The Kia Niro Hybrid is not a performance model but its handling proved to be quite impressive in the moose test. The self-charging hybrid SUV nailed the test at 81 km/h, outperforming the much more powerful and driver-focused Audi RS 3 Sportback, which achieved just 75 km/h.
During km77‘s test, the Kia Niro was praised for its ability to change direction quickly in a predictable and controllable manner. This success is due to the suspension setup, the calibration of the electronics with the ESC’s intervention being barely noticeable by the driver, and the performance of the selected tires (Continental PremiumContact 6 225/45R18).
Read: Alfa Romeo Tonale Pretends To Be A Snail To Avoid A Moose
The second-generation Kia Niro is based on an updated version of its predecessor’s architecture, but the improvements help it perform noticeably better in the moose test. In fact, the previous-gen Kia Niro Hybrid achieved a maximum of 74 km/h without touching the cones while the new model achieved the same thing at 81 km/h. It will be interesting to see if the plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants of the Kia Niro will do even better due to the lower center of gravity, although the increased inertia due to the added weight might play a role.
In the slalom test, the Kia Niro Hybrid showed moderate body roll, finishing in 24.6 seconds. This is a good time considering that the electrified powertrain produces 139 hp (103 kW / 141 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque which is not that much. Note that the best performer in the slalom test by km77 is the fully electric Polestar 2 with a time of 22.8 seconds.
Our own Stephen Rivers recently test-drove the Kia Niro praising its quiet and comfortable ride, while noting that the EV trim is the most fun-to-drive variant thanks to the low center of gravity. You can read his detailed review here.
