Kia Niro Hybrid Makes 76-mpg Record Run Across the U.S.

Kia Motors Corp.'s Niro hybrid-electric crossover vehicle has set a Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption (76.6 mpg) in a hybrid car driving across the U.S.

The Niro EX travelled 3,715 miles—from Los Angeles to New York—on just over four tanks of gasoline (48.5 gallons). The 76.6-mpg average during the trip is significantly higher than the car's U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated highway rating of 49 mpg—the top-of-the-line Niro FE has an EPA rating of 50 mpg (52 mpg highway/49 mpg city.)

The Niro teams a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor to generate a combined 146 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. Output of the vehicle's 240-volt, 1.56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack can be converted to 12 volts, eliminating the need for a separate 12-volt battery.

Kia says no modifications were made to the vehicle for the record-setting run. The car was driven by hypermilers Wayne Gerdes and Robert Winger. The pair previously averaged 64.6 mpg in a Kia Optima Hybrid driving through America's contiguous 48 states.

Kia will launch the Niro early next year in the U.S. The vehicle already is available in Korea and other international markets.