vehicles’ names don’t help. The Ioniq name is a combination of the words ion and unique. The Niro name, according to Kia, is a combination of the words of “hero” and “near zero.” The amalgamation was chosen to designate the car’s low emissions and high fuel economy.
I reviewed the Hyundai about a month ago. More recently, the Niro (PHEV) was a weekly companion. Like the Ioniq, the Niro excels in many areas and further identifies a first in the green car industry. The Toyota Prius final has legitimate competition for about $35,000, not counting tax credits.
The Kia plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a gas-electric combination is new for 2018. It qualifies for a $4,543 federal tax credit and a $1,500 California state tax credit. There’s also access to HOV lanes. The electric-only mode has a 26-mile range and can recharge in less than three hours. The recharging plug is located just in front of the driver’s door, with the necessary equipment stored in a portable small backpack-style case.
The Kia Niro’s immediately noticeable strength is its non-hybrid-like appearance. Its exterior is handsome, with a balanced, streamlined style for an SUV. The Niro is equipped with a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combines for 139 horsepower. It advances via a dual-clutch, six-speed automatic transmission.
While the Ioniq and Niro share versatility with their different engine configurations, fuel efficiency and peppiness, the Hyundai has more cargo area. The Niro gives rear passengers more legroom and headroom. If the Niro’s seatbacks are folded, the cargo room expands to 54 cubic feet, cavernous for a subcompact SUV. Both vehicles make good use of overall space since the battery is located under the back seat.
Among the country’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, the Niro is rated at 52 miles per gallon in city driving and 49 miles per gallon on the highway. Only niche electric vehicles are marketed with higher gas mileage average ratings.
Standard features are among the best in the segment. Available equipment includes a Harman Kardon audio system with eight speakers, a rear-seat USB port, wireless phone charging and tech upgrades including an eight-inch touchscreen and a voice-command navigation system.
The Niro infotainment system is intuitive and efficient. Graphics are clear and Android Audio and Apple CarPlay are standard.
Don’t expect a luxury car‘s driving persona. The Niro’s performance is satisfactory and its handling is surprisingly nimble. It’s peppy, but not a speedster.
Like Hyundai, Kia offers the industry’s best warranty, five years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper, 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain and 10 years/100,000 miles for certain hybrid components.
Toyota has dominated the country’s hybrid and electric cars sales since the Prius debuted nearly 20 years ago. Its reign may not end this year, but the Ioniq and Niro will not allow complacency.
What We Like
- 26-mile electric-only range from the PHEV powertrain
- Qualifies for $4,543 federal and $1,500 California tax credits
- 54 cubic feet of cargo volume with rear seats folded
- Intuitive Harman Kardon 8-speaker audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Industry-leading warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage
What We Don’t
- No all-wheel drive or extra ground clearance despite SUV classification
- Acceleration is satisfactory, not quick
- Three-hour PHEV recharge requires a dedicated outlet
- Still lacks the brand recognition of the Toyota Prius
- Charge-port location beside driver door is awkward for some home setups
Facts & Figures: 2018 Kia Niro PHEV
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-cylinder, 1.6L + Electric Motor |
| Transmission | 6-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 52 city / 49 hwy / 50 combined mpg (hybrid mode) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline + Electric |
| Electric Range | 26 miles |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Prius | |
| 2018 Toyota Prius Prime | |
| 2018 Hyundai Ioniq | |
| 2018 Honda Insight | |
| 2018 Chevrolet Volt |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV’s electric range?
The plug-in hybrid variant offers 26 miles of electric-only range and can recharge in under three hours with the portable charging equipment included in a backpack-style case.
How much horsepower does the 2018 Niro have?
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor produces 139 combined horsepower. Power goes through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What is the 2018 Kia Niro’s fuel economy?
The standard Niro hybrid is rated at 52 mpg city and 49 mpg highway. Only niche electric vehicles carry higher marketed fuel economy averages.
What tax credits does the 2018 Niro PHEV qualify for?
The Niro PHEV qualifies for a $4,543 federal tax credit and a $1,500 California state tax credit, plus California HOV-lane access stickers.
How much does the 2018 Kia Niro cost?
Approximately $35,000 MSRP before tax credits. After federal and California incentives, effective cost drops by roughly $6,000.
Does the 2018 Niro have all-wheel drive?
No. Despite being marketed as a subcompact crossover, the Niro is front-wheel drive only and lacks the extra ground clearance typical of SUVs.
How much cargo space does the 2018 Niro have?
Up to 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, cavernous for a subcompact vehicle. Battery placement under the rear seat preserves passenger and cargo volume.
What is the 2018 Niro’s warranty?
Kia offers 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, and 10 years/100,000 miles on certain hybrid components.
Article Last Updated: April 17, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.