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Top Gear
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Eight used cars that *could* do over 50mpg for under £10k
Advertisement Range Rover Evoque TD4 (L538) It may be a divisive car, but there's no doubting the Evoque has a bit of presence. It also opened up the Range Rover marque to a broader audience, and since there's no petrol-slurping supercharged V8 offering, you may as well double down on efficiency and opt for a four-pot turbo-diesel like this. Estimated combined mpg: 58.9 Advertisement - Page continues below An underrated gem, the 6er's sleek body has all the cues and dimensions of a proper sporting coupe, but beneath sits a diesel straight-six. It's claimed to nudge just past 50mpg, provided you don't keep using the entirety of its 309bhp. Here's a red one for nine grand. Estimated combined mpg: 50.4 You might like Or, if you'd rather some red paint splashed over a four-door that's even more economical, here's a Lexus IS300h. The four-cylinder hybrid package puts out 220bhp and makes it the first entry this week to skip past the 60mpg threshold. Some serious bang for buck at £9.9k. Estimated combined mpg: 61.4 Advertisement - Page continues below Is the A6 Allroad the only car you'll ever need? Firstly, it's a big Audi. Secondly, the 3.0-litre V6 scurries it along to 62mph in six seconds, and on to a familiar vmax of 155mph. Thirdly, there's over 427lb ft of torque to go with the raised suspension and rugged styling, so it'll go just about anywhere. Factor in the strong mpg, and we'd say the answer becomes quite obvious. Estimated combined mpg: 50.4 Ford Fiesta Active X (seventh generation) A handy, hardy, comfy little thing, replete with a cheerily flexible three-pot. This Active X is nicely kitted out, with a touch infotainment screen, privacy glass and built-in sat nav. Plus, it's only clocked up 29,000 miles in six years. Estimated combined mpg: 56.5 Nice, right? This one gets soft-grain leather trim, a 380-watt Meridian sound system and a reversing camera. And a 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder with 178bhp. Nice, right? Estimated combined mpg: 60.4 Mercedes-Benz CLS 220d (C218) This CLS gets black alloys, black accents and a matte grey paint for some added menace. Behind the facade, it's fairly docile. Being a '220d', it has a similar engine and output to the Jag, albeit with a slightly lower economy rating. The sunroof does compensate somewhat. Estimated combined mpg: 57.5 Advertisement - Page continues below The GTI is a double-edged sword: it can be efficient on motorways and long drives, but develop a serious drinking habit if you open it up. So the economy depends massively on how often you're going to treat it like a GTI. You'll get over 50mpg from the turbocharged four-pot when you don't, and closer to 35mpg when you do. Still, great car. Here's one by Peugeot Sport for under five grand. It does also have a stage two tune, mind. Estimated combined mpg: 52.3 See more on Used cars
Auto Express
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Cheapest hybrid cars on sale 2025
Fully electric cars are the hot topic at the moment but there are plenty of affordable, efficient hybrid cars to choose from on today's market that might actually be cheaper to buy and run for some people. If you're after a bargain, the level of choice on offer means the cheapest hybrid cars come in all shapes and sizes, so there should be a low-cost hybrid model to suit you. Advertisement - Article continues below Generally speaking there are three types of hybrid car on the market: mild hybrid, full hybrid (also referred to as self-charging hybrid), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). To keep things simple, we've rounded up the cheapest full hybrid cars for this list. We've omitted mild hybrids as the technology is now standard-fit in a large number of modern petrol cars. Plug-in hybrids, meanwhile, fall into their own category as they need to be recharged like an EV. They also tend to be larger and more expensive than full hybrid cars. Our experts have thoroughly tested every hybrid car you can buy, carefully evaluating areas such as quality, driving experience and practicality, and we've included our impressions below to help you decide which of the UK's cheapest hybrid cars is the right one for you. Read this table to see our in-depth ratings for each of the UK's cheapest hybrid cars. You can also find each car's starting price, as well our score for efficiency and the official WLTP combined fuel economy figure. Cheapest hybrid cars ranking Name Prices from Efficiency, CO2 and running costs rating (out of 5) Overall Auto Express star rating (out of 5) Max. WLTP efficiency 1 MG3 £18,995 4.5 5 64.2mpg 2 Renault Clio £21,895 4.5 4.5 67.3mpg 3 MG ZS £22,495 4.4 4 55.4mpg 4 Dacia Jogger £23,305 4 4.5 58.9mpg 5 Toyota Yaris £23,445 4.2 4 70.6mpg 6 GWM Haval Jolion Pro £23,995 N/A N/A 47mpg 7 Mazda 2 Hybrid £24,820 4.3 3.5 74.3mpg 8 Dacia Duster £24,830 4.7 4.5 55.3mpg 9 Renault Captur £25,195 4.1 4 60.1mpg 10 Toyota Yaris Cross £26,495 4.4 4 62.8mpg Scroll down or click the jump links in the table above for more on the cheapest hybrids Prices from £18,995 Max. WLTP efficiency: 64.2mpg Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The MG3 is currently the cheapest hybrid on the market, yet it's also one of the best-equipped, most efficient and most entertaining cars to drive in its class. Advertisement - Article continues below Unlike its rivals, the MG3 prioritises use of its electric motor over the petrol engine, so the driving experience is much closer to an electric car than a hybrid. When the engine does kick in, it's not intrusive and the transition is smooth. Official figures suggest the MG3 hybrid can return 64.2mpg, but we averaged 55.4mpg during testing. This is in the same region as its closest hybrid supermini rivals; the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris. The MG3 might be a small car, but it's not too cramped inside, with plenty of head and knee room for adults in the back, as well as plenty of storage space and cubby holes dotted around the cabin. Standard safety kit is very generous, with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning featuring on all models. Overall fit and finish is decent, too, as is the seven-year/80,000 mile warranty. 'There's a huge amount to like about the MG. Its sharp-handling chassis makes it fun to drive, yet it balances this out with a compliant ride and strong refinement.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who tested the MG3 on UK roads Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest MG3 deals Prices from £21,895 Max. WLTP efficiency: 67.3mpg Advertisement - Article continues below The Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid does a highly respectable job of blending fashion with frugality. Combining two electric motors with Renault's 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine results in fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg on paper, but in the real world, we saw 58.5mpg when we tested the Clio hybrid against the Toyota Yaris. Overall, performance is brisk and 143bhp is enough for 0-62mph in under 10 seconds, so merging onto the motorway should be fairly pain-free. The Clio's sharp steering and comfortable ride also make it one of the more capable cars in its class. Despite its low starting price, the Clio comes with almost every bit of kit you'll probably need, including LED headlights, cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and plenty of safety tech too. 'The Renault Clio refuses to relinquish its position as one of the best superminis on the market. A high-quality and well-equipped item despite its competitive pricing, the Clio feels as refined as much larger hatchbacks and handles well, too.' - Ellis Hyde, news reporter, who drove the Clio in the UK Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Renault Clio deals Prices from £22,495 Max. WLTP efficiency: 55.4mpg Advertisement - Article continues below The MG ZS is much cheaper than almost all of its small SUV competitors, but it hides its budget roots surprisingly well. Due to it using the same powertrain as the MG3, the ZS primarily uses its petrol engine as a generator to power the electric motors when needed. The result is an official economy figure of up to 55.4mpg, and we managed to get fairly close to this with a real-world average of 48.7mpg during testing on a mixture of roads. It's reasonably potent in terms of power, too, with 193bhp on tap, and the 10.5-metre makes tighter manoeuvres nice and easy. Look hard enough within the ZS's cabin and you'll find that MG hasn't quite managed to hide its cost-cutting measures. There are quite a few flimsy parts, and one of our road testers even managed to hurt themselves while using the gear selector. Mishaps aside, though, things do get a bit better when it comes to on-board tech and safety kit. There's enough room for a family of five, too. 'While the ZS is good enough to drive, spacious and economical, the real selling point is its low list price, which allows it to undercut rivals by several thousand pounds.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who tested the ZS in the UK Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest MG ZS deals Prices from £23,305 Max. WLTP efficiency: 58.9mpg Not only is the Dacia Jogger one of the cheapest hybrid cars currently on sale, it is also one of the cheapest seven-seater cars on the market. The Jogger offers families a huge amount of space, low running costs and a decent amount of in-car kit for very little money. The best thing, though, is that the efficient hybrid power doesn't come at the cost of practicality. You will need to spend a bit more to buy one compared to the petrol model, but the upside of the hybrid-powered Jogger is fuel economy of well over 50mpg as well as more power and torque. The Jogger's van-like appearance may not be as stylish as some of the SUVs on this list, but if you're in the market for a hybrid family car then few models can match the sheer level of versatility on offer here — especially at this price. It's not exactly posh inside, but the materials and trim feel durable, and the essential tech is all included. 'The Jogger is relatively compact for a seven-seater, with a long, narrow body where most other options are wide. That means it's just as easy to manoeuvre as the Dacia Sandero at low speeds, and the light steering also helps you to thread through small gaps.' - Dean Gibson, senior test editor, who tested the Jogger in the UK Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Dacia Jogger deals Prices from £23,445 Max. WLTP efficiency: 70.6mpg The latest Toyota Yaris is only available as a hybrid, as opposed to a number of rivals that offer hybrid power as an option. Fortunately, this technology suits the Yaris perfectly in the city, where the car spends a surprising amount of time in electric-only mode. It may look a bit funkier than previous generations of Yaris, but the latest model still focusses on the sensible stuff. Due to its aversion to using its 1.5-petrol engine, the Yaris can lean heavily on electric power and officially achieve up to 68.9mpg. As is somewhat typical, though, this figure could not be matched when we pitted the Toyota Yaris against a Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid in a twin test, but we did get a respectable 56.2mpg nonetheless. While the Yaris struggles a bit on the motorway with its 114bhp, the steering is a joy around town, and anyone in the market for a supermini, hybrid or otherwise, should strongly consider it. Build quality is typically Toyota (that's a very good thing) and it's a comfortable car to sit on on longer journeys, although the interior is a bit bland to behold. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'The fourth-generation Yaris is a great performer in the urban environment. However, it isn't the cheapest hybrid around, there's limited room for people in the back, and a small boot could limit its appeal for a family.' - Max Adams, online reviews editor, who drove the Yaris on UK roads Latest Toyota Yaris deals Prices from £23,995 Max. WLTP efficiency: 47mpg It's a very recent entry into the UK market, but the GWM Haval Jolion Pro is already making waves with its starting price — even if its name is a bit of a mouthful. The Haval Jolion Pro comes from the same brand that brought us the Ora 03 (formerly known as Funky Cat). Unlike its groovy electric city car sibling, though, this is a hybrid-powered mid-size SUV. In typical Chinese car fashion, it undercuts the price of several competitors, too, at less than £24,000. However, it's worth noting that the GWM is one of the thirstier cars on this list with an official MPG figure of just 47mpg. Inside you'll find a digital driver's display along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's not the most exciting SUV out there, but there's little denying this car's potential to disrupt this extremely popular market Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest GWM Haval Jolion Pro deals Prices from £24,820 Max. WLTP efficiency: 74.3mpg No, we haven't added the same car twice. The Mazda 2 Hybrid is essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris but this isn't a bad thing. Not only do Mazda and Toyota superminis look identical, but they also share the same 114bhp 1.5-litre full hybrid powertrain. The Mazda does have a slight edge in the WLTP efficiency stakes, though, as it boasts a higher headline figure of 74.3mpg, compared to the Yaris's 70.6mpg. Just like the Yaris, the 2 Hybrid is enjoyable and easy to drive on urban roads, and it will spend a lot of its time in pure-electric mode. If you're considering a Yaris or 2 Hybrid, it'll be worth looking at the best finance and leasing deals on both models before deciding. Do keep in mind that both the Mazda 2 Hybrid and Toyota Yaris aren't the most refined cars at higher speeds, so if you do lots of motorway miles, you might want to consider other options. "There are some harsh plastics dotted around, but overall the Mazda 2 Hybrid feels built to last, and one of the plusher superminis on sale." - Alastair Crooks, senior news reporter, who drove the 2 Hybrid in Germany Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Mazda 2 Hybrid deals Prices from £24,830 Max. WLTP efficiency: 55.3mpg It's chunky, robust and a little bit old-school on the outside, but the Dacia Duster can be specced with an utterly modern hybrid powertrain. While you'll have to forego four-wheel drive to accommodate the Duster's full-hybrid system, the good news is that this model's real-world economy comes very close to the figures it claims on paper. We achieved 52.3mpg during testing, which really isn't far short of the claimed The hybrid variant is also the most powerful Duster, but performance is still rather reflective of this SUV's boxy appearance - only 138bhp and a top speed of 99mph. We doubt many Duster buyers are particularly bothered about speed, though, so if you're more concerned about practicality and quality, we have good news. While there's no hiding from low-rent materials, the cabin feels as sturdy as the car looks, and there's even a reasonable amount of up-to-date features thrown in. A stonking 594-litre boot sits at the back for big shops or long trips away with the family. 'The latest Duster uses the same CMF-B platform as the likes of the latest Renault Clio and Captur, and that means the current model takes a significant step forward from its predecessor, with an improvement in tech and a grown-up feeling on the road.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who tested the Duster on UK roads Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Dacia Duster deals Prices from £25,195 Max. WLTP efficiency: 60.1mpg The Renault Captur is a two-time Small SUV of the Year winner, and it's still as tempting as ever. The Captur E-Tech is the hybrid version, and this shares its powertrain with the Clio supermini, along with several other components. This system consists of a 1.6-litre engine combined with two electric motors. The first motor can drive the wheels outright, while the second helps to smooth the gaps between gear changes. We lived with a Captur E-Tech for six months as part of our long-term fleet, and during that time it held a steady 53.2mpg average, and this included plenty of motorway trips. The Captur's practicality does suffer a slight sacrifice in order to accommodate this hybrid setup, but the E-Tech should still take a family of four and their luggage with ease. A 10.4-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, and Renault's Google-based infotainment software is a firm Auto Express favourite due to its performance and ease-of-use. 'It's not as sharp to drive as some rivals, and the cabin design is starting to look and feel a little dated, but fundamentally this car's focus on what its buyers will appreciate is enough to keep it at the sharp end of the class.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who road tested the Captur in the UK Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Renault Captur deals Prices from £26,495 Max. WLTP efficiency: 62.8mpg Toyota is no stranger to producing efficient small hybrid cars, but the Yaris Cross represents a new approach from the brand The Cross takes all the best bits of the Yaris supermini and places them into a larger and more practical package. The additional bulk does mean the 1.5-litre powertrain has to work a bit harder, but it's still capable of up to 62.8mpg (provided you avoid the AWD models). It would seem the WLTP testers had their foot down during testing, though, as we managed an average of 64.7mpg when the Yaris Cross spent six months on our test fleet. This is a winning combination that makes the Yaris Cross an ideal choice for a small family. It's also a rather eco-friendly one, emitting less than 100g/km of CO2. On the road, the Yaris Cross is just as easy to drive around town as its supermini sibling, and the reversing camera makes parking the small SUV a doddle. Toyota has identified that Yaris Cross buyers will most probably live in more built-up, urban areas, so it's important that the small SUV is comfortable and easy to pilot around town. Has it succeeded? For the most part, yes.' - Ellis Hyde, news reporter, who drove the Yaris Cross on UK roads. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Toyota Yaris Cross deals There are different types of hybrid car, and working out the difference can feel daunting if you're unaccustomed to this technology. We won't go into great detail about the differences between each type of hybrid here, although there are three main ones you should be aware of. The first are 'mild hybrids'. These typically use an electric motor to give an engine (usually petrol, diesel hybrids are rarer) a boost under acceleration. Crucially, mild hybrids cannot move under the power of an electric motor alone. The second are 'full hybrids'. Unlike mild hybrids, these can use electric motors to drive the wheels, although this is usually only for very short distances; no more than a mile or two. Their limited electric range is caused by their typically small batteries, which collect energy lost while braking or directly from the engine itself. The third are 'plug-in hybrids', often abbreviated to 'PHEVs'. Their batteries are much larger than those of full hybrids, so much so that they need to be charged via a cable when parked. The very latest PHEVs can offer more than 60 miles of electric-only range, so it's realistic to complete short journeys without needing to use the engine (or any fuel in the tank) at all. Looking to cut out combustion entirely? Check out our list of the cheapest electric cars … New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here's everything we know so far Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cheapest cars to drive in 2025: Analysis finds surprising picks, discontinued models — under $30K
Buying and maintaining a vehicle can be incredibly expensive. According to CNBC, a new car could cost you close to $50,000 in 2025. So, how do drivers get the most value out of their vehicle purchases? One way to save money on car ownership is by getting a car that's cheap to drive. Vehicles with high gas mileage and track records of reliability can save you big bucks at the pump and the mechanic shop. an automotive research company, searched for the most affordable vehicles to drive based on average annual miles and new car price. The results may surprise some car buyers. Mitsubishi Mirage (average new price: $18,281) Kia Rio (average new price: $18,553) Chevrolet Spark (average new price: $16,982) Nissan Versa (average new price: $19,250) Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (average new price: $19,355) Kia Soul (average new price: $22,197) Toyota Corolla (average new price: $23,349) Chevrolet Malibu (average new price: $28,637) Hyundai Accent (average new price: $18,720) Nissan Sentra (average new price: $23,045) While several of the models listed are from Japanese automakers like Nissan, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, Japanese-made cars don't entirely dominate the list. There are also South Korean and American models included, like the Kia Rio and Chevrolet Spark. One similarity between all vehicles listed is that they are all either subcompact cars, subcompact SUVs, or sedans. So, size and fuel efficiency play a role in the overall cost of ownership. The methodology for this study included analyzing odometer readings from over one million three-year-old cars. The models listed are the cheapest cars to drive based on average annual mileage and new car prices. So, the starting MSRP's of vehicles are a factor in their placing on the list, but not the only determining factor. If you own the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, or Chevrolet Spark, you're in luck because these small cars have officially been discontinued. That's right, some of the cheapest cars to drive (according to iSeeCars) are no longer for sale as new models. You can still find pre-owned Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Spark models at used car dealers, CarMax, or Carvana. Among those in the list, the Nissan Versa is the first still available for sale as a new vehicle. Nissan's subcompact car starts at $17,190, ($18,330 with automatic transmission) and is available in three trims: the S, SV, and SR. The final configuration of the 2025 Nissan Versa SR remains more affordable than the average new car, starting at $21,190. The 2025 Nissan Versa SR uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It achieves 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway, which is excellent fuel efficiency. The Versa nameplate remains affordable to buy as a new vehicle. The average new car price may be close to $50K in 2025, but that doesn't mean you need to pay $50,000 for a new car. In fact, there are several new cars on the market with starting prices under $40,000 that provide significant value for the money. The 2025 Nissan Versa ($17,190), 2025 Nissan Sentra ($21,590), and 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($37,850) are listed as 2025 'Best Value Winners' by a leading online automotive marketplace. also recognizes several SUVs with strong value propositions as well like the 2025 Ford Escape ($29,150) and 2025 Kia Sorento ($31,990). Finding the right new car to buy can be a harrowing task. This list of cheapest cars to own can help you make an informed purchasing decision backed by research. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cheapest cars to drive in 2025: Analysis finds surprising picks under 30K Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Car and Driver
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Kia Niro Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Kia Niro might not be bold or exciting, but that isn't the objective that it seeks to fulfill. Instead, it aims to deliver exactly what you'd want from a hybrid subcompact SUV and largely succeeds in that mission. Offered as either a conventional hybrid or plug-in hybrid (in addition to an EV, which we review separately), the Niro is a fuel miser regardless of which powertrain you choose. In addition to being a little less somnambulant than its conventional counterpart, the plug-in hybrid Niro also grants an EPA-estimated 33 miles of all-electric range—plenty of juice for shop-hopping. As one of just two hybrid subcompact SUVs on offer currently, we give the Niro hybrid the top spot over its only natural competitor, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. What's New for 2026? The Niro hasn't seen any serious updates since its second generation was introduced in 2023, and the 2026 model year is no different. It carries over unchanged this year. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Kia Niro Hybrid is expected to start around $29,000 and go up to $43,000 depending on the trim and options. LX $29,000 (est) EX $32,000 (est) EX Touring $34,000 (est) SX $35,000 (est) EX PHEV $36,000 (est) SX Touring $37,000 (est) SX Touring PHEV $43,000 (est) We think the EX Touring trim represents the best value. It comes with a host of desirable features that aren't available on the base LX trim, including a sunroof, fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 18-inch wheels, and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment display. A full EV model is also available, but we review that one separately. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Niro Hybrid is powered by a 139-hp powertrain that consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard, and the Niro is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. A plug-in-hybrid powertrain adds a more powerful electric motor to the mix for a combined 180 horsepower. Neither model is particularly exciting to drive, but the plug-in hybrid offers perkier acceleration. 0–60-MPH Times A Niro PHEV reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds at our test track. The standard hybrid hit 60 mph in a languid 8.9 seconds. View Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Range, Charging, and Battery Life The plug-in-hybrid variant comes with an 11.1-kWh battery pack that should be good for around 33 miles of electric driving range per charge. Kia says that when the car is connected to a Level 2 charger, the battery can be refilled in less than three hours. In our testing, the plug-in hybrid managed to cruise for 25 miles on the highway on electric power before resorting to the gas engine for additional range. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Niro Hybrid yet, but last year's plug-in hybrid models received ratings of 49 mpg city, 47 mph highway, and 48 mpg combined. The conventional hybrid models were rated for 53 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 49 mpg combined ratings. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the Niro Hybrid EX Touring managed 39 mpg; that's a significant 6 mpg shy of its EPA rating, but still impressive. The Niro plug-in hybrid returned 37 mpg in the same test. With no changes for 2026, the newest Niro Hybrid should achieve similar, or identical, results. For more information about the Niro's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo A sculptural interior design creates a contemporary feel inside the Niro. Kia has used recycled materials and natural fibers such as eucalyptus leaves for the headliner and upholstery. Passenger space is snug, but the Niro's a small crossover, after all, and it offers enough space for four adults, and its cargo area is big enough for a large grocery run. Ambient interior lighting lends an upscale touch, and a rotary shift knob is similar to what you'd find in a Genesis luxury car. In our testing, we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the Niro hybrid's rear seats and 20 with the rear seats folded. The plug-in-hybrid model held slightly less, as its battery cannibalizes some of the cargo space, but we still fit six carry-ons behind the rear seats and 18 in total. View Photos Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity While the Niro Hybrid's base LX trim comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display is included on all other models and features in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. Both displays run the latest version of Kia's UVO infotainment system and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trims and above get a wireless smartphone charging pad while the SX and SX Touring trims ditch the standard six-speaker stereo for a seven-speaker Harman/Kardon setup. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features A host of driver-assistance features come standard on all Niro models, including pedestrian-detection capabilities, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. A more advanced adaptive cruise control system with lane-centering is offered as an option. For more information about the Niro's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Kia and its sister company, Hyundai, offer one of the most comprehensive vehicle warranties available. The 10-year powertrain warranty is the cornerstone, but they beat the competition almost across the board. The only thing that's missing—for Kia, at least—is complimentary scheduled maintenance. Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid EX Touring Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motors, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $27,785/$32,685 POWERTRAIN DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 104 hp, 106 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 11 and 43 hp, 26 and 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 0.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est) Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc Tires: Continental ProContact RX 225/45R-18 95V M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.1 in Length: 174.0 in Width: 71.8 in Height: 60.8 in Passenger Volume: 102 ft3 Cargo Volume: 23 ft3 Curb Weight: 3217 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.9 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.9 sec @ 82 mph 100 mph: 27.4 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.6 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 106 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY 75-mph Highway Driving: 39 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 430 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 49/53/45 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED 2024 Kia Niro PHEV Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motors, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $41,515/$41,785 POWERTRAIN DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 104 hp, 106 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 11 and 83 hp, 26 and 150 lb-ft (combined output: 180 hp, 195 lb-ft; 8.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est) Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc Tires: Continental ProContact RX 225/45R-18 95V M+S Extra Load DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.1 in Length: 174.0 in Width: 71.8 in Height: 60.8 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/50 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 55/19 ft3 Curb Weight: 3476 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mph 100 mph: 20.4 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.6 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.4 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 120 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 185 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 40 MPGe EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 48/49/47 mpg Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 108 MPGe EV Range: 33 mi More Features and Specs
Motor Trend
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025 Honda Civic Sedan Sport Touring Hybrid Yearlong Review Arrival
Life can be full of funny little coincidences, and the fact that I'm the new chapero ne to this extremely red 2025 Honda Civic Sport T ouring Hybrid sedan for the next year is the latest one. 0:00 / 0:00 When this Civic Hybrid sedan joins my personal fleet, it'll officially turn my family into a two-Civic household. Already, our daily is a 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring, which is not a hybrid, so it has the optional 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 and six-speed manual. It's a delightful, chuckable little thing whose hatchback hasn't met a Facebook Marketplace find it couldn't fit. Therefore, out of everyone currently employed at MotorTrend, I think I just might be the best-suited person to shake down a new Civic. Happenstance aside, however, the Civic Hybrid is an important car, a hero for the masses. Building on the 11th-generation's great bones, the hybrid powertrain is both an efficiency and a power play: In testing, we found the 200-hp unit to be quicker than the Civic Si—despite sharing the same horsepower output—all while returning an EPA-rated 50/47/49 mpg city/highway/combined. Not only that, but the car is a darling to drive, dynamically tuned to be comparable to much higher-dollar Mercedes and Porsches. Out the door? This monospec Civic Sport Touring Hybrid costs $33,100 and comes with a laundry list of standard features, such as heated leather seats, wireless CarPlay, Google built-in, and a Bose audio system. Options? There are none available, aside from a slew of accessory packs we skipped. Suffice It to Say, I'm Stoked. There's Just One Problem. I physically couldn't take delivery of the red Civic hybrid because it was delivered to MotorTrend's Los Angeles, California, office instead of New York, which is where I live. As a result, my colleagues were the ones to put the first 2,000 miles or so on the car before I even laid eyes on it. Predictably, the prognosis was good—even if our early returns on real-world mileage (41.1 mpg) fall below the EPA's ratings. 'What a terrific little car,' associate online editor Alex Leanse wrote. 'Honda really nailed the dynamic formula with this. The Civic Hybrid is as docile and undemanding as anyone would want, yet driving enjoyers like myself will still be entertained. There's a direct, connected feel throughout its controls—reassuringly predictable for normal drivers and enthusiasts alike. The steering is weighty, the brake pedal's travel is short, and reactions from the electric motor are immediate. The ride is taut yet never harsh, keeping the body poised in handling situations while maintaining great comfort. Tire grip is limited, but the Civic Hybrid is still a fun car that's willing to be driven hard.' Furthermore (and to my delight) Leanse reported being able to fit comfortably in it, too. Between him being 6-foot-10 and me being 5-foot-3, I think we've just about covered the entire size range of car-driving humans. 'The ergonomics are dialed,' Leanse went on. 'Where my feet are relative to my hip, and where my hands are relative to my chest are pretty much ideal, Porsche- or BMW-like even. Headroom is only a concern if I sit bolt upright, there's good under-thigh support, and I can sneak my foot past the pedals to stretch my leg. This disproves that small cars aren't good for tall people; the overall ergonomics in the Civic Hybrid are preferable to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class for me.' Over the next 12 months I get to spend with the car, I'll be looking out for how well those ergonomics and seat comfort hold up, as well as what sort of real-world gas mileage I'll get. My regular commutes will be in and out of perhaps the urbanest environment in the United States (New York City), so I'm eager to see how high (or low) we can get that city mpg figure. Plus—and I say this with only the most loving of shade thrown at Southern California—we actually experience inclement weather here in the Northeast, just like Michigan, so we'll also get to see how the Civic Hybrid fares there. My own first order of business, though? Driving the car across the country to get it home. That'll be the next installment in our 2025 Civic Hybrid sedan's yearlong journey. Stay tuned!
