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
Heated wiper blades and seats (AWD only), power child locks, and a rear 12-volt outlet added to base trim.R-Design and Inscription add 14-speaker stereo, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and drive, power-folding rear outer head restraints, and a parking assistance system.Convenience, Vision, and Climate packages replaced with similar Premium, Multimedia and Advanced packagesThe 2019 Volvo XC60 is one of the strongest contenders in the luxury SUV segment.
Pros Modern interior looks beautiful Plenty of available amenities and luxury options Abundant power from plug-in hybrid powertrain Seat comfort is unparalleled
Cons Not as fun to drive as most competitors Smaller cargo area behind rear seats than before Not as quiet as other cabins in the segment Even with air suspension, the ride is fairly busy
The 2019 Volvo XC60 ranked #9 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Volvo XC60 has a score of 8.0 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 20 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Superb amount of standard and available safety features Elegant, spacious, and comfortable interior Smooth ride and handling Excellent towing rating
Cons Current generation has below-average predicted reliability
The 2019 Volvo XC60 is the full picture: advanced powertrains, gorgeous interior, subtle exterior.
Pros New, affordable front-wheel drive offering Gorgeous interior Competent powertrains Standard advanced safety features Logical and sharp touchscreen
Cons Can get pricey quickly Not especially fuel efficient without a plug Requires premium fuel It’s not in our driveway now
