The reviewer's hysteria over the dual-mode climate/radio is strictly personal to him. It doesn't bother me in the least. I had a 2018 in "Runway Red," and this is my 2nd Niro, this time in "Mineral Blue," but it's a "plain" hybrid, not the plug-in version, and without the black panel in the "C" pillar spot behind the rear doors. I think the "plain" hybrid makes more sense. I don't have to rewire my garage to accommodate the larger battery recharging, and it gets 50+ mpg around town, 47-49 mpg on long highway trips. There have been no issues, mechanical or electronic, in 14 months. I'm 6', 205 lbs., and don't feel at all cramped. Grandkids (teens) have plenty 'o room in the 2nd row, and they find it very comfortable. Excellent car.
My 2021 Niro PHEV is awesome! Truly the best of both worlds. No it is not a race car but the dual clutch transmission with sport mode is efficient and fun to drive. It has driver’s seat memory is power adjustable. Plus the front seats are heated and ventilated and full leather seats all around. The car is easy to get in and out of both front and rear seats, and easy to park and drive around the city, very solid on the highway, with lots of space in the back, plus roof racks and cross bars. I like the regular sunroof (not pano), and the understated styling helps this very cool car blend in. I added on a block heater for winter and rain guards for summer. The regular tinted windows are perfect. The sixteen inch wheels give a better ride and fuel economy than the larger wheels. The intelligent cruise control is my favourite feature. The dual zone AC is great and I like having buttons to push. The dual digital instrument panels give a ton of programmable information and again… blend in. Not like other cars that have an iPad stuck on the dash… I could go on, but you get the picture.
I have a 2024 PHEV EX. I agree with most of the minor shortcomings, size of the door bottle holders, console cupholders, the piano black. As for the negative review on the HVAC/Radio, I have the dual console defaulted to the HVAC and use the sheering wheel buttons to control the radio. The favourite button for radio on/off, Mode programmed to Up/Down to change the radio presets and the volume controls on the steering wheel. The passenger can use the radio controls on the Infotainment console. I think the designers had this safer way of operating radio in mind. Reviewers tend to omit this alternative.
My life just got more complicated. Now, I have to visit a Kia dealership and test drive a Niro PHEV SX Touring. Adding this potential vehicle to my growing list of choices from a 2024/25 Kona Limited (ICE or EV, depends on final OTD price after tax credits) or Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE. I ruled out a Crosstrek because I don't need Full time AWD and I am not a fan of the Subaru's infotainment system design.
Of that group I would buy the Kona ICE or lease the EV. I really liked our time in the Kona. Roomy, quiet, and affordable. 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD | Better than the Alternatives th-cam.com/video/Md5xVpVq7Tg/w-d-xo.html
@@GTGarageTalk I no longer want the Kona. Same engine as my 2022 Kona Limited in a bigger Kona makes the new Kona a slow "Sherman Tank". Going with KIA Niro PHEV SX Touring instead! Having a better designed non-turbo ICE with EV range 30+ miles means that I will only need gas about once a month!!
@@kevinwhite6304 I've leased a KIA Niro EV since my OP. Love it and have my own level 2 charger installed and waiting for the rebate from the local utility company that will pay me for the installation.
My biggest gripe is I can’t have my right arm on the armrest and reach the steering wheel comfortable. Never had a car without an adjustable armrest on the center console. Cheap move for the top trim.
The reviewer's hysteria over the dual-mode climate/radio is strictly personal to him. It doesn't bother me in the least. I had a 2018 in "Runway Red," and this is my 2nd Niro, this time in "Mineral Blue," but it's a "plain" hybrid, not the plug-in version, and without the black panel in the "C" pillar spot behind the rear doors. I think the "plain" hybrid makes more sense. I don't have to rewire my garage to accommodate the larger battery recharging, and it gets 50+ mpg around town, 47-49 mpg on long highway trips. There have been no issues, mechanical or electronic, in 14 months. I'm 6', 205 lbs., and don't feel at all cramped. Grandkids (teens) have plenty 'o room in the 2nd row, and they find it very comfortable. Excellent car.
Enjoy your Niro!
I seldom use the air control, so I just set it to radio as the primary when I start the car.
I wish that were the case here. But this time of year Texas’ bipolar weather means a constant change in HVAC settings. Lol
My 2021 Niro PHEV is awesome! Truly the best of both worlds. No it is not a race car but the dual clutch transmission with sport mode is efficient and fun to drive. It has driver’s seat memory is power adjustable. Plus the front seats are heated and ventilated and full leather seats all around. The car is easy to get in and out of both front and rear seats, and easy to park and drive around the city, very solid on the highway, with lots of space in the back, plus roof racks and cross bars. I like the regular sunroof (not pano), and the understated styling helps this very cool car blend in. I added on a block heater for winter and rain guards for summer. The regular tinted windows are perfect. The sixteen inch wheels give a better ride and fuel economy than the larger wheels. The intelligent cruise control is my favourite feature. The dual zone AC is great and I like having buttons to push. The dual digital instrument panels give a ton of programmable information and again… blend in. Not like other cars that have an iPad stuck on the dash… I could go on, but you get the picture.
I have a 2024 PHEV EX. I agree with most of the minor shortcomings, size of the door bottle holders, console cupholders, the piano black. As for the negative review on the HVAC/Radio, I have the dual console defaulted to the HVAC and use the sheering wheel buttons to control the radio. The favourite button for radio on/off, Mode programmed to Up/Down to change the radio presets and the volume controls on the steering wheel. The passenger can use the radio controls on the Infotainment console. I think the designers had this safer way of operating radio in mind. Reviewers tend to omit this alternative.
👍🏼
My life just got more complicated. Now, I have to visit a Kia dealership and test drive a Niro PHEV SX Touring. Adding this potential vehicle to my growing list of choices from a 2024/25 Kona Limited (ICE or EV, depends on final OTD price after tax credits) or Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE. I ruled out a Crosstrek because I don't need Full time AWD and I am not a fan of the Subaru's infotainment system design.
Of that group I would buy the Kona ICE or lease the EV. I really liked our time in the Kona. Roomy, quiet, and affordable.
2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD | Better than the Alternatives
th-cam.com/video/Md5xVpVq7Tg/w-d-xo.html
@@GTGarageTalk I no longer want the Kona. Same engine as my 2022 Kona Limited in a bigger Kona makes the new Kona a slow "Sherman Tank". Going with KIA Niro PHEV SX Touring instead! Having a better designed non-turbo ICE with EV range 30+ miles means that I will only need gas about once a month!!
@@Steve_in_NJ Niro is nicer that the Kona. Not sure why Hyundai does not offer the Kona as a PHEV, the same as Kia does.
@@kevinwhite6304 I've leased a KIA Niro EV since my OP. Love it and have my own level 2 charger installed and waiting for the rebate from the local utility company that will pay me for the installation.
My biggest gripe is I can’t have my right arm on the armrest and reach the steering wheel comfortable. Never had a car without an adjustable armrest on the center console. Cheap move for the top trim.
I love it ❤
Thank you
@@GTGarageTalk you are welcome 😃