[Harold A. Phillips]

I am driving a 2005 Scion xB and totally love it in every way except passengers complain about the ride in the back. But the roominess (head and leg -- front and back) is out of this world. The ease of flipping down the back seats for moving lots of stuff --- no complaints. Alas, the xB could not stand up to the market

My wife drives a Kia Soul and loves it. It has a lot more pep than the first generation xB. But it seems a bit smaller than what I would like as a replacement for the xB

The Niro really impresses me (seems larger than a Soul, everyone raves about the mileage which does not impact me that much except as a Friend of the Earth).

For an xB lover --- is a Niro the Best Next Car to be focusing on? Is there something better on the market these days?

Also, I have read in other posts about what seem to be low sales numbers for the Niro -- is that because it is still new or is it likely to go the route of xB and that Nissan cube thing etc.

Thanks for suggestions and comments. Glad I found this forum.

 

[yticolev]

If you like it, buy it. You should also be able to find a low mileage xB. You might also like a used PT Cruiser. A tiny bit larger than the xB (two inches longer), but if you like the room inside the xB, you will love the space in the PT (you can put 8 foot lumber inside). I had one for 18 years. Rear seats remove with no tools, front passenger seat folds down. Bikes fit in upright with room to sleep inside.

I've removed the seats in the Niro, big enough to accomplish what I need (never have passengers), but barely so despite its much longer length. The Niro is less tall than the PT or the xB, with more ground clearance so obviously room inside the Niro is less. But the PT was end of life and I wanted a more fuel efficient car.

There are no direct competitors in Niro's shape. Maybe the CT200 but that is smaller. All models eventually go away but it is only the second model year for the Niro. Niro sales have been good for Kia.

 

[olimpiaKIA]

The Niro seems like a good option based on what you said. Another great thing about the Niro is all the technology you get as far as safety features and infotainment, it's probably one of the best 'bang for your buck' cars out there in that regard.
I say go to your local Kia dealer and take one for a spin to see if you really like it or not.

 

[Kleen]

The Soul is also getting a significant refresh in the next MY, so we don't really know what to expect in terms of dimensions. And as the Niro is a relatively new platform, it'll take awhile before it really starts to sell in volume. I think the upcoming EV variant is going to bring a lot of interest to it.

 

[yticolev]

Soul has an EV variant now. Alex on autos reviewer owns one.