Ok, let me stop this right here. I’m not saving the whales or hugging the trees or even composting like I’m told I should be, but hey. I did laugh my butt off at that Kia commercial with Melissa McCarthy though. Then I went out and drove the Kia Niro for a week. 🙂
The Niro is Kia’s newest hybrid crossover vehicle. It’s extremely sleek with some amazing features and certainly one of the most efficient cars out on the market for the price. If you recall, I first experienced the Kia Niro back in January when I got to take it for a spin (on a drag strip) along with its designer, Mike Torpey. Check out the video HERE! I immediately fell in love with it both visually and logistically. I love the overall design of the Niro – it’s a very modern and sporty look. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’d gotten riding around in that car! It was also surprisingly powerful to drive, especially in its sport mode. Then it’s the most fuel efficient crossover vehicle with an average of 50 miles per gallon!!! I couldn’t wait to spend a little more time with it, so when I was given the opportunity to drive one for a full week (really, it was 2 weeks, but I was traveling through most of the 2nd week), I could not be more excited!
We took it with us on Spring Break to Myrtle Beach and it was an absoute delight. The ride to Myrtle Beach is about 6 hours of mostly highway, so with the phenomenal gas mileage, we only had to fill up once for the whole trip. Also, although it’s not as large in terms of internal spacing as the Sedona or Sorento, it was able to it my family of 4, 2 booster seats, and all of our luggage very comfortably.
Now to the part that really matters. Our drive back from our trip was really tough. If you live in the south, you may recall the terrible weather that came to us at the end of Spring Break week. Heavy rain, high winds, dark skies, etc. It was terrifying to drive in this weather, but it literally hit us about halfway through the trip, so we had to brave through it for a while. This is where I really appreciated the Niro and the quality safety features I find on all of the new Kia vehicles I’ve driven- which include advanced high-strength steel structure, seven airbags, available Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and Lane Departure Warning. All of this is what we count on to protect our precious cargo.
Another really unique feature of the Kia Niro is its extremely quiet interior environment. This was done on purpose and was a key development focus for Kia Niro engineers. Here’s a funny story about this: I drove the Niro to my uncle’s house and I have to admit, over the years he has seen me in some real shabby cars. Those that make noise sometimes for no reason at all if you know what I mean. So he walked me to the Niro, I got in and started the car. As I was about to back out of the driveway, I notice he’s still standing right by my door looking concerned. I opened my window to see what was wrong and he was actually concerned that my car hadn’t started since it made absolutely no noise when I started it. He almost couldn’t believe this concept, but like everyone else, was quite impressed.
So with all of the other great features on the Kia Niro, it’s hard to peg it as just an “eco-friendly” car, but in addition to the maximized fuel economy (52 mpg city/49 highway/50 combined), the Niro also offers some advanced hybrid technology such as the all new Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System), which uses the navigation system and analysis of the driver’s route to improve efficiency, while the Coasting Guide aims at maximizing fuel economy by coaching the driver on when to coast and brake. Additionally, Predictive Energy Control anticipates topographical changes on the road ahead to actively manage energy flow, seamlessly determining when its best to recharge the battery and when its best to expend stored energy to optimize overall efficiency.
So while I was enjoying my time in my fancy car for the week, who knew I was also being an “eco-warrior” in my own right? Let’s talk Melissa McCarthy! 🙂
4 Eco-Friendly Cars under $40,000
So, in addition to the Kia Niro, Kelley Blue Book has recently chosen four vehicles in the Kia Motors Eco-Dynamics line-up as top picks among “eco-friendly” cars under $40,000! So being an eco-warrior (at least on the road) can also be an affordable choice. These are the 4 eco-friendly Kia vehicles under $40,000 listed:
- Kia Niro and Kia Optima Hybrid ranked among 10 best hybrid cars under $40,000;
- Optima PHEV ranked among best plug-in hybrid cars
- Kia Soul EV named one of the five best electric cars under $40,000
I love, love, LOVE the Niro. We’ve been talking about getting one. We need to replace our current vehicle.
I would love a Niro. We’ve been talking about replacing our current gas guzzler, and the Niro sounds like the perfect choice.
It’s great that you had those safety features to back you up in the bad weather! The fuel efficiency improving features of the Kia Niro sound amazing!
What a cool little car, I Love that you were able to check out Kia’s Niro, they really are coming out with some pretty nifty vehicles. I remember Kia back when I first got my license, they have come a long way!
They really have! I’ve had the chance to check out several Kias and love what they have to offer. It’s clear that they’ve spent a lot of time and energy producing quality vehicles in these past few years.
The Kia Niro looks like an all around great car. We’ll be in the market to get a new vehicle for our daughter and we definitely have the Kia dealership on our list of places to stop in for a test drive.
I have a Kia Optima and I love it. Kia really makes some great cars.
It looks pretty sleek and stylish. I could see myself driving one of these. Knowing that they are eco-friendly makes it an even better car to me. I will have to consider Kia as my next car purchase.
I have been hearing so much about the Niro! We are thinking of getting a new car this summer so I think I’ll add this one to the list of cars to check out!
Looks amazing. We don’t drive but we have been toying with the idea of both getting our licenses so we can actually get things done timely and get around quicker. I’ve always loved Kias!
What a great looking car! We are in the market for a new one and will have to check this one one!
We were just wondering about hybrid vehicles and the like.
These look like very stylish models.
That movie looks like it’s going to be hilarious. I can’t wait to see it.
That is one sleek and gorgeous car. I’m all about eco-friendly vehicles.
Kia is coming up with more and more family friendly vehicles and I am loving it! The always go for cars that have roomy interiors but are not bulky looking on the exterior. I will definitely check this one out if we are in the market for a new car.
we have been looking at new cars. kia is at the top of the list.
Handsome looking car and in my favorite color too! I love its roomy interior. This Kia Niro is the perfect family car for me.
This looks like a great vehicle. I LOVE my Kia van. So I’m sure I’d love this!
Look at all that luggage you got back there! My trunk is so small. I love the looks and sound of this one! Kia has been on my interest list for a few years now.
Kia has really been using their game the last few years with vehicles. I really need to look into test driving one because we are in the market for a family friendly SUV.
I lean towards anything eco-friendly these days. There’s nothing like helping out the Earth. It’s really nice that Kia has these beautiful and functional cars!
I love everything about Kia. They are great cars and their look has evolved. They are now a luxury car with a great price tag!