Kia Niro Tri-Fuel Is a Unique Hybrid Offering Impressive Range

It can travel up to 1,000 miles before needing to refuel

If you suffer from severe range anxiety, a fully electric vehicle may not be the best option. A hybrid makes more sense, especially for long trips where you don’t want to worry about running out of power. After Subaru launched the Crosstrek hybrid with a 621-mile range, Kia aims to break the 1,000-mile mark with its own electrified compact crossover.

The Niro Tri-Fuel stands out from typical hybrid crossovers, even though it looks familiar. This is because it also runs on liquified petroleum gas (LPG), with a tank installed under the cargo floor where the spare tire would usually be. The LPG tank holds 10.5 gallons, while the gasoline tank has a capacity of 11.1 gallons.

With both tanks full, the Niro Tri-Fuel can cover around 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers)—a range far beyond what EVs can achieve and even difficult for most diesel vehicles without extreme fuel-saving techniques. Plus, its CO2 emissions are 6% lower than the standard hybrid. In Italy, where this model is launching, Kia claims it’s the first full-hybrid that can also run on LPG.

A button near the start/stop switch allows the driver to activate the 1.6-liter engine to run on LPG and check fuel levels. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces 90 hp, paired with a 43 hp electric motor powered by a 1.32-kWh battery, for a combined output of 126 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The LPG conversion is handled by BRC, part of Westport Fuel Systems Italia, and the vehicle still comes with Kia’s full seven-year/93,205-mile (150,000-km) warranty. Kia estimates owners could save up to €5,000 ($5,410) on fuel costs.

However, buyers will need to pay an additional €2,000 (about $2,200) over the standard model. Prices start at €34,450 ($37,300) for the base version and go up to €39,200 ($42,400) for the top trim.

Author:

  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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