2023 Kia Niro vs 2023 Toyota Prius

The 2023 Toyota Prius is all new this year, and it continues to maintain its dominance in the hybrid world. However, it is no longer the only hybrid car with a good reputation.

Costing a bit less, the Kia hybrid is fully redesigned, too. It has a bigger cabin, extremely good gas mileage, and value packaging. The new model year brings more standard safety features as well as a more powerful plug in hybrid edition.

The Niro HEV impressed the judges at Cars-dot-com, earning the Best Car of 2023. It earned a spot on the Car and Drivers Best SUVs list. Both the Niro HEV and Niro EV are named finalists for the 2023 World Car Awards.

1. Size and Spaciousness

   Despite the similarity in the two hybrid cars when it comes to price, the Niro is an SUV, and it has much more space to prove it. Oddly, when the Prius was redone for the 2023 model year, the cabin passenger volume actually shrank to 91.2 cu ft.

   Meanwhile the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid promises a passenger volume much more friendly to both rows. At 105.1 cubic feet, that’s at least 10 cubes bigger than the Toyota. While the Prius Prime is a bit larger, it still can’t offer the generous size of the Niro Plug In Hybrid.

   

   Adults won’t fear taking the back seat. The second row is much more spacious than the Prius with about 3 more inches of headroom and 4 more inches of legroom. You can see how the new slanted roofline has impacted the Prius headroom. It’s also caused the doors to be smaller, making entry and exit a little more difficult.

2. Utility and Cargo Capacity

   When it comes to cargo space, it’s important to look at the 2023 figures for the Prius. It no longer has SUV-like spaciousness in its hold. XLE and Limited models have only 20.8 cubic feet in the hold. The standard LE claims 23.8 cubic feet.

   You are probably better off with the Kia’s 22.8 cu ft hold. It has a standard cargo tray for organization. With the seats folded, it expands to 63.7 cubes.

3. Performance and Fuel Economy

   When it comes to performance, it’s an interesting thing to compare these two. The Prius has 194 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. These numbers seem to flip places when you look at the Kia. Niro hybrids generate 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

   These hybrids utilize a four cylinder engine, two electric motors and a large battery pack. Front wheel drive is standard on both. Only the 2023 Prius offers all-wheel drive options. Prius have a continuously variable transmission while Niros have a high-tech dual clutch automatic.

   Fuel economy is another interesting case. Shoppers have to pay attention to the fine print because there are different figures for different Prius. The entry level model earns 57/56 mpg city-highway, but the XLE and Limited trims earn 52/52 mpg.

   

   Niro LX, EX and SX models earn 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway. So you can go up the trim ladder and not lose out on best-in-class hybrid SUV fuel economy. Of course, whether you choose the Toyota or Kia hybrid, you’ll be saving big at the gas pump.

4. Hybrid Price Comparison

   There’s no doubt that the 2023 Kia Niro has a low price for a hybrid SUV. In fact, it undercuts the Prius hybrid car. Shoppers can expect to get more for their money whether they stick with the entry level Niro or go for a higher trim level.

   The Prius price starts off at $27,450 MSRP for the LE. By the time you reach the Limited AWD, the Prius price is $35,865. Niro hybrid prices start at $26,590 for the LX trim. The SX MSRP is $32,590, and the SX Touring price tops out at $34,890 MSRP.

5. Safety and Driver Aids

   Kias are one of the few brands to include a junction turning assist with the forward collision avoidance system. Of course, this autobrake and warning feature responds to cyclist and pedestrian dangers as well.

   While both Kia and Toyota have standard smart cruise control, the Kia system includes Curve Control. Clever engineering has allowed for the integration between the GPS navigation system and the automatic cruise control technology.

   Highway Driving Assist is another Kia exclusive. This gives every Niro some semi-autonomous capability. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist provides information and, if desired, an automatic response to changes in the speed limit.

   While both the Niro LX and Prius LE have a rearivew camera and a rear cross traffic alert, only the Niro has standard rear parking sensors.

6. Special Niro Capability

   The Niro has a new feature called Green Zone. The vehicle learns where it drives regularly. Once it has done this, it can accurately predict when to utilize the limited electric range.

   For instance, as the Niro nears the home, it knows when it can essentially coast on the power it already has. This guarantees that the vehicle will keep emissions as low as possible.

   Intelligent Regenerative Braking utilizes radar as it determines how much braking is needed. In cases where braking energy can be spared, it captures more power. In cases where you need more stopping power at a moment’s notice, it captures less power. All of this happens seamlessly while the Niro is on the go.

7. Keeping Cool

   In Phoenix, we need a ride that can keep us cool through the hot summer months. Niros definitely have the edge here. Automatic air conditioning is standard, and you have only to step up to the EX to get dual zone automatic coverage.

   In the rear seat, the Kia has dedicated AC vents for passengers. Unfortunately, you won’t find those in the Prius. This essential feature is simply not on the Prius menu.

   Furthermore, Kia has a system to allow the driver to hog the air conditioning when alone in the car. The system can limit circulation to the driver’s seat, reducing waste while keeping you as cool as possible.

   Both vehicles are offering ventilated seats, but there is a significant price difference between the Niro SX and Prius Limited. Plus the Niro goes a bit further by offering 3-level ventilation for its driver and front seat passenger. Clearly the 2023 Kia Niro wants to keep everyone cool.

Conclusion

With all the 2023 Niro HEV has to offer, it is definitely worth it to test drive the hybrid SUV before you pursue the Prius. You’ll have a bigger backseat, more safety systems, and an excellent overall value.

Check out the Niro HEV, PHEV and EV at your Peoria Kia dealer.