Are you in the market for a hybrid with great range, advanced tech and versatility? When in need of a daily driver or are you hitting the road for the long haul? Let’s check out two popular rivals—the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid and the 2024 Toyota Prius—and find out which one comes out on top.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2024 Kia Niro has double the trim options of the Prius.
- The Niro is for buyers on a budget—its base trim is nearly $6,000 less than the Prius LE.
- While the Prius is longer, the Niro boasts more head and shoulder room than the Prius.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid comes in five trims, all of which are relatively affordable. They are:
- LX: $26,940
- EX: $29,640
- EX Touring: $31,940
- SX: $33,040
- SX Touring: $35,340
The Prius is available in three levels at comparable prices. They are:
- LE: $32,975
- XLE: $36,225
- Limited: $39,670
A Crossover with Considerable Power
The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder drivetrain, delivers 139-horsepower, with six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. An optional plug-in-hybrid powertrain ups the ante by adding a more powerful electric motor to the equation to pack a 180 horsepower punch.
Both the Niro EV and Prius are highly efficient, and they get nearly the same mileage results, with the Prius’s just a little higher, but not by much.
Spacious Interiors
While the Prius is about seven-inches longer than the Niro, the longer model, measuring 181.1 inches to the Niro’s 174 inches, interiors are a different story—this is where the Niro shines. It has more head and shoulder room and ample cargo space making it roomier for cargo and more comfortable for all occupants. Rear-seat passengers even have more legroom. That few inches can mean so much with a packed car on a long journey!
Safety and Tech
If you’re worried about safety, both models appear to have top notch systems to keep your journey as worry-free as possible. But the Niro Hybrid stands tall, with Kia’s DriveWise tech systems in place. They include:
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Enhanced Auto Emergency Braking with Junction Turning Detection
- Highway Driving Assist
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
The Hybrid's infotainment touchscreen display is 8.0-inches, however a 10.3-inch display is standard on all trims but the LX. In-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio are also available. All trims feature Kia’s UVO infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charging pad is standard to EX trims and higher and seven-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo system is standard to the SX and SX Touring trims.
The Vehicle for You
If you’re not sure if you should get Kia or Toyota when going for a hybrid there’s only one contender in this side-by-side that really goes the distance when it comes to affordability and spaciousness—the Kia Niro. Still unsure? Give us a call at Alan Jay Kia to experience it for yourself! You’ll be glad you did!