When developing a hybrid car, designers generally drift back to a familiar silhouette: that of the iconic Toyota Prius. But it's not a matter of shameless mimicry. Rather, aerodynamics are forcing a visual similarity among such models as the Prius, the Chevrolet Volt, the late Honda Insight and the new Hyundai Ioniq. These gas-electric hatchbacks gain precious miles per gallon by minimizing wind resistance.
However, perhaps you don't want to make sacrifices while reducing your fuel consumption. Maybe you're looking for a low price. Maybe you want a roomier interior or higher seating position than a low-roofed hatchback can offer. Or maybe you simply don't want to see any resemblance to a Prius.
Enter the 2017 Kia Niro. A mechanical cousin to the Ioniq hatchback, this all-new hybrid strives to offer the pleasant, functional, stylish and affordable ownership of an ordinary sub compact crossover — all while achieving EPA ratings of up to 50 mpg.