The days of filling up at the fuel pump are still upon us, but some drivers are getting tired of these traditional (and largely expensive) ways. The hybrid and/or electric (EV) vehicle life is becoming more and more appealing as time progresses. If the only thing that’s stopping you from making the switch from gas to at least partial electric is the lack of vehicle variety, you might want to think again. While many brands offer at least one or two hybrid or EV models, Kia has seven different hybrid/electric models in their 2022/2023 lineup that you can find at your local Kia dealers. But before we take a look at these impressive models, let’s talk about the differences between a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV vehicle.
What Is a Hybrid?
A hybrid vehicle looks and appears to function just like any other gas-powered model. The key difference is that a hybrid model has both a combustion engine and at least one battery-powered engine. This leads to better fuel efficiency overall.
What Is a Plug-In Hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid vehicle also has both electric and gas-powered engines. The difference is that a plug-in hybrid vehicle must be manually charged via a charging station. Due to this additional power sourcing, these models are often more fuel-efficient than a regular hybrid model.
What Is an EV?
An EV is an all-electric vehicle that uses zero fuel consumption and runs solely on battery power. Just like a plug-in hybrid, EVs must be charged in order to be drivable. The difference is that an EV does not run on gasoline at all and cannot use gasoline as a backup fuel source.
7. The 2022 Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a naturally hybrid subcompact SUV. Before you go around assuming that all 2022 Kia Niros are the same, keep this in mind – there are technically three different Kia Niro models. These are the Niro, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid, and the Niro EV. Right now, we’re looking solely at the Niro, which just so happens to be a regular hybrid model.
The Niro is a nice, tech-savvy SUV with a 63.2 cubic feet cargo space rating and a 50 MPG combined fuel efficiency score. Choose the LXS trim to access four different driver assist safety technologies, plus remote start, push-button start, and underfloor storage. Since this vehicle is a regular hybrid model, you won’t have to plug it in to charge, but you will still have to fuel it up at the gas station. At 50 MPG combined, though, your gas station stops will be far less frequent.
6. The 2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
This model offers the same exact cargo rating as the standard Niro. The perk to this one is that since it’s a plug-in hybrid, it’s eligible for tax credits, and it can save you much more in fuel than the regular hybrid Niro. When you’ve got both a full charge and a full gas tank, you can drive as far as 105 miles “per gallon.” This translates to as much as 560 miles of range. This Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a little more than the Niro is; however, you’re definitely saving money in the long run due to fuel efficiency.
5. The 2022 Niro EV
Before you get too burnt out on the Niro, let’s take a quick look at the 2022 Niro EV. If you’re completely over stopping at the gas station, then this model is for you. The new Niro EV can go up to 239 miles on a full charge. It also holds up to 53 cubic feet of space and comes with 60/40 folding rear seats to help you better customize your cargo/passenger ratio. While it’s a little smaller than its hybrid siblings, the Niro EV still offers plenty of space for everything you need. The best part of it all? There’s absolutely zero need to stop at the gas station unless you need a soda or a bag of chips.
4. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Not ready to give up peppy acceleration? The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid might be for you. It carries with it several “best-in-class” ratings, including its fuel efficiency, cargo, and horsepower (thanks to its turbocharged hybrid engine). It also offers more rear legroom than any other model in its class. This compact SUV also includes an optional active AWD system, making it not only sporty but all-weather/all-terrain capable as well.
This model is both sporty in the sense of pep and all-terrain capability alike. While it’s certainly not a hardcore off-roading, it can tackle uneven and rough terrain. It’s got an 8.3-inch ground clearance and multi-terrain AWD to keep you going both on and off-terrain. Those Sportage X-Pro exclusive BFGoodrich A/T tires aren’t just there for looks, either. These all-terrain tires also help you tackle campgrounds and family fishing trips with ease. You don’t have to have a big off-roading SUV or truck to enjoy the outdoors with your family. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is more than enough.
3. The 2022 Sorento Hybrid
Need more space for the kids? Then this larger SUV with third-row seating will do the trick. The 2022 Sorento Hybrid model gets up to 37 MPG while offering seating for six and up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space. It also comes with several more standard and family-friendly safety features, such as Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, plus automatic emergency braking. It also includes convenience features like remote start and heated front seating.
You’ll get a free year of “Kia Connect,” Kia’s remote connectivity application that allows you to start your vehicle, control your climate, and even find your model’s location via your smartphone. This is a great vehicle for trips and commutes since it has a 655-mile drive range. This means that under optimal conditions, you can go for 655 miles without having to fill up your gas tank.
2. The 2022 Kia EV6
Looking for something a little more “otherworldly?” You’ll want to check out the 2022 Kia EV6. This futuristic-looking model is electric only and can go for up to 310 miles on a full charge. It’s no slacker when it comes to power, either, providing it with a max 320 horsepower rating. Even more impressive, you can tow up to 2,300 pounds with the new EV6, despite its electric status.
This model is incredibly tech-savvy, offering dual panoramic displays where vehicle information is stored, Virtual Valet Parking Assist, and a Head-Up Display, all available with trim upgrades. The Kia EV6 can even act as a generator. While it isn’t as family-friendly as the Sorento Hybrid, this can still handle 5-passenger and offers up to 50 cubic feet of cargo space. This one is definitely the EV for sportier drivers.
1. The 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
Are you ready for the even more fuel-efficient version of the family-friendly Sorento? The 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid model offers 79 MPGe combined. It also has more passenger space and second-row legroom than any other vehicle in its class. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid model offers the same exact specs as the standard Sorento when it comes to cargo capacity and infotainment. Essentially, this model is everything that the regular hybrid Sorento is, but with even better fuel economy ratings. If your main goal here is to save on gas money, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is worth investing in the extra downpayment.
