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2020 Kia Niro Hybrid gets tweaked design, more tech features

Kia's gasoline-electric Niro will enter the 2020 model year with minor design updates inside and out. The re-styled crossover made its debut next to the new Kia Seltos at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Stylists started the redesign by giving the Niro's front end a nip and tuck. The 2020 model stands out from the outgoing 2019 variant with new-look headlights, chevron-shaped fog lights Citroen likely wishes it had thought of first, and grille with diamond-shaped inserts. The changes made to the rear end are largely limited to the bottom part of the bumper, which looks more rugged thanks in part to gray trim designed to mimic a skid plate. And 2020-specific 16- and 18-inch alloys round out the changes. Experiencing deja vu? It's likely because the European-spec Niro made its debut during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with the same look.  Peek inside and you'll spot a redesigned, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Customers can upgrade to a 10.25-inch infotainment screen programmed with navigation at an extra cost. The list of options includes shift paddles that let the driver dial in the desired amount of regenerative braking, an electronic parking brake, and, for a more festive vibe, ambient lightning that glows in six colors. There are no mechanical changes, meaning the Niro carries on with a hybrid powertrain made up of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine bolted to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric motor that draws power from a 1.56-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The two power sources join forces to deliver 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, and they give the crossover nearly 600 miles of driving range. Fuel economy checks in up to 50 mpg in a combined cycle. Kia expanded its suite of available electronic driving aids with lane following and lane-keeping assist, which help keep the Niro in its lane. The crossover is also offered with high-beam assist. The 2020 Kia Niro will arrive in showrooms in early 2020. Pricing will be released in the weeks leading up to its on-sale date. The company confirmed the Plug-In Hybrid model will receive the same updates as its plug-less sibling, and it will go on sale at about the same time. It's reasonable to assume the Niro EV will go under the knife, too, but Kia excluded it from its announcement.

Kia Sportage crossover is feeling 'Sporty' with 2020 refresh

The 2020 Kia Sportage crossover, which has been spied testing on the Nurburgring of all places, gets unveiled this week at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2020 model year marks a light visual refresh for the 2017-on Sportage generation, and among other details, it's recognizable from updated bumpers front and rear. The headlights have been discreetly redone, offering available LED technology, and they also incorporate LED turn signals on select trim levels. In addition, the fog lights are also available with LED. The taillights also have new trim, and there's a redesigned skid plate on both bumpers. You can also spot the 2020 Sportage from a new selection of alloy wheels in 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes. Inside, the 8-inch touchscreen is standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. Modem-enabled telematics and navigation are optional, as is a wireless smartphone charging tray. The steering wheel is a new design, and "Sofino" leather trim is a new option. For 2020, the optional driver assists have been updated to include attention warning, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, adaptive cruise, start-stop and a forward collision assist with pedestrian detection. The cruise control radar is visible in the middle of the tiger-nose grille, below the Kia emblem. The powertrain continues as previously, with a naturally aspirated, 181-hp 2.4 and a 2.0-liter, 240-hp turbo four on offer, and a choice of FWD or AWD to go with the standard six-speed automatic. No mild hybrid has yet been announced, but we're expecting it to appear later on — sans diesel power. As for the trim levels, there's a new S level joining previous LX, EX and SX trims, and according to Kia, S stands for "Sporty"; it features sporty trim both inside and outside. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Kia releases first photos of new Sportage

Occasionally, an automaker introduces a great looking concept that translates seamlessly into a very handsome road car. This isn't exactly one of those times. Kia has released the first three images of the new Sportage, the company's small CUV. The company says they drew inspiration for the production model from the Provo Concept, shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, although we see quite a lot more inspiration from the Niro Concept, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, particularly around the front fascia. In fact, when we originally covered the Niro, commenter sp33dklz went as far as saying, "So, by the time this gets to us it will be a new four-door Sportage?" Gold star to you, sir. The front end is a rather busy place, although the rest of the design appears far cleaner. In front, you have almost top-mounted headlights that remind us a bit of the original Subaru B9 Tribeca. Kia's Tiger Grille is there, and it's flanked by four-unit LED running lights, like those used on the Sorento and Optima. While there's a bit too much going on up front, the rear end is a much cleaner affair. A chrome strip ties together the flattop taillights, while a pair of oval exhaust poke out of the silver-colored diffuser/bumper guard. The greenhouse gets an aggressive shape and a thick D-pillar, while meaty wheel arches and large alloy wheels – we're betting they're at least 18s – add some spice to the two-box profile. Check out the trio of images of the new Sportage at the top of the page. Then scroll down for the official press release and register your opinion in Comments. We'll have much more on the all-new Sportage when we make the trek to the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. FIRST EXTERIOR IMAGES OF ALL-NEW SPORTAGE All-new Sportage to be unveiled at IAA Frankfurt New "face" is biggest design change European Design Centre led styling Kia Motors has today revealed the first official exterior images of the all-new Kia Sportage, featuring a dynamic and strong new design. The all-new Sportage will make its global debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on 15 September 2015. Entering its fourth-generation, the all-new Kia Sportage features a bold, progressive design, with the vehicle's designers creating a sense of power and agility from every angle.