The Kia Niro for the model year 2023 has some significant changes underneath, and the biggest update is that the 2023 Kia Niro will now be available as a Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and EV. It even looks the part for a hybrid with a new angular sharp design and many new features added to the vehicle, inside and out.

The 2023 Kia Niro was unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show in November 2021, and it grabbed a lot of people’s attention for the powertrains it had to offer. The Kia Niro promises to have an impressive fuel efficiency number along with being loaded with all the latest tech and features. Kia has also used a lot of eco-friendly materials in the making of the car, pushing the limits of sustainability and trying to reduce carbon footprints.

RELATED: The 2023 Kia Niro Is Nice On The Eyes, Even Nicer On The Environment

The Powerful And Efficient Powertrain

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid's Front View
Via motor1.com

The amazingly stylish Kia Niro will have three distinct powertrains for the buyers. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will use a chargeable electric motor coupled with an internal combustion engine. The standard Hybrid (HEV) will be an internal combustion engine with a small battery pack that recharges as the car drives. Lastly, the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) will use either one or two electric motors to power the vehicle.

The primary engine is said to be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that functions alongside the electric motors. The Kia Niro is expected to produce 139 HP and 195 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine produces a torque of 104 hp and 106 pound-feet and is paired with a 32-kilowatt electric motor. The engine will be offered with a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox that is carefully engineered and optimized for better efficiency and lower weight.

Another talking point of the Kia Niro Hybrid is that it will feature a Greenzone Drive Mode. It shifts the Kia Niro into the EV mode when the vehicle has to drive through residential areas, schools, and hospitals. This technology works in collaboration with the driver's driving data and also with the help of satellite navigation. Official MPG or Range is not yet announced, but since the Kia Niro is better than its previous model in every aspect, the fuel efficiency numbers are also expected to go up. The current Niro hybrid will get up to 50 mpg combined (53 city/48 highway), and the EV has a maximum range of 239 miles on a single charge.

RELATED: Here's What We Know So Far About The 2023 Kia Niro

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid: A Striking New Design

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid's Side View
Via motor1.com

The 2023 Kia Niro is bigger and better than its previous model in every aspect. The vehicle is 174 inches long, 71.8 inches wide, and 60.8 inches tall. In comparison, the electrified crossover is 2.5 inches longer, 0.8 inches wider, and 0.4 inches taller than its predecessor. The distance between the axles has been extended by 0.8 inches, resulting in a wheelbase that is 107 inches.

Apart from dimensions, the design has also evolved in many ways; the 2023 model showcases an evolutionary Tiger face design. This is a throwback to the 2019 HabaNiro concept. The new Niro also features the signature Kia heartbeat LED daytime running lights on the exterior. At the back, the 2023 Niro presents a unique design that plays a significant role in the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency and reduces the overall drag, with the vertical taillight design taking a lead part in this enhancement.

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid: Promoting Sustainability All the Way

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid's Interior
Via motor1.com

There is a new two-spoke steering wheel in front of two tablet-like displays. The two screens in the driver’s line of sight cover multiple functions like gauges, infotainment, navigation, and lots more. A horizontal panel below the touchscreen houses the controls for climate control and appears to be touch-sensitive buttons.

The vehicle also features heating and ventilation for the seats. The buttons for the same are fitted in the center console, a push-button start, and a rotary knob to select park, drive, reverse, and neutral. Kia says that they have relocated the 12-volt battery alongside the hybrid setup's battery under the rear seats in the Niro hybrid, which opens up some space in the trunk where the 12-volt battery lived before.

Kia has also put in a lot of effort in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the 2023 Niro. They have focused a lot on the interior of the Niro to make it better overall while using sustainable materials. To name a few, the headlining is a product of recycled wallpaper, and the seats are products of Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves.

As per many reports, the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid is expected to be priced at around $25,865. The price puts it in a fascinating entry-level car territory. The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid has a lot going for it, the updated styling being one of the biggest factors along with the new powertrains. The car is bigger and better in every department from its predecessor, and that's what is expected from a ‘new’ machine. With production beginning in late 2022, the Kia Niro is sure to be a fan favorite.