People purchase plenty of compact SUVs. They’re beloved for providing ample passenger and cargo house in a small, easy-to-park footprint. And so they assist you see in visitors that appears to develop taller by the day.
However an SUV doesn’t must imply the type of gasoline financial system you affiliate with a tall, boxy automobile.
The 2023 Kia Niro and Toyota RAV4 each are available glorious hybrid editions that prevent on the pump whereas providing you with the type of cargo house related to a small SUV. They’re each well-built, with robust reliability reputations.
They’re additionally each out there as plug-in hybrids, however this comparability will concentrate on hybrid fashions with out the plug.
2023 Kia Niro Hybrid
The Kia Niro was utterly redesigned for the 2023 mannequin 12 months, and we love the outcome. It’s nonetheless sensible, inexpensive, and straightforward to dwell with. However it’s gone from nondescript to recognizable due to a novel “aero blade” vent operating the complete vertical floor of the automobile behind the rear home windows. The Niro is obtainable as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric automobile. The 2023 Niro Hybrid makes use of a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder working with an electrical motor to place out 139 horsepower. Costs begin at $26,590.
Kia Niro Hybrid Highlights
Decrease beginning value: The Niro’s sticker value begins greater than $4,000 below that of the RAV4 Hybrid. Financial savings keep intact as you progress up the trim ranges. The highest-of-the-line Niro SX Touring is available in greater than $4,000 below the value of the high-end RAV4 Hybrid Restricted.
Sensible guarantee protection: No automaker beats Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper guarantee and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee. Main repairs in your Niro may nonetheless be coated a decade after you purchase it – and 5 years after the RAV4 Hybrid purchaser noticed their protection finish.
Extra gasoline environment friendly: In case you’re purchasing for a hybrid to save cash on driving (and who isn’t), the Niro is the drastically higher deal. It will get 53 mpg within the metropolis and 54 mpg on the freeway, in comparison with 41 mpg within the metropolis and 38 mpg on the freeway for the RAV4 Hybrid.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Kia Niro hybrid fashions on the market close to you.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the dual-powered model of America’s best-selling compact SUV. Final redesigned for the 2019 mannequin 12 months, the RAV4 additionally is obtainable in gas-powered and plug-in hybrid variants. Hybrids get 219 horsepower from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electrical motors. Like most Toyota fashions, the RAV4 Hybrid is thought for glorious resale worth and long-term reliability. Hybrid editions begin at $30,725.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Highlights
Much more energy: Few individuals purchase a hybrid anticipating a efficiency automotive, however lately, some hybrids are fast. Toyota gave up some effectivity to get the RAV4 Hybrid’s energy – you’ll get significantly better gasoline financial system within the Niro. However the RAV4 provides 80 extra horsepower – an awfully massive distinction at this value level.
Extra conventional SUV really feel: In case you’re purchasing for an SUV for the added cargo house and the flexibility to see over visitors, the RAV4 wins each of these comparisons. It’s 7 inches increased, and far of that distinction goes into setting the seats increased. It additionally provides much more cupboard space with all of the seats in place.
Commonplace all-wheel drive (AWD): Each autos are marketed as SUVs, however solely the RAV4 Hybrid offers you SUV-like foul-weather footing. Kia doesn’t construct an AWD Niro. Toyota doesn’t construct a RAV4 Hybrid with out AWD.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the RAV4 Hybrid fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
These are each hybrid compact SUVs additionally supplied as plug-in hybrids. Their commonplace tools lists embody wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Conclusion
The 2023 Kia Niro and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid appear related on paper as hybrid small SUVs from mainstream automakers. However, regardless of superficial similarities, they’re fairly completely different. The Niro is rather more inexpensive, provides longer guarantee protection, and offers you extra of the gasoline financial system you’re most likely searching for in the event you’re hybrid procuring. A terrific new design means it appears to be like fascinating, too. The RAV4 Hybrid provides conventional SUV traits just like the safety of AWD, added cargo house, and extra floor clearance.
Both could possibly be the appropriate resolution for you, relying in your priorities.
Specs
| 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid | 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | |
| Beginning Value | $26,590 | $30,725 |
| In style Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.6-liter hybrid 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter I4 w/two electrical motors |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5,700 rpm | 219 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft @ 3,600 – 5,200 rpm (engine solely)
Electrical entrance torque: 149 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch automated | CVT |
| Gas Economic system | 53 metropolis/54 freeway mpg | 41 metropolis/38 freeway mpg |
| Additionally Accessible | PHEV, EV | Fuel model; PHEV |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Security Score | TBD | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Total Size | 174.0 inches | 180.9 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Top | 60.8 inches | 67.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 ft | 36.1 ft |
| Headroom, Entrance | 40.5 inches | 37.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.5 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.8 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 56.3 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.4 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 22.8/63.7 cubic ft | 37.6/69.8 cubic ft |
