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2017 Kia Niro hopes to slay the Toyota Prius in the hybrid wars

Sleek looks, tight chassis tuning and a hybrid drivetrain using a dual-clutch transmission in the new 2017 Kia Niro give green customers a vehicle option that isn't a total bore to drive.

Jon Wong
Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.
Jon Wong
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Kia's "un-hybrid" hybrid goes on sale in January with a base price that will be less than $23,000.

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Unlike its main competitor, the Toyota Prius, the Niro features styling that doesn't scream that it is a hybrid. Instead, styling is simple and sleek with the company's trademark tiger-nose grille up front.

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Range-topping Touring version of the Niro rides on 18-inch wheels and tires.

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The Niro's hybrid drivetrain features a 1.6-liter engine, and electric motor powered by a 1.56-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery. Net system output is 139 horsepower, and 195 pound-feet of torque.

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Unlike many hybrids that use continuously variable transmissions, the Niro uses a dual-clutch gearbox.

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The EPA fuel economy ratings have the Touring model at 46 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway. Midrange LX and EX models, that are shod with 16-inch wheels and tires, receive a 51 mpg city and 46 mpg highway rating. Sitting atop the fuel efficiency mountain in the lineup is the FE model with a 52 mpg city and 49 mpg highway rating.

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All Niro models come with Kia's UVO3 infotainment interface, which is capable of running both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Smart cruise control, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking are available as options on EX and Touring trim levels.

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In addition to 18-inch wheels, the Touring comes standard with a sunroof, glossy-black radiator grille trim, leather seats, 10-way power driver's seat, three-level ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 8-inch LCD touchscreen display system and Harman Kardon premium sound system.

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Other optional features include HID headlights and a wireless phone charger.

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