Kia Motors has recently unveiled the enhanced Niro Hybrid model for 2020. The popular and award-winning compact crossover receives several exterior enhancements for its mid-cycle refresh, including new projector-type headlights and fog lamps, a new diamond-pattern grille and dual chevron-shaped LED daytime running lights. The rear faux skid plate is wider and more pronounced, the rear LED combination lights have more technological appeal than previous, and there are new 16-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Kia’s first CUV built from the ground up as a hybrid, the Niro surprises and performs with every drive. Complementing the smart technology are sophisticated European design choices, like clean lines crafted to minimize drag and available high-intensity discharge (HID) projector beam headlights that simply look incredible.
Gorgeous, even as it drives away, the Niro leaves people with an impression they won’t soon forget. Its sporty spoiler and eye-catching available LED taillights enrich its noticeably streamlined design.
“It’s difficult to improve on a winning formula,” said Michael Cole, president, KMA, “but we’re always striving to improve every product we sell and the enhanced 2020 Niro provides new owners with the latest and greatest while retaining the value, utility and performance of the original Niro.”
Inside, the new Niro display is more streamlined, incorporating a re-styled 7-inch instrument cluster with improved drive mode graphics and 8-inch standard touchscreen display, or optional navigation with a 10.25-inch screen and Harman/Kardon premium audio system, all with the easy to use interface Kia is famous for. Optional paddle shifters for a sportier driving experience and active regenerative braking control, optional electronic parking brake, and optional mood lighting with six different colours wrap up the interior mods.
Powertrain and exterior and interior dimensions and capacities are unchanged from the previous model. Enhancing the Niro’s full suite of available Kia Drive Wise Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are newly added Lane Following & Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
If you start to drift out of lane without signalling, the available Lane Keep Assist System will alert the driver and correct the vehicle’s course if no action is taken.
Smooth and reliable performance is delivered through our full parallel hybrid system that pairs an energy-dense 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery, a lightweight electric motor and the Niro’s 1.6L, gasoline-direct injection (GDI) engine for a combined 195 lb-ft of torque. The result is high efficiency performance. The Niro uses a highly responsive, 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) that shifts gears smoothly and quickly, complementing the already responsive advanced hybrid system.
The Niro makes the most of every driving situation. At low speeds, it can operate in EV (electric vehicle) mode. When you need a little extra power to accelerate and climb, the engine and electric motor run at the same time. The Niro can even recharge a low battery at fixed speeds. When your Niro decelerates, the system’s electric traction motor captures the kinetic energy and uses it to recharge the battery, maximizing fuel economy.
The 2020 Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will receive identical enhancements to the 2020 Niro. It is also expected to go on sale early in 2020 and pricing will be announced closer to that time. Updates to the 2020 Niro EV have yet to be released.
Kia has made sure there is a Niro for every driver in Canada. And you’ll never know just how right a Niro may feel for you until you drive one. Click the TEST DRIVE button below and explore the entire Niro lineup with a thorough tour and road test of the model that suits your lifestyle best.
2019 U.S. Models Featured in video
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
