Just purchased my Niro today - 2018 PHEV EX Premium. I live in FL, but there are only 6 of these in the entire US inventory, so I drove my motorcoach to Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield, MO to get it. I didn't even bother to test drive it. Yesterday, a guy from NC purchased the only other one they had.
I considered a Tesla, but the build quality and service issues (first, just try to get one serviced; second, will they be in business much longer) and range anxiety stopped me. Realistically, even with a 280 mile max range, you are going to recharge at 20% and only charge to 80% due to time issues. So, this gets the realistic range to an absolute max of about 150 miles with climate control, etc). And, my Kia doesn't rattle incessantly and to me looks much more luxurious in the passenger compartment (storage if nothing else). No one pays much attention to the Niro on the road and I am fine with that. I have other vehicles if I feel the need to impress anyone (I don't).
Granted, this is day 1, but I am very pleased with my purchase. Unfortunately, the dealer wasn't much help in answering my questions, but I had already read various posts on this forum which really helps. I also had already downloaded the owners manual.
Other cars considered:
Honda, Toyota, Audi, Volvo
The Volvo XC60 was the closest contender, but I wanted something much more fuel efficient. They did have better available safety features. Although cost was not a big issue, I could have two Niro's for the cost of one XC60 the way I wanted it.
If there is anything that I am not quite happy with, it would be some of the features that are on the Tesla and Audi that are absent on the Kia. I also wonder if Kia will be rolling out software updates like some other manufacturers. My other disappointment is the factory nav unit which apparently cannot navigate to a specific business by voice command (maybe it can if it is a POI, but I apparently cannot tell it to navigate to the RV park I am staying at).
Also, this is my first experience with a Kia or any Korean brand. Wow, they have really come a long ways in the last 10 years. Very impressive.
-Bob
I considered a Tesla, but the build quality and service issues (first, just try to get one serviced; second, will they be in business much longer) and range anxiety stopped me. Realistically, even with a 280 mile max range, you are going to recharge at 20% and only charge to 80% due to time issues. So, this gets the realistic range to an absolute max of about 150 miles with climate control, etc). And, my Kia doesn't rattle incessantly and to me looks much more luxurious in the passenger compartment (storage if nothing else). No one pays much attention to the Niro on the road and I am fine with that. I have other vehicles if I feel the need to impress anyone (I don't).
Granted, this is day 1, but I am very pleased with my purchase. Unfortunately, the dealer wasn't much help in answering my questions, but I had already read various posts on this forum which really helps. I also had already downloaded the owners manual.
Other cars considered:
Honda, Toyota, Audi, Volvo
The Volvo XC60 was the closest contender, but I wanted something much more fuel efficient. They did have better available safety features. Although cost was not a big issue, I could have two Niro's for the cost of one XC60 the way I wanted it.
If there is anything that I am not quite happy with, it would be some of the features that are on the Tesla and Audi that are absent on the Kia. I also wonder if Kia will be rolling out software updates like some other manufacturers. My other disappointment is the factory nav unit which apparently cannot navigate to a specific business by voice command (maybe it can if it is a POI, but I apparently cannot tell it to navigate to the RV park I am staying at).
Also, this is my first experience with a Kia or any Korean brand. Wow, they have really come a long ways in the last 10 years. Very impressive.
-Bob
