Kia Niro PHEV (2018-2022) interior, dashboard & comfort
The Kia Niro PHEV's interior is well built and there's plenty of standard equipment on both of the available trim levels
In both Connect and 3 spec, the Niro PHEV's dashboard is dominated by a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, which we found reasonably responsive and easy to use. The buttons on the centre console are equally straightforward and the dials look classy and futuristic.
However, the controls mounted on the the steering wheel could take a little longer to figure out. Overall, and especially on the parts you regularly touch, the material quality is pretty good. The leather-trimmed surfaces you get in the PHEV are particularly impressive.
Kia Niro PHEV equipment, options and accessories
Although the overall Niro range comes in four trim levels, the PHEV is available in just two. Connect models feature a 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, power-folding heated mirrors, dual-zone air-conditioning and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Meanwhile, 3 spec models get you automatic lights and wipers and LED fog lights, as well as luxuries such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Plus, wireless smartphone charging and Kia's app for remote operation of certain functions.
Kia's safety package – which includes adaptive cruise control, plus lane-following assistance, lane-keeping assistance and forward collision avoidance systems – is standard on all plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro. There's only one optional extra as such: a premium paint colour. Some are unique to the PHEV.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
As mentioned above, we had no real problems using the touchscreen that runs the car’s infotainment system. And, as with any Kia, the sat nav (which is standard on this model) is nice and easy to use, with simple menus and big icons to touch.
On the 3 spec, the Niro PHEV also comes with Kia’s Connected Services that are linked to TomTom. This provides real-time traffic updates, weather forecasts, nearby points of interest and speed-camera locations. The 3 also gets Kia's app, which allows you to monitor and control several of the car's functions remotely using your smartphone.
