I spent quite a bit of time deciding between a used hybrid and finally settled on a Niro. I didn’t like the CVT in Toyota/Honda, so it came down to the Niro or the Ioniq.
Now I’m wondering if I made the right choice.
I like the Niro’s design, driving position, and its looks are okay.
But the fuel economy is no better than a diesel, and the lack of torque can be frustrating at times. Why does it feel the need to shift down on the highway? The car does have some speed, but only at specific speeds and gear ratios.
When I drove the Ioniq, it seemed faster, and it’s supposedly more fuel-efficient. At the time, I thought the Niro’s advantages, like the sunroof, made up for it. But now, I’m not so sure. What do you think?
Have you tried Sport Mode?
Harper said:
Have you tried Sport Mode?
Sport mode on a hybrid? If you really want performance, maybe consider getting a used Miata as a second car.
Harper said:
Have you tried Sport Mode?
Sport mode on a hybrid? If you really want performance, maybe consider getting a used Miata as a second car.
Why not? That’s the whole point of Sport Mode. I paid for a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient car, and I’m getting one.
Harper said:
Have you tried Sport Mode?
Yeah, I’ve tried it… it’s smoother and better on the motorway, plus it’s faster in general. But there’s still a trade-off with efficiency. It’s annoying when switching from auto to Sport, and it gets stuck in the wrong gear.
@Amanda
I only use Sport Mode for the first few gears, then switch back to auto for the best fuel efficiency.
Even with 140,000 miles, I still get the EPA-rated mileage.
@Amanda
Sport Mode shifts to a lower gear to give you better acceleration, using the engine’s higher RPM to charge the battery when you’re not using power. But in Smart Cruise Control, when in Sport Mode, it shifts to higher gears, uses less RPM, and charges the battery less.
I’m a bit confused… are you comparing a hybrid Niro with a fully electric Ioniq?
Shouldn’t you be comparing the Ioniq to a fully electric Niro?
I have a 2024 PHEV Niro, and I absolutely love it. It’s got more power than the HEV version. Most of our driving is electric, and it’s very efficient on longer trips. My overall fuel usage is about 1.4L/100km (168mpg) after 9000km (5600 miles). The PHEV was also about $10k (CAD) cheaper than the EV.
@MaxKiaEnthusiast
Nope, I’m not comparing an EV. I’m comparing the HEVs. From what I’ve seen, the Ioniq seems about 10-15% better on fuel.
Amanda said:
@MaxKiaEnthusiast
Nope, I’m not comparing an EV. I’m comparing the HEVs. From what I’ve seen, the Ioniq seems about 10-15% better on fuel.
Ah, I see! My mistake. I thought you meant the Ioniq 5. Have you considered the PHEV instead of the HEV? I don’t know much about the older Ioniq models, but it could be worth looking into.
DriftKing said:
If your fuel economy is no better than a diesel, I’m curious if you’re comparing it to an old 1980s Rabbit.
My 2017 Ioniq averages about 45mpg (lower in winter, better in summer).
I’m comparing it to a 2012 BMW 118d, where I got 57mpg – and it was a lot quicker than the Niro . I’m getting around 60mpg in summer and 50 in winter, with careful driving.
@Amanda
How’s the mpg in town driving? And how expensive is diesel?
joannaumann said:
@Amanda
How’s the mpg in town driving? And how expensive is diesel?
I guess this is a US/UK thing… diesel is common here and not much more expensive than petrol. Some diesels are decent around town if you drive carefully, but they’re not great for the environment, which is why I switched!
Yeah, that’s a big complaint for me too. At random times, the car just drops a gear for no reason. I wonder if there’s a way to fix that with a tuner.
I traded my 2020 Ioniq for a Niro. I went from mid 60’s mpg to low 50’s. The ride’s better, more comfortable, but the steering on the Niro isn’t as tight. The power feels pretty much the same. I used Sport Mode often on the Ioniq for passing or accelerating.
@JenifaLopes
That’s really helpful, thanks!
I have a 2017 Niro FE and I love it, though I’ve had a few problems. I’ve driven from NYC to Niagara Falls, Canada twice this year. The car is super responsive, even when merging and driving at 75-85mph on the highway. The only issue is when in Sport Mode, it struggles a bit with braking. And going uphill with a full car, it did have some difficulty. But I still love the car.
The Niro and Ioniq have the same engine and transmission, so the driving experience should be similar. The Ioniq might get a bit better fuel economy because it’s more aerodynamic than the Niro’s wagon-like design. But is it worth switching cars just to get 2 more mpg?
I had a Niro and then upgraded to the Ioniq 5. No regrets at all. It’s so much fun to drive. I still have the Niro, but it never gets driven.
They are basically the same car – same engines, clutch, etc.