[Dovidan]

I went from 2017 VW Golf TSI base trim to a Niro. The Golf was a sweet ride, near perfect city runabout with great utility, easy to park & yet quite suitable for highway use. But I wanted better mpg & a bit more interior space, especially in cargo area.
I traded my Golf for a Niro which has similar utility, city, and highway chops, except it doesn't have as much zip as Golf's 1.8T. Yet the Niro power is sufficient & handling decent. I got my SX used as a CPO. If you purchase used from a Kia dealer, you get the 10 yr powertrain warranty. If you purchase used from non Kia deal warranty is over at 5 yrs.

I mostly agree with Deemer * 98092 on the SX options. I use the hatch a lot & the power tailgate is really nice. I also appreciate the power folding mirrors for our narrow garage & parking on narrow streets & parking spaces. You may have survived 50 Chitown winters, without heated seats & vented seats but once you have them, I believe you will grow to love 'em. Same with proximity sensors (although at times the beep unnecessarily). I too use the sunroof to vent the car on hot days - keeps it from getting too hot if parked in summer sun but still keeps crooks out. I'm less enthused about the auto wipers, the 2017 VW version was better. Also I prefer Google maps to onboard Nav as the Goggle maps are always up to date.

Deemer failed to mention that 50 mpg is pretty sweet! If you drive a lot of short distances frequently (less than 5-10 after startup), you mpgs will be in low to mid 40s during temperate weather, less when temps drop below 40F.

I've not driven the Civic HEV but is is getting almost universal rave reviews, will probably have better resale and perhaps have few problems than the Niro. But 22" is a lot tighter than 27" when you trying to squeeze by with hands full. Happy hunting & please share with us what you get and why.

 

[Dovidan]

If you are in no hurry, plenty of time to investigate. All other things being equal, I would probably take a used 2023+ HEV SX in good condition over a new LX. The price will probably be close, possibly even cheaper.

Agree, as long as you get it from a Kia dealer to preserve the original long term warranty.