Small overlap front: driver-side
Rating applies to 2017-22 models
Tested vehicle: 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LX wagon
The Kia Niro was introduced in the 2017 model year and is derived from the Hyundai Ioniq and Elantra. Like the Ioniq, the Niro is a hybrid with both a gasoline engine and electric motor. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid was introduced in the 2018 model year. This variant also uses a gasoline engine and electric motor, but the motor's lithium-ion battery can be charged by connecting it with an electrical cord to a standard household outlet.
Driver-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a Niro Plug-In Hybrid conducted by Hyundai/Kia. Ratings apply to both the Niro and Niro Plug-In Hybrid models.
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Chest | |
| Hip/thigh | |
| Lower leg/foot | |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTN1802 |
|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 6 |
| Footrest (cm) | 3 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 2 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 4 |
| Parking brake (cm) | 12 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 3 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 5 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 5 |
Driver injury measures
| Test ID | VTN1802 |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 157 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 31 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 1.2 |
| Right | 3.2 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 2 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.32 |
| Right | 0.48 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 2.7 |
| Right | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 64 |
| Right | 47 |
Small overlap front: passenger-side
Rating applies to 2017-22 models
Tested vehicle: 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LX wagon
The Kia Niro was introduced in the 2017 model year and is derived from the Hyundai Ioniq and Elantra. Like the Ioniq, the Niro is a hybrid with both a gasoline engine and electric motor. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid was introduced in the 2018 model year. This variant also uses a gasoline engine and electric motor, but the motor's lithium-ion battery can be charged by connecting it with an electrical cord to a standard household outlet.
Two passenger-side small overlap frontal tests of the Niro Plug-In Hybrid were conducted, one by the Institute and the other by Hyundai/Kia. Ratings are based on both tests and apply to both the Niro and Niro Plug-In Hybrid models.
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Chest | |
| Hip/thigh | |
| Lower leg/foot | |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Chest | |
| Hip/thigh | |
| Lower leg/foot | |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics |
Action shot taken during the Institute's passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test.
The dummy's position in relation to the door frame and dashboard after the crash test indicates that the passenger's survival space was maintained reasonably well (Institute test car shown).
The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury (Institute test shown).
The passenger's space was maintained reasonably well in both tests, but forces on the right lower leg were just high enough to indicate the possibility of injuries in the test conducted by the Institute (pictured). In the test conducted by Hyundai/Kia, injury risk to both legs and feet was low.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side
| Test ID | VTP1806 | CEP1817 |
|---|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | ||
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 12 | 15 |
| Footrest (cm) | 7 | 9 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 5 | 6 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 3 | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment | ||
| Center dash (cm) | 8 | 6 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 10 | 15 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 15 | 10 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 12 | 10 |
Passenger injury measures
| Test ID | VTP1806 | CEP1817 |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 158 | 118 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 | 1.2 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 18 | 22 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.26 | 0.28 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 19 | 18 |
| Femur (kN) | ||
| Left | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Right | 3.1 | 2.1 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | ||
| Left | 3 | 0 |
| Right | 5 | 5 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | ||
| Left | 0 | 0 |
| Right | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | ||
| Left | 0.48 | 0.40 |
| Right | 0.72 | 0.63 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | ||
| Left | 2.1 | 2.0 |
| Right | 1.9 | 4.2 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | ||
| Left | no data | 70 |
| Right | 54 | 38 |
Driver injury measures
| Test ID | VTP1806 | CEP1817 |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 102 | 90 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 15 | 19 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.18 | 0.16 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 35 | 35 |
| Femur (kN) | ||
| Left | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Right | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | ||
| Left | 2 | 0 |
| Right | 1 | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | ||
| Left | 0 | 0 |
| Right | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | ||
| Left | 0.34 | 0.27 |
| Right | 0.27 | 0.35 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | ||
| Left | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Right | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | ||
| Left | 31 | 37 |
| Right | 42 | 38 |
Moderate overlap front: original test
Rating applies to 2017-22 models
Tested vehicle: 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LX wagon
The Kia Niro was introduced in the 2017 model year and is derived from the Hyundai Ioniq and Elantra. Like the Ioniq, the Niro is a hybrid with both a gasoline engine and electric motor. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid was introduced in the 2018 model year. This variant also uses a gasoline engine and electric motor, but the motor's lithium-ion battery can be charged by connecting it with an electrical cord to a standard household outlet.
Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a Niro Plug-In Hybrid conducted by Hyundai/Kia. Ratings apply to both the Niro and Niro Plug-In Hybrid models.
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Chest | |
| Leg/foot, left | |
| Leg/foot, right | |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTF1804 |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 4 |
| Left (cm) | 6 |
| Center (cm) | 7 |
| Right (cm) | 9 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 9 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | -3 |
| Rearward (cm) | -6 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
Driver injury measures
| Test ID | VTF1804 |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 210 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 15 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.31 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 36 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force - left (kN) | 1.4 |
| Femur force - right (kN) | 0.6 |
| Knee displacement - left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement - right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index - left | 0.31 |
| Maximum tibia index - right | 0.86 |
| Tibia axial force - left (kN) | 1.6 |
| Tibia axial force - right (kN) | 3.9 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 41 |
| Right | 142 |
Side: original test
Rating applies to 2017-22 models
Tested vehicle: 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid LX wagon
The Kia Niro was introduced in the 2017 model year and is derived from the Hyundai Ioniq and Elantra. Like the Ioniq, the Niro is a hybrid with both a gasoline engine and electric motor. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid was introduced in the 2018 model year. This variant also uses a gasoline engine and electric motor, but the motor's lithium-ion battery can be charged by connecting it with an electrical cord to a standard household outlet.
Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a Niro Plug-In Hybrid conducted by Hyundai/Kia. Ratings apply to both the Niro and Niro Plug-In Hybrid models.
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Torso | |
| Pelvis/leg | |
| Driver head protection | |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Torso | |
| Pelvis/leg | |
| Rear passenger head protection | |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTS1803 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm) | -16.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. | |
Driver injury measures
| Test ID | VTS1803 |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 362 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.6 |
| Compression (kN) | 1.1 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.42 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.54 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 129 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -29 |
Passenger injury measures
| Test ID | VTS1803 |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 70 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.19 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.49 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Combined force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.7 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 186 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 69 |
Roof strength
Rating applies to 2017-22 models
Tested vehicle: 2018 Kia Niro hybrid LX wagon
Rating applies to both the Niro hybrid (tested) and Niro Plug-In Hybrid versions.
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,138 lbs |
| Peak force | 19,696 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.28 |
Head restraints & seats
Seat type: Manual cloth seat
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | |
| Seat/head restraint geometry |
| Seat type | Manual cloth seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 42 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | -20 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 10.7 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 60 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 23 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 555 |
About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.
Headlights
Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.
Trim level(s)
- Touring trim equipped with Touring Advanced Technology package
| Low-beam headlight type | HID projector |
|---|---|
| High-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
|
Overall rating | |
| Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination: | |
Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good in all 4 tests.
The low beams never exceeded glare limits.
High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual left and both right curves and fair on the sharp left curve.
| Trim level(s) |
|
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| High-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
|
Overall rating Applies to 2017-19 models |
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
Amount glare exceeded threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 115.9 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 74.2 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 83.4 m | None |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 75.3 m | None |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 67.5 m | None |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 62.3 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 153.8 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 123.4 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 85.9 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 78.1 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 67.3 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 63.9 m |
Trim level(s)
- FE trim
- LX trim
- EX trim
- Touring Launch Edition trim
- Touring trim
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
|---|---|
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
|
Overall rating | |
| Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination: | |
Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.
The low beams never exceeded glare limits.
High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.
| Trim level(s) |
|
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
|
Overall rating Applies to 2017-19 models |
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
Amount glare exceeded threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 109.1 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 39.1 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 53.8 m | None |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 40.0 m | None |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 42.3 m | None |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 35.3 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 146.6 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 64.6 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 55.9 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 47.1 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 43.8 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 37.2 m |