2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Kia Niro
Finding the SUV that not only meets the needs of your busy lifestyle, but also meets your expectations when it comes to environmental responsibility, can be troublesome when there are a number of models to choose from in the 2021 model year. Our team, here at Pearson Hyundai, created this comparison review to pit two of the most popular models against each other to help you find the one that best suits your lifestyle. One the left side we have the 2021 Hyundai Kona and on the right side we have the 2021 Kia Niro. Keep reading to see how they stack up below!
2021 Hyundai Kona Power & Handling
There are three engine options offered to power in the Kona in the 2021 model year. The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 147 hp and 132 pound-feet of torque. The second engine available for the Kona is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers 175 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both of these engines are outfitted with front-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is available. The third engine powers the Kona Electric model. Pairing a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, this powertrain creates 201 hp and 291 pound-feet of torque. This model is outfitted with FWD only.
2021 Kia Niro Power & Handling
There are three powertrain options available for the Kia Niro as well. The base hybrid powertrain is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to generate 139 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque. The second engine, a plug-in hybrid uses a 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4 engine with a 44.5 kW interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor to produce 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The last powertrain is an all electric 64 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor for 201 hp and 291 pound-feet of torque. All powertrains are mated to front-wheel drive, no all-wheel drive available here.
2021 Hyundai Kona Features & Design
There are six Hyundai Kona trim levels offered to drivers in the 2021 model year. The base SE trim level is outfitted with split-folding rear seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, both Apple and Android smartphone integration, automatic emergency braking, 16-inch alloy wheels, and lane keeping assistance. The upper trim levels add other features like heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, roof rails, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a power sunroof, an Infinity sound system, a self-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, aerodynamic wipers, an 8-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, navigation, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display.
2021 Kia Niro Features & Design
The Kia Niro is offered in five trim levels. The base trim is outfitted with cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen, both Apple and Android smartphone integration, and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. The upper four trims add driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, a power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, navigation, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging, rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Conclusion:
While the Kia Niro boasts three eco-friendly powertrains, it really can't keep up with all that the Hyundai Kona has to offer! The Kona offers six trim levels packed with all the latest features, two gasoline engine options that can be outfitted with AWD, and an electric powertrain option. Come on down to Pearson Hyundai to see the Kona in action and jump behind the wheel for a test drive!
