Compare the2023 Subaru Crosstrek HybridVS 2022 Kia Niro EV

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Crosstrek Hybrid has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Niro EV doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Crosstrek Hybrid has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro EV doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Crosstrek Hybrid has standard STARLINK Safety and Security, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Niro EV doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Crosstrek Hybrid and the Niro EV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Crosstrek Hybrid its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 81 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Niro EV has not been fully tested, yet.

The Crosstrek Hybrid’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Niro EV runs out after 100,000 miles.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 7 places higher in reliability than Kia.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek Hybrid lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Niro EV doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The Crosstrek Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 492 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Niro EV’s range is only 239 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 60 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge using a conventional 110-volt outlet can take up to 59 hours.

The Crosstrek Hybrid stops shorter than the Niro EV:

For better traction, the Crosstrek Hybrid has larger tires than the Niro EV (225/55R18 vs. 215/55R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Crosstrek Hybrid has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 17-inch wheels are available on the Niro EV.

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek Hybrid has a 2.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Niro EV (8.7 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Crosstrek Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the Crosstrek Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Niro EV doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Crosstrek Hybrid has 4.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Niro EV (100.8 vs. 96.6).

The Crosstrek Hybrid has 1.4 inches more front legroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room, .7 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear legroom, 5.7 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Niro EV.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Crosstrek Hybrid. The Niro EV doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Crosstrek Hybrid has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Niro EV has no towing capacity.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek Hybrid’s exterior PIN entry system. The Niro EV doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Crosstrek Hybrid’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Niro EV’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Crosstrek Hybrid has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Niro EV doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and the Kia Niro EV, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Kia Niro by over six to one during the 2021 model year.