South Trail Kia
Once relegated to only the smallest sub-compacts, Hybrid Electric power plants have made their way into a variety of body types for 2019. Not long ago, the sub-compact Toyota Prius had little competition, and buyers had few options when it came to going green. Today, however, many other automakers produce hybrid vehicles in styles ranging from small sub-compacts to Large SUVs. In the Compact-SUV class, for example, the Kia Niro PHEV and Toyota Prius V offer crossover buyers two of the best options on the market today. Here's a look at some of the most notable features of each vehicle.
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Entertainment and Technology
The Prius V comes equipped with a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system controlled by a 155-mm touchscreen display. Niro EX buyers enjoy a 178-mm touchscreen display, AM/FM/MP3/satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration, and wireless charging. Niro Premium takes things up quite a bit with an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, and HD radio, as well.
Interior
The Prius V comes standard with cloth upholstery, Front Automatic Climate Control, and a manually adjusted driver's seat. Niro interior comforts include an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and either combination cloth/leather, or leather upholstery.
Exterior
Toyota classifies the Prius V as a 5-Door Wagon, while the Niro falls into the Compact-SUV class. Both come with 16"-wheels, colour-keyed mirrors, and door handles power-adjustable heated mirrors, automatic headlights, and projector-style headlamps. The Niro also comes standard with a power sunroof, automatic power folding side view mirrors, roof rails, and solar glass.
Performance
Kia and Toyota use different technologies for their electric power. The Niro features a 1.6L, GDI PHEV, permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by Lithium Ion Polymer batteries. Toyota uses Nickel-Metal Hydride technology combined with a 60 KW standard electric motor. Both have similarly sized 4-cylinder DOHC fuel injected engines for the gasoline side of their power. As expected, the two enjoy excellent fuel economy with the Prius consuming 5.8 L/100 km, and the Niro just 5.1 L/100 km (combined city and highway).
The following chart highlights some of the more notable similarities and differences between the 2019 Kia Niro PHEV and the 2019 Toyota Prius V:
The Niro seems to have the edge over the Prius in the Hybrid Compact SUV class. When it comes to buying a 2019 Kia Niro in Calgary, however, thanks to their excellent prices, and an incredible level of service, nobody has the edge over South Trail Kia.