Kia

2018 Kia Niro PHEV

2018 Kia Niro PHEV This subcompact crossover helps take plug-ins mainstream. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | August 2018 What is this vehicle? The Niro is a subcompact SUV that was added to the Kia lineup for 2017. The first Niro to roll out featured a super efficient hybrid powertrain, and this year, Kia added the PHEV plug-in hybrid model to the Niro family. There isn’t anything quite like the Niro PHEV on the market right now, but it’s fair to expect that rivals might follow suit in the near future as small crossovers continue to dominate the market and automakers invest more in electric and hybrid technology. The Niro is an affordable and practical path to better efficiency. Who is this vehicle for? Take a look at the Niro PHEV if you want a new, modern subcompact crossover with great technology features and excellent efficiency. The Niro does have some drawbacks, namely that it is not available with all-wheel drive and that it isn’t especially fun or interesting to drive. However, if those factors don’t matter to you, the Niro PHEV could be a very good choice for a subcompact SUV or crossover. Furthermore, not all potential buyers will necessarily see a benefit from the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, because the hybrid Niro is already super efficient. Why is this vehicle important to you, the buyer? Plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming [...]

2018-09-24T17:36:50-04:00Sep 2018|Car Reviews|

On Your Radar: Kia Rio

On Your Radar: Kia Rio Now That's What I Call Value! By Randy Lioz, Editor, Car-ED.com | January 2018 The Rio is one of the more underappreciated cars in the Subcompact Car segment, but with its mix of style, value and space, KIA’s most affordable model definitely warrants a look from buyers in the market for basic transportation, with a little flair. What is this vehicle? The Rio is the entry point for the KIA lineup, and while a few generations ago it matched its bargain basement price with a cellar-level reputation, over the past few years it’s gained an image of being one of the most spacious and powerful packages in the segment, offering ample feature content for not too much money. It’s a subcompact car that’s available as either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatch, and while many people see the Rio nameplate as basic transportation, it can give you many of the features available in more upscale vehicles, but in a space- and fuel-efficient package that’s easy on the wallet. Who is this vehicle for? Young people—and older buyers—who otherwise might be considering a used car can look to a KIA Rio to get a car that not only doesn’t come with the potential pitfalls—and smells—of the previous owners, but also includes KIA’s highly competitive 10-year/100k-mile powertrain warranty—the rest of car has 5-year/60k-mile coverage. With the subcompact car segment [...]

2018-01-31T21:18:40-05:00Jan 2018|Car Reviews|