The News Wheel
No Comments

Green Car Journal Names Kia Niro the 2018 Green SUV of the Year™

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

Its amazing combination of standout design, outstanding efficiency, and pure fun makes the Kia Niro not only a popular choice among drivers but also the winner of Green Car’s Journal’s award for 2018 Green SUV of the Year. The Kia Niro’s award-winning characteristics were more than a match for the contenders submitted by Mazda, Volvo, Chevrolet, and Mini.


Learn More: Kia’s Virtual Assistant


“The Kia Niro impresses on many levels with its appealing style, functionality and features,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com.  “What’s equally important is its hybrid powertrain and affordable price point, a combination that makes the Niro accessible to a great many buyers who wish to drive with a smaller environmental footprint.”

The 2018 Kia Niro is available in five trims: FE, LX, EX, Touring Graphite Edition, and Touring as well as a Plug-In Hybrid model, which is available at three trim levels: LX, EX, and EX Premium.

“We’re thrilled to have received this special distinction from Green Car Journal,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, planning & strategy, Kia Motors America.  “The Niro represents years of hard work by Kia to provide a hybrid that is fun, versatile, economical, and a pleasure to look at and drive.  It’s immensely gratifying to all of us that the Niro is recognized by Green Car Journal as the 2018 Green SUV of the Year.”


Check Out: Best Kia road trip cars


All three trims of the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid are equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and Full Parallel Hybrid System mated to a dual clutch six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®. The powertrain of the Niro Plug-In Hybrid generates 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque (1.6-liter engine); 60 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque (electric motor), 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque (total system output).