Kia Niro Hybrid Dominates Comparative Evaluation of Urban-Type SUVs in Leading Specialties

Jul 10, 2025












































































Photo courtesy : carguy(www.carguy.kr)

































Kia's flagship eco-friendly SUV "Niro Hybrid" proved its excellence by beating competitive models of Volkswagen, Peugeot, Seart and Toyota in a recent comparative evaluation of small SUVs in urban areas conducted by a leading German automobile magazine.

































Auto Zeitung, published in Germany, the home of the automobile industry, is a highly trusted medium for European consumers, and their evaluation results are used as an important criterion for vehicle purchase.

















































































In particular, this comparative evaluation is significant in that it was conducted on five small urban SUVs with a 4.1 to 4.4m overall length, which are steadily increasing in popularity in the European market.

































Auto Zeitung carefully evaluated five models, including the Niro Hybrid, Peugeot '2008 Hybrid', Volkswagen 'T-Cross', Seart 'Arona', and Toyota 'Yaris Cross Hybrid', in five categories: ▲ Body ▲ Driving Comfort, Powertrain ▲ Dynamic Driving Dynamics ▲ Eco-Friendly/Cost.
















The Niro Hybrid ranked first in the ▲ driving convenience ▲ dynamic driving performance category and second in the ▲ body ▲ powertrain category, scoring a total of 2,926 points, outpacing the 2008 Hybrid and T-Cross (2,880 points each), which are tied for second, by 46 points. ※ Arona 2,865 points, Yaris Cross Hybrid 2,787 points)














The Niro Hybrid scored 688 points, the highest in the "driving convenience" category, which evaluates seat comfort, suspension, and air conditioning systems, and was evaluated as "a combination of long wheelbase and multi-link rear wheel suspension, providing excellent control on rough roads along with sensitive and smooth reactions." ※ T-cross 676 points, 2008 hybrid 670 points, Arona 644, and Yaris cross hybrid 633 points)

































In the 'dynamic driving performance' category, which evaluates steering, braking performance, and driving stability, despite the longer battlefield and disadvantage in terms of weight compared to competing models, it was the only model among the evaluation models to record both cold and warm braking distances from 100 km/h to stop within 35m, and ranked first (621 points) due to its agile steering and stable body posture when driving corners. ※ Arona 619 points, 2008 Hybrid 594 points, T-Cross 583 points, Yaris Cross Hybrid 556 points)































In addition to

, the Niro Hybrid recorded the highest fuel economy among the evaluation models, ranking second in the 'body' and 'powertrain' categories, respectively, based on its superior evaluation of ample interior and load space, material and finish quality.

































In particular, AutoZaitung praised the fuel efficiency of the Niro Hybrid, saying, "It shows an amazing fuel efficiency of 5.3 liters per 100 km even under measurement conditions with many high-load driving sections." ※ Combined fuel efficiency based on the Niro Hybrid Evaluation Model WLTP: 4.1ℓ/100km)
















Elmar Siepen, editor-in-chief of Auto Zeitung, praised the Niro Hybrid, saying, "The size of the vehicle is comparable to the one above the level, but the price range still remains in the urban SUV category. It has overwhelmed competitors, especially based on ample space, excellent fuel efficiency, and the highest level of braking performance."































We are very proud of Niro Hybrid's outstanding marketability in the European market, where urban small SUVs have become the trend, a Kia official said. "We will continue to strengthen our competitiveness based on excellent quality and technology in the future to solidify our status as a 'global RV master.'"

































The Niro Hybrid has won the ▲ 'Best crossover' category in Europe ▲ 'Small SUV' category ▲ 'Small SUV' category and the ▲ 'Small SUV of the Year' category in the U.S. and the ▲ 'Subcompact SUV' category ▲ 'Car of the Year' category in the U.S.



Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr



































This article was translated by Naver AI translator.