The 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid breathe new life into the hybrid segment, with a practical wagon shape and excellent interior you’d never know was a hybrid.
Pros Utility vehicle styling Good noise suppression Handsome, intuitive interior 40-mpg-plus fuel economy Plug-in version priced well
Cons AWD unavailable Sluggish acceleration at speed No crash-test data yet Plug-in range now only average
The 2018 Kia Niro ranked #5 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Kia Niro has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 14 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Magnificent fuel economy Spacious, comfortable seats Generous cargo capacity Upscale cabin
Cons Less athletic than rivals Not available with AWD High base price
The most significant change for the 2018 Niro is the addition of lane keeping assist, replacing the previous lane departure warning system. It's included in the Advanced Technology package available on LX and EX trims, and it's standard on the top Touring trim.
PROS Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
CONS Feature-laden Touring trim sacrifices fuel efficiency Less cargo space than most rivals Feels lazy when driving in the default Eco mode All-wheel drive isn't offered despite crossover styling
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is old, crude, slow, and far from fuel-efficient, though it is cheap; buyers can likely do better.
Pros Low price Passably attractive lines Loading people, goods is easy So about that price…
Cons Grim interior Crude, slow powertrains Low fuel-economy ratings Active-safety gear missing from most trims
For 2018, the Mitsubishi Outlander receives updated styling front and rear, minor interior enhancements, and changes said to reduce cabin noise. There are new features this year as well. Every Outlander Sport now has a touchscreen display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is included on most trim levels.
PROS Well-equipped for the price Generous warranty coverage surpasses that of many rivals
CONS Raucous drone while accelerating (especially with 2.0-liter engine) Transmission is aggravating due to slow responses Many interior materials look and feel cheap Ride quality is jarring on bumpy roads
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ranked #14 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a score of 6.5 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 65 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Above-average cargo room Long warranty
Cons Underwhelming powertrains Numb steering Dated cabin design Subpar fuel economy
