Other highlights include: 18-inch alloy wheels, comfortable leather seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats, push button start and keyless entry, heated steering wheel with controls, projector beam headlights with LED positioning lamps, LED daytime running lights, and a power sunroof.

While this isn’t anything near a luxury vehicle, many of the amenities do make you feel very welcome while on your journeys.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

The Niro Touring I tested featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which combines efforts with a 43 horsepower electric motor. It also includes a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery.

This all adds up to a combined 139 horsepower, and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.

A 6-speed dual clutch transmission is featured, along with an idle stop-and-go system to boost fuel mileage and limit emissions. The Niro is a FWD vehicle only (no AWD option)

Overall the Niro is not what you would call a powerful ride, to be kind.

That’s no surprise since it’s a hybrid, but it’s honestly a bit frustrating at times to see how long it takes to get moving. This is the biggest downside of the Niro and people will need to determine whether all the good stuff it does offer is worth being patient on the power side of things. Not everyone will be able to do so.

Sport mode can be engaged via the shifter if you want to adjust your gears manually … and it helps with the power issue somewhat … but that also starts to negate your fuel mileage gains. So it's a catch-22 situation in a way.

On the plus side, the Niro responds well to driver input, so it moves around more nimbly than most small crossovers.

One important note: Don’t think of taking the Niro on any off-road excursions -- it’s just not equipped for that in terms of height and performance.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Kia has become one of the strongest companies in the industry in the safety and tech realms lately, so no surprise that there’s a good effort put in with the Niro.

For safety you get dual front airbags and driver’s knee airbag; dual front side air bags; full-length side curtain airbags; Anti-lock brakes; Hill-start assist control; Electronic stability control; Vehicle stability management and a tire pressure monitoring system.

For comfort you have dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, and for the music lovers and Harman Kardon premium audio system is offered.

Advanced safety features including Blind Spot Detection System, Front/Rear Park Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert all come on the Niro Touring model.

A quality navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen and rear camera is offered, along the with the impressive and easy-to-use UVO eServices infotainment system.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration can be found, and you get three free months of satellite radio. Bluetooth connection for audio streaming and phone calls in included and worked very well for me, from ease of connection to seamless use.

Other tech options, via the Advanced Technology package, include: Wireless phone charger, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning system, Forward Collision Warning system, Auto emergency braking and HID headlights.

MPG
Official numbers for the Niro Touring model are 46 mpg in the city/40 highway/and 43 combined. I averaged about 41 mpg in my time driving it.
Other trim levels of the Niro (namely its FE version) come with fuel mileage numbers around 50 mpg, which are right up there with the best hybrid mpg ratings (Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq), so depending how serious you are about achieving top fuel mileage you have some options, though be aware that the better the fuel mileage, the more patient you’ll have to be as a driver in terms of speed and power.

One thing that contributes to the strong fuel mileage numbers is the regenerative braking system.

PRICE
The Niro Touring I tested was just under $33,000; base price on the Niro starts about $23K. If you skip some of the options and don’t max out the price, the Niro usually will end up as a relatively affordable hybrid vehicle, especially when fuel savings are taken into account.

BOTTOM LINE

If your goal in a vehicle is fuel efficiency combined with a decent amount of space and strong tech offerings, the Niro Touring is one to consider. Don’t expect a lot of power, as that’s not it’s strong suit, but there’s other areas where it shines.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.