Model year guide

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid at a glance

Owner complaints13
Combined46 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid MPG & running costs

Combined46 mpg
City48 mpg
Highway44 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,450
EPA size classSmall Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic (AM6)
Electric range560 mi
Charge time (240V)2.3 hours
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume101 cu ft
Cargo volume19 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,750 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$7,250
Fuel only$7,250
Per mile$0.10

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid trims & engines on record

Trims
EX Premium (PHEV), Graphite Edition (HEV)
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl 104 hp

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid vehicles on record

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid 2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid EX Premium (PHEV), Graphite Edition (HEV)KNDCC3LD2J5153133

Other Kia niro plug-in hybrid model years

2020 2019

2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid?

Across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid get?

The 2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid has a U.S. EPA estimate of 46 mpg combined (48 city / 44 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.