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Is a Kia Niro considered an SUV?

I’m in the market for a small SUV, and the Kia Niro caught my eye because it’s more environmentally friendly. Is it considered an SUV?

avatar
Andrea Barrett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great choice! The Kia Niro comes in three powertrains and is a very environmentally-friendly vehicle. The Kia Niro is also considered a hybrid crossover SUV.
But while the Niro is technically classified as an SUV, the average SUV sits anywhere from 65.9 to 70.5 inches off the ground, but the Niro sits significantly lower. Because the traditional SUV with a higher ground clearance creates more aerodynamic drag than a sleek hybrid hatchback, the Niro may be considered more of a hatchback than anything else.
Regardless of how it’s classified, the Kia Niro is available in three configurations: hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and all-electric (EV)—all with terrific fuel economy.
But unlike other SUVs, the Niro doesn’t have the option of all-wheel drive; the battery pack on the Niro is located between the axles, which makes AWD difficult. While this may not be a problem for some drivers, if you’re seriously looking for an SUV, you may want to look elsewhere. Consider the
Toyota RAV4
Hybrid or
Subaru Crosstrek
Hybrid instead.
Although a green vehicle may save you money on fuel, most hybrids and electric cars are expensive to insure. That’s because hybrids are more expensive to buy and repairs are most costly, increasing the rates for
car insurance
. However, when you shop for insurance with
Jerry
, the super app and trusted broker, you’ll find the best rates regardless of your car.
Sign up in under a minute and access the best quotes to reduce your
Kia Niro insurance costs
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