HYBRIDS: TOYOTA PRIUS VS KIA NIRO

The Toyota Prius, which has become synonymous with hybrid cars the past 20 years, is fresh off a full redesign for 2023.

The prior generation's oddball styling, quirky interior and feeble powertrain are now in the rearview mirror. The new Prius now features an attractive look, a sleeker interior and a big increase in power. It's even more efficient than the previous model. But it's not the only hybrid car you should consider.

The Kia Niro has been on the market since 2016, and like the Prius, it was also redesigned for the 2023 model year. The new Niro sports a stylish bold design, excellent technology and a roomier interior. But is Kia's hybrid good enough to take on the long-running Prius? Experts compare them to find out which one is the better buy.

FUEL ECONOMY & POWER

The Prius and Niro are two of the most efficient hybrids you can buy, but the Prius sips fuel slower. The front-wheel-drive base model boasts an impressive EPA estimate of 57 mpg in combined city and highway driving, but that dips down to 52 mpg combined in the higher trims. With all-wheel drive, those estimates are 3 mpg lower in combined driving. The front-wheel-drive-only Niro scores an estimated 53 mpg combined in the base trim, but the less efficient higher trims are rated at 49 mpg combined.

When testers drove the top-specced versions of both hybrids on its real-world test route, the difference was bigger. The Prius hit its EPA estimate by achieving 52.3 mpg, but the Niro got 47.7 mpg, a bit less than its EPA estimate.