Even as all the buzz in the auto industry continues to focus on EVs and going all-electric, hybrids remain a key part of the eco-friendly solutions being offered to car buyers.

Take, for example, the Kia Niro, a compact SUV that’s been around a few years and fits a niche in the hybrid world where there are few competitors.

This tech-savvy model is larger than popular hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq, but also smaller and more affordable than hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Venza and Ford Escape. For 2021, the Niro lineup boosts the quality and quantity of its tech and safety offerings, including inclusion of wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

I recently spent time in a Kia Niro and I’m back with a full report.