THE MOST AFFORDABLE HYBRID SUV IN 2024

With 2024 well underway and the world of hybrid SUVs booming, there are quite a few options for this year. Whether you prefer something sporty, futuristic, elegant, big, or small, the hybrid car segment is one of the fastest-growing. In recent times, auto manufacturers have prioritized SUV models, with the subcompact genre of design being the most affordable.

Considering most hybrids cost more than regular ICE models, it's worth finding one that fits your budget without compromising. Certain brands do a better job of making cheap cars, trucks, and SUVs, with this becoming even truer for 2024. Kia and Toyota have been head-to-head in the battle for the most affordable SUV, with Kia slowly inching its way to the finish line.

The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid is your most 'affordable' model for this year, beating the Corolla Cross Hybrid by a few thousand dollars. This model retails for a surprising $26,940 and is a great option for those wanting a standard hybrid powertrain, great fuel economy, spacious interior, and nice-feeling interior details. \

Although at the lower end of its class, this SUV doesn't feel like a compromise. It's also perfect for families, as it seats five with ample headroom and legroom. No matter where you go, this SUV is sleek, safe, comfortable, and, most importantly, AFFORDABLE. Keep reading below to learn more about it!

The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Is The Most Affordable Hybrid SUV

Although we've known Toyota to make the cheapest cars, trucks, and SUVs for quite a while, the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid is taking center stage. Not only is this model a couple of thousand dollars cheaper than the Corolla Cross Hybrid (MSRP of $28,220), but it's also super nice for what you're paying.

With spacious interiors, nice materials, a redesigned exterior, excellent fuel economy, and gleaming reviews from verified shoppers, this SUV is a great starter choice for a growing family.

At a comfortable $26,940, the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid is not only a cleaner way to drive but also a part of the brand's broader goal towards full electrification. You have a plug-in hybrid and EV version of the nameplate, so there is quite a bit of battery power to go around.

Under $27,000 To Start

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of this SUV, it's worth mentioning the price point and how it compares to other similar vehicles in its class. First, the all-new 2024 edition of Niro sees a comfortable price tag of $26,940, which would get you into an LX trim. Moving up, you see the EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring, topping off at $35,340. Again, even at $35,000, this SUV remains one of the lowest priced on the market.

For context, a brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid retails for over $28,000, and a Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $28,590. Your next most comparable SUV is a Ford Escape Hybrid, retailing for $29,495. Kia Niro blows them out of the water.

Gas Mileage Galore: Here's How Kia Niro Hybrid Performs

One of the many reasons we love this SUV is its city and highway MPG ratings. According to the EPA, this year's Kia Niro Hybrid has a rating of 53/45 city/highway and a combined rating of 49 miles per gallon. You can also expect to get two gallons of gas out of every 100 miles driven, making this one of your best choices for fuel economy this year.

Although the EPA has not released its five-year fuel savings prediction for this model, you can expect to spend less time and money at the station. Typically, SUVs don't exceed the 30 combined MPG marker, even as hybrids, so this model is a winner in that department.

Compact Exterior Without Compromise

One of the reasons the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid has amazing fuel economy is that it's a more subcompact size: 174 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 61 inches high. With these dimensions, you see a smaller sizing compared to a Telluride, even though inside the vehicle, it doesn't feel cramped.

Many people compliment this model's headroom, legroom, and shoulder space, even with four or five people inside. It's not every day you find an SUV that's stylish, comfy, and under $30,000 as a hybrid. Kia is hitting the ground running with this series.

Specs, Specs, And More Specs!

When it comes to what you get inside and outside the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV, there are many reasons to get excited. First, the interior of this model sees base specs like a six-way manual driver and passenger seat, 60/40 rear folding seats, an eight-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, solar control glass, sound-absorbing windshield glass, comfortable cloth seats, and nice trim and detailing throughout the main cabin.

Outside this SUV, you have the following specs:

• Roof Rails
• 16-inch Aero Alloy Wheels
• Tire Size: 205/60R16
• Tire Mobility Kit
• Auto Headlight Control
• Projector Beam Headlights
• LED Tail Lights

2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Specifications

(Data sourced from Kia)

The Kia Niro Hybrid Brings A Lot To The Table

Not only has Kia made waves in the electric industry, but it is also chomping away at brands like Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, and Honda in the hybrid department. Because Kia is undergoing a rebrand in North America to be greener, nicer, and more affordable, we're seeing buyers flock to models like the Niro SUV.

Whether you need something big enough to fit your kids, your pets, your things, or just love the look of a compact SUV model, this hybrid is worth a second (or third). Hybrid models continue to gain attention from eco-conscious buyers, especially because you can still rely on gas. Let's face it, not everybody is ready for electric-only cars, trucks, and SUVs. Some people may want to slowly transition into EVs, with hybrids and PHEVs being the perfect solution.

If Kia can continue this downward trend in price and upward trend in quality, we could see the South Korean auto brand take the hybrid industry altogether. After all, there's nothing we love more than a shake-up in the industry.

Off To The Future, We Go

Because Kia has been adamant about making seven EVs by 2027, it's clear the brand is shifting focus from gas/ICE manufacturing to hybrid, PHEV, and full EV powertrains. As of 2024, you have a nice range of hybrid models to select from, including the affordable Niro. Kia has slowly begun to only offer hybrid models, so even at a base level, you save on emissions and trips to the pump.

With many SUVs in the ranks of most affordable, plus cars and EVs receiving gleaming feedback from critics and customers, we're witnessing the Renaissance of Kia. You're not only thinking about the hamsters inside a Soul anymore (although they are iconic) but eco-friendly, thoughtful design across this Korean brand's lineup.

2024-03-23T23:02:11Z dg43tfdfdgfd