The manufacturer has announced the newest 2020 Kia Niro which should hit the showrooms with a few upgrades. Therefore, we can expect some minor changes in exterior styling while the engine options will remain the same. The cabin could get some revisions too and those should include new color combinations.
Engine and performance of the 2020 Kia Niro
Like the outgoing model, the newest 2020 Kia Niro will be available with two types of engines. So, the one is going to be a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor of 43 horses which will be placed between engine and transmission. There will also be a lithium-ion polymer battery of 1.56 kWh. The total output of this unit is going to be 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive system will be standard. The FE model will get 52/49 mpg while the EX and LX models will be rated at 51 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. The Touring model is estimated to be 46 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
The 2020 Kia Niro PHEV will combine a 1.6-liter inline-4 Atkinson cycle unit with a 44.5 kWh electric motor. The electric motor will be able to make 60 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. And the gasoline unit will have the output of 104 hp and 109 pound-feet of torque. The PHEV variant will have a larger battery pack and it will have an all-electric range of 26 miles. It will get 46 mpg combined and 106 MPGe.
The exterior and interior
Design-wise, the 2020 Kia Niro will get the same upright grille and attractive headlights which will be placed back on the fenders. There will also be black plastic wheel arches and rear skidplate which will make it higher than it really is. The whole body is well-proportioned and features a slightly rugged appearance. Every model will get body-color door handles and the base model will ride on 16-inch wheels. The Niro Touring will get the larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior of the 2020 Kia Niro will feature a nice design and it represents one of the best cabins in its class. Its design is simple and clean and the cabin is made of high-quality materials which give it a premium look. As for the equipment, the base model will come with cloth seats, 16-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, USB port, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The higher trim levels will add heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, sunroof, an upgraded audio system, leather upholstery, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, cooled front seats, parking sensors, and many other features.
Release date and price of the 2020 Kia Niro
The 2020 Kia Niro is expected to appear on the market during next year. Unfortunately, the exact date is still not known to the public. The price on the other hand should remain the same and it will start at around $24,000 and will go up to $33,000.