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Hoo boy, you just got the news you were hoping you wouldn’t hear: you broke your car engine and need to fix it. Knowing the engine is what makes the car go, you can only imagine what it will cost to have it fixed. Visions of next week’s paycheck fluttering out the window into the… The post How Much Does Engine Repair Cost? appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

The 2024 Nissan Kicks could be the last model of the first-generation series that debuted in 2018. We heard through the grapevine that Nissan is updating the second-generation Kicks with a roomier and redesigned body, an optional all-wheel drivetrain, and turbocharged or hybridized powertrains. However, nothing is official in terms of changes for the Kicks, at least not for the 2024 model year anyway. As it stands, the 2024 Nissan Kicks offers good fuel economy, abundant safety tech, and a generous array of features at an affordable MSRP. 2024 Nissan Kicks: What’s New? The Kicks will enter the 2024 model year with a single change: a three-year trial of NissanConnect Services, which was a three-month trial for the 2023 model year Kicks. NissanConnect is a telematics feature that works by syncing with the MyNISSAN smartphone app. It includes remote engine start/stop, remote door lock/unlock, emergency calling, vehicle health reports, and more. Powertrain & Fuel Economy All 2024 Nissan Kicks models have a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts (DOHC). It produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque, decent numbers for a mini crossover. However, the standard Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) saps any potential fun out of the engine’s already meager output. Every Nissan Kicks model has a front-wheel drivetrain. All-wheel drive is not available. Despite lacking in grunt, the Nissan Kicks will reward drivers with outstanding fuel economy. It delivers an EPA-rated 31 in the city, 36 on the highway, and 33 combined, making it the fuel miser of small crossovers. Interior Volume & Cargo Capacity The Nissan Kicks’ compact footprint sacrifices rear legroom, but it still manages to deliver 92.6 cubic feet of interior room. Meanwhile, it offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Folding the back chairs reveals up to 53.1 cubic feet of room. If you need to carry longer (or bulkier) items like bicycles or skis, the Kicks SV and SR have standard roof rails. 2024 Nissan Kicks Starting MSRP The 2024 Nissan Kicks is available in S, SV, and SR trim variants. Below is a breakdown of each model and the corresponding starting MSRP. The figures below include the $1,365 destination charge. If you have questions about new vehicle financing, this auto loans 101 guide will point you in the right direction. S The base Nissan Kicks S starts at $22,155. The standard features include 16-inch wheels, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports, and cruise control. SV The midtier Kicks SV starts at $24,015. It has 17-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, intelligent cruise control, a smart key, a seven-inch driver-assist display, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, four USB charging ports, remote engine start, automatic climate control, satellite radio, and an electronic parking brake. SR The range-topping Nissan Kicks SR starts at $24,715. It has a sportier-themed exterior with black roof rails and mirror caps, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, a dark chrome front grille, LED headlights, LED fog lamps, bespoke upholstery, a surround-view monitor, and more. The Kicks SR has a Premium Package that adds Prima-Tex heated front seats, a heated tiller, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a cargo cover, and a security alarm. 2024 Nissan Kicks. Photo: Nissan North America. Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings & Features The 2024 Nissan Kicks, as of late October 2023, has not received its safety ratings from NHTSA. However, the 2023 model earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. The 2023 Nissan Kicks also earned Good scores from the IIHS in crashworthiness. All Kicks models come with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a collection of advanced driving aids that includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. 2024 Nissan Kicks Warranty The Nissan Kicks leaves the factory with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There are options to extend the warranty on any new Nissan vehicle, including the Kicks crossover. Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. Photos & Source: Nissan North America. Original article: 2024 Nissan Kicks: New Connectivity Options, Efficient Gasoline Powertrain & Affordable MSRP

One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is a quick and easy way to help avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown many miles away from home, says the non-profit Car Care Council. The Car Care Council suggests the following pre-trip check to help ensure safety and reliability on the road: Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.Check the hoses and belts that can become loose, cracked, brittle, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.Check lighting to identify any problems with exterior and interior lighting as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen.Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Make sure the windshield wipers are working properly and keep the reservoir filled with solvent. “A pre-trip vehicle check provides peace of mind,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “Taking proper precautions provides an opportunity to have any repairs performed by one’s own trusted technician before hitting the road, reducing the chance of costly car trouble away from home.” To save on fuel costs during the trip, the Car Care Council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. The council also recommends that car owners restock their roadside emergency kit. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.  The post Don’t Let Your Thanksgiving Road Trip be a Turkey appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

The 2024 Acura TLX is home to numerous improvements after debuting a high-performance TLX Type S PMC Edition for the 2023 model year. Unlike the first-gen TLX that made do with Accord underpinnings, Acura gave the new TLX a purpose-built platform that fortifies the automaker’s intent to compete with segment forerunners like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series, and Genesis G70. “The new 2024 Acura TLX has reached new heights, demonstrating our commitment to advancing Precision Crafted Performance throughout the Acura lineup,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “It comes hard on the heels of the red-hot Integra and Integra Type S, as Acura continues to deliver exciting premium performance products for people who love to drive.” 2024 Acura TLX: What’s New? There’s a lot to unpack in the 2024 Acura TLX. All variants get a frameless pentagon grille with a diamond pattern mesh first seen in the 2019 Acura Type S Concept. The previously optional Technology package is now standard across the board and includes 19-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, Milano leather upholstery, and an ELS Studio premium stereo. The TLX also gets new paint colors for 2024: Urban Gray Pearl and Liquid Carbon Metallic. Meanwhile, the A-Spec has updated 19-inch split-spoke gray alloy wheels, dual round exhaust tips, and a glossy black rear wing to match its darker exterior theme. The changes extend to the performance-oriented TLX Type S, which now has an open-surface front grille mesh, a front splitter, quad exhaust tips, red Brembo front brake calipers, a rear diffuser, and custom 20-inch black wheels wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season rubber. The TLX Type S remains available with lightweight 20-inch Y-spoke copper alloys and summer tires. 2024 Acura TLX Type S. Photo: Acura. 2024 Acura TLX Engine Lineup The 2024 Acura TLX is motivated by turbocharged engines with a front-wheel drivetrain and an available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. All TLX variants (except the Type S) have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. The TLX Type S soldiers on with a venerable 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. SH-AWD is standard for the 3.0-liter plant. Both engines mate to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. New for the 2024 TLX Type S is a retuned Sport+ driving mode for a quicker throttle response. More Tech, More Silence The Acura TLX has received a host of new technology. New for 2024 is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and Amazon Alexa. Also new is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with updated graphics, user-selectable displays, and a multi-information display. In addition, the TLX Type S has a configurable 10.5-inch heads-up display (HUD) and a bespoke instrument cluster design. Furthermore, the TLX promises a quieter ride with front acoustic glass, thicker carpets, redesigned fender liners, wheel insulators, and more sound-deadening materials in the B-pillars and doors. Acura engineers also fiddled with the standard Active Sound Control system to make the cabin quieter. Acura TLX Safety Ratings & Equipment The current Acura TLX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. All TLX variants have AcuraWatch, which includes adaptive cruise control, front collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. To enhance the performance of AcuraWatch, the 2024 TLX has a new front single-lens sensor camera, a grille-mounted millimeter-wave radar, and a new rear radar with a wider field of view. Acura TLX Warranty The 2024 Acura TLX has a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. There are options to extend the factory warranty on any new Acura vehicle, including the TLX. 2024 Acura TLX Starting MSRP The 2024 Acura TLX will start arriving at dealerships by late November. The MSRP information remains forthcoming, but expect the base prices to start from $46,000 to $58,000, depending on the model and options. Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. 2024 Acura TLX Gallery Photos & Source: Acura. Original article: 2024 Acura TLX: Refreshed Styling, Updated Technology, Improved NVH, Safety Features & More

Ford Motor Co. reported it was profitable during the third quarter, unlike last year, but its bottom line is going to be crimped for the next few years. The company’s Q3 revenue was $43.8 billion, up 11% year-over-year – a net income of $1.2 billion reversed last year’s Q3 net loss of $827 million. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, or EBIT, for the quarter this year increased to $2.2 billion. Despite the lack of red ink on its ledger, Ford fell short of Wall Street’s expectations of $11 billion in adjusted earnings and free cash flow of $6.5 billion for the quarter. As a result, the company’s stock fell 4% in after-hours trading.  “I’m very optimistic about the reality we’re creating with Ford+,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said in a statement. “We’re building a more dynamic, highly talented and customer-focused company at the intersection of great vehicles, iconic brands, innovative software and high-value services.” “We’re also radically changing how we work with a series of actions that put the right people with the right capabilities in the right places across the organization, so that our promise isn’t masked by cost and quality issues.” Automakers Express Tempered Optimism While clearly pleased to be back in the black, some issues linger, primarily the impact of the company’s newly minted labor agreement with the UAW. The two sides finalized the tentative agreement Wednesday evening.  The contract still needs to be ratified by the union’s rank-and-file, yet that is expected to happen this week, especially considering the fact that UAW Vice President Chuck Browning called it the best contract “since Walter Reuther was president.” The union used a series of “stand-up strikes” to cripple Ford – as well as General Motors and Stellantis – during the talks. The strikes went on for 41 days, costing the automaker $1.3 billion. Aside from the billion-dollar-plus loss, the 25% wage increase, return of cost-of-living allowances, and other concessions given by Ford, the contract has another impact. Ford CFO John Lawler said the deal could add $850 to $900 per vehicle. “We’re going to have to find efficiencies and productivity throughout the company to help mitigate the impacts of the higher labor costs,” Lawler said. Will any of that trickle down to the window sticker on your next new Ford? The company is looking to avoid that. “Downward Pressure” on EV Pricing Creating Delays During the talks, Ford suggested the new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant planned for Western Michigan may be delayed as the company reassesses how quickly it wants to spend those billions of dollars – or $3.5 billion in the case of the Marshall, Michigan site being developed to produce new chemistry batteries. Lawler said the delays are a result of “tremendous downward pressure” on the price of electric vehicles. At about $49,000, the average price for a new EV is beyond many buyers in the market. Further, Ford is struggling to find a way to make its EVs green – not environmentally, but profitably. Ford lost an estimated $36,000 on each of the 36,000 electric vehicles it delivered to dealers during the third quarter. That’s a bigger loss than the estimated $32,350 loss per EV in the second quarter, Reuters reported. The automaker is quickly confirming that new EV customers are unwilling to pay a substantial premium for battery-electric models.  Ford said its EV unit posted a loss in earnings before interest and taxes of $1.3 billion, bringing its nine-month EBIT loss to $3.1 billion. The company previously forecast a full-year pretax loss of $4.5 billion for the Ford Model e unit. Original article: Ford Misses Analyst Expectations, Says New UAW Deal Raising Costs

If you suddenly found the urge to own one of the very last production examples of the phenomenal Audi TT Roadster, the Final Edition model comes just in time for the merry holidays. 2023 marks the last model year of Audi’s iconic TT sports car. The automaker unveiled a TT RS Heritage Edition variant that we thought was the last hurrah, a 25th-anniversary model with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). As it turns out, Audi of America is releasing one more batch of 50 TT models called Final Editions. Audi TT Final Edition: Bittersweet Goodbye The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition marks the end and the beginning of an era. Audi revealed in 2019 that the TT would live on in the electrified realm, which means this isn’t the last we’ll see of Audi’s two-seat sports car. The TT is a surviving remnant of the brand’s Bauhaus styling past and has served as the hotbed for Audi’s technological wizardry. All Final Edition Audi TT Roadsters will wear an exclusive Goodwood Green paint job first seen on the original TT Roadster unveiled in 1999. Other custom touches include matte gray exterior trim and a contrasting gray soft top, a feature last seen on the 2019 TT Roadster 20th Anniversary model. Audi claims the convertible roof can raise and lower in just 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The standard equipment includes bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke forged wheels, a magnetic ride suspension (with a 10mm lower ride height), dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. Audi TT Roadster Final Edition. Photo: Audi of America. Welcoming Brown Leather Upholstery There’s something about a green car with a brown interior that brings an air of nostalgia. The TT Roadster Final Edition does just that with its Palomino Brown cowhide upholstery, baseball stitching, standard sport seats with neck heaters, a built-in microphone (for Bluetooth calls and voice commands), a brown leather steering wheel, and custom floor mats with leather piping and matching stitches. Moreover, the “extended leather package” is standard, applying the Palomino Brown leather and fancy stitching to the door armrests and center console. Sealing the deal is genuine carbon fiber interior trim. Turbocharged Engine & quattro AWD Powering the Audi TT Roadster Final Edition is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It sends power to all four wheels using quattro AWD and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The Audi TT was never about all-out performance, but the Final Edition could sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds. Audi TT Roadster Final Edition: Starting MSRP The very last examples of the Audi TT Roadster Final Edition are available to order at dealerships with a $68,895 base MSRP (including the $1,095 destination charge). Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. Audi TT Roadster Final Edition Gallery Photos & Source: Audi of America. Original article: 2023 Audi TT Roadster Final Edition Takes a Bow With Iconic Green Paint, Luscious Brown Leather & Gray Soft Top

With auto loan rates at historic highs, rising payments, and mounting consumer debt, the auto lending industry is facing an inflection point. With lenders continuing to tighten restrictions and some even deciding to leave the consumer auto loans market, the stage is set for what could become a full-blown auto loan debt crisis. But how impactful such a crisis would be and how the industry can navigate its way out remains to be seen. The Auto Loans Industry Is Showing Serious Signs of Trouble Automotive finance loans are one of the most popular loan products in the country and a staple of most major lending institutions’ portfolios. In a stable market, they are a fairly safe bet for lenders, as they are backed by the vehicle being purchased as collateral, and a relatively small amount compared to mortgages and some other types of loans.  However, the auto loans market has been anything but stable recently. Following a series of increases to the federal funds rate from the Federal Reserve, auto finance interest rates have skyrocketed. Higher rates don’t necessarily spell trouble for the industry on their own, but along with several other significant red flags, the combination of factors currently present in the market paints a worrisome picture. Auto Loan Debt Has Surpassed Student Loan Debt In the first quarter of 2023, more than 43 million people in the U.S. were holding federal and private student loan debt, totaling more than $1.77 trillion overall. The staggering statistics around student loan debt have made the topic a fixture of news headlines and a recurring point of discussion in the halls of government. However, in September, the Wall Street Journal reported that auto loan debt had surpassed student loan debt in total amount. At the end of Q2 2023, auto loan debt reached $1.58 trillion compared to $1.57 trillion in student loan debt.  The issue of student loan debt has been recognized in the national conversation and among lawmakers as one that poses an existential threat to borrowers and the economy at large. With the auto loan debt now exceeding student loan debt, will authorities and the general public recognize this development as a major warning sign for the future of the automotive finance industry? Auto Finance Delinquencies Are Still on the Rise At the same time that total auto loan debt is increasing, so is the number of Americans who are failing to meet their auto loan payments. According to the Federal Reserve, auto loans delinquent for 60 days or more increased again in September for the fifth month in a row, and up 13.3% on the year. Delinquencies among subprime borrowers reached a nearly-30-year high in September of 6.1% – the highest rate since 1994. But while delinquencies increased between August and September, auto loan defaults – in which a lender formally terminates a loan agreement after failure to pay – actually decreased. However, even with the slight decrease, the default rate in September was still 31.7% higher than one year earlier. High delinquency and default rates mean that lenders could face significant losses as they have a harder time recouping funds they lent out. But while these numbers may look alarming, Experian Head of Automotive Financial Insights Melinda Zabritski told Automoblog that the increase in people failing to meet loan obligations doesn’t come as a surprise. “While delinquencies are slightly above pre-pandemic levels, we must keep in mind the increase was expected, particularly over the past few years,” said Zabritski. “2020 to 2022 was a bit of an anomaly. Keeping a close eye on these trends over the coming quarters will be paramount.” People Are Paying More Each Month Towards Auto Loans Another notable trend is the rise in average car payments. According to an industry report from Edmunds, the average new car payment in Q3 2023 reached $736 per month – a 4.6% increase over a year earlier.  In addition to the rise in the average payment, there has also been a significant increase in car payments that far exceed that average. In July, Experian reported that three times as many people were paying more than $1,000 per month towards an auto loan in April 2023 than were doing so in 2019. The dramatic surge in annual percentage rates (APRs) since 2022 has played a substantial role in increasing car payments. However, Zabritski explained that another factor influencing this trend is a similar rise in the price of new cars since 2020. “Perhaps the biggest factor contributing to auto loan debt is vehicle prices,” she said. “Inventory shortages led to an uptick in vehicle pricing, resulting in car shoppers having to take out larger loans.” After remaining relatively flat throughout the 2010s, new car prices increased sharply beginning in 2020. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the new car consumer price index (CPI) rose only 6.1% from 2010 to 2020. Then, between January 2020 and September 2023, the new car CPI increased by 22%. Much of this increase happened at the same time as interest rates began to climb, leaving car buyers paying higher interest rates on top of higher prices. Zabritski said that in addition to external factors causing an increase in the average price of new cars, buyers have also been opting for pricier vehicles – which also factors into the rise in auto loan payments. “While we’ve seen that trend level out a bit, consumers are also financing more expensive vehicles,” she said. “For instance, SUVs made up more than 60% of new vehicles financed in Q2 2023.” Lenders Are Making Major Changes to Their Auto Finance Programs While the trends that have contributed to the current situation have developed quickly, they have not gone unnoticed by lending institutions. Since interest rates began to climb in March 2022, many lenders have made significant changes to their automotive finance businesses. Lenders Have Tightened Restrictions on Auto Financing Auto loans have gotten more expensive over the last several years due to

The 2015 film A Faster Horse, directed by David Gelb, chronicles the story of the 2015 Ford Mustang and the automaker’s decision to commit to a redesign despite a nationwide economic downturn. Gelb and his film crew follow then-Chief Engineer Dave Pericak and his team as they work around the clock to design and build what would become the 50th anniversary of the iconic pony car. While it’s a must-see for any Mustang enthusiast, the film offers an insider’s look at the automotive engineering and design process.  History Repeats Itself It’s a similar story for the Mustang in 2024. Despite the continued trend in the automotive industry toward electrification, and with competitors like the Camaro riding off into the sunset, Ford has given petrol heads a reason to celebrate. Although Dodge is going electrified in a big way with its Charger Daytona SRT Concept, the 2024 Mustang stays true to its original form under the hood. Like many of the world’s automakers, Ford is also moving toward EVs, but the Mustang is a different story, at least for now.   “Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.” 5.0 V8 & Performance Pack The 5.0-liter V8 returns for 2024, an engine that surfaced again in 2011 when the Mustang underwent a significant weight reduction. Also available is a 2.4-liter turbocharged EcoBoost plant with port fuel and direct injection. Both are available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a front tower brace, Torsen limited-slip differential, and an optional MagneRide suspension with wider rear wheels and tires and larger Brembo brakes (390 millimeters, front and 355 millimeters, rear). “This is the most athletic and confidence-inspiring Mustang EcoBoost and GT to drive yet,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “Whether driving an automatic or manual transmission, thanks to driving modes combined with fine-tuned digital engine, suspension, and steering controls, we’re now able to give drivers peak performance everywhere, from their favorite roads to their local track.” 2024 Ford Mustang Design Sketches Before the 2024 Mustang became an internal combustion powerhouse, it started as a series of drawings. Below are some of those sketches from the Ford Motor Company archives. The exterior drawings, while showcasing the Mustang’s modern appeal, take inspiration from the original designs in the mid to late 1960s. The interior sketches are intended to lay the foundation for what would become the most tech-focused Mustang to date. Ford’s interior designers modeled the curved display after fighter jet cockpits and wanted an array that drivers could personalize. “We’re taking advantage of every pixel,” said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. “We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colors, classic Mustang gauges, or even a ‘calm screen’ where only minimal details are displayed.” The design sketches and drawings are below. Enjoy! Original article: Enjoy These Stunning 2024 Ford Mustang Design Sketches

The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid occupies a unique niche in the hybrid crossover segment, much like its Niro EV sibling. It offers midsize levels of space despite a relatively compact footprint and remains a lower-cost alternative to some family sedans. Although the Niro’s hybridized 1.6-liter gas engine is not the last word in performance, it delivers an EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined, making it among the most efficient hybrids in the segment. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid: What’s New? The latest Kia Niro Hybrid remains part of the all-new, second-generation Niro family that debuted in 2023 and will enter the 2024 model year with a dual-level cargo floor. Moreover, Kia has omitted the Fire Orange Metallic paint option for the 2024 Niro Hybrid. All Niros have a rather wheezy 1.6-liter direct-injected gas engine and a hybrid electric motor to produce 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. Power goes exclusively to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. We like the thought of a performance-oriented gearbox in an economy vehicle, but the Niro Hybrid is not about outright performance despite its go-fast styling vibes. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Fuel Economy The LX, EX, and SX trim levels achieve an EPA-estimated 53 in the city, 54 on the highway, and 53 combined. Meanwhile, the Niro Hybrid EX Touring and SX Touring could return up to 53/45 city/highway and 49 combined. Cargo Capacity & Legroom The Kia Niro Hybrid has up to 23 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, which expands to 63.7 cubic feet when folded down. Meanwhile, the Niro Hybrid offers 39.8 inches of legroom, slightly more than what you get in a Toyota RAV4 Prime. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid: Starting MSRP & Trim Levels The Kia Niro Hybrid has five trim levels: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring. Below is a breakdown of each model and the corresponding MSRPs. The price figures include the $1,325 destination charge. If you have questions about new vehicle financing, this auto loans 101 video guide will point you in the right direction. LX The base LX starts at $28,165. It’s not as barebones as expected, with keyless entry, cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone connectivity, five USB ports, automatic high beams, and 16-inch alloy wheels. EX The Kia Niro Hybrid EX starts at $30,865. It adds interior ambient lighting, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, unique faux leather upholstery, push-button start, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and roof rails. EX Touring The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid EX Touring starts at $30,865. It has LED foglamps, 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, bespoke exterior claddings, and aluminum pedals on top of all the standard features from the EX trim. SX The SX starts at $34,265. It includes all the standard amenities of the EX but with a few upgrades like a hands-free tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear spoiler, a seven-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, black body claddings, faux leather seats, and more. SX Touring The top-of-the-line Hybrid SX Touring starts at $36,565. It adds LED headlamps, perforated synthetic cowhide seats, and custom 18-inch wheels on top of all the standard features from the SX trim. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Safety Features All 2024 Kia Niro Hybrids leave the factory with the Drive Wise package of advanced driver assistance systems. It includes forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot warnings, driver attention warnings, high beam assist, lane departure warning, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, safe exit assist, and rear occupant alert. Kia Niro Hybrid Warranty The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid has a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, including the hybrid components and battery. Despite having the industry’s most comprehensive new car warranty, there are options to extend the coverage on any Kia vehicle, including the Niro Hybrid. Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. Photos & Source: Kia Motors America. Original article: 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid: Strong Fuel Economy, Standard Safety Features, Starting MSRP & More