2017 KIA NIRO SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ and official EPA ratings

2017 KIA NIRO SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE FOR LOWEST FUEL CONSUMPTION BY A HYBRID VEHICLE | CleanMPG

It works out to 76.6mpg, and was in the middle efficiency LX trim.

 

The one that coined the hypermiling term.

But it was a cross country trip, which limits how much advanced techniques can be used.

 

True, but there might have been a time limit for completing the trip. Just waiting for the NDA to expire to hear more details.

 

Wayne received the release from the NDA. He's posted(xcel) at the link.

 

A summary for those not following at CleanMPG.com.
The two drivers and all their stuff added about 700 pounds to the car. This seems to be in addition to the two full size spares with LRR tires. The Niro comes with an inflation kit, but a full size spare can fit in the well in the cargo area.

As @Gokhan mentions, they stuck to highways with their lower speed limits, driving with load(DWL). The hybrid system will basically pulse between ICE propulsion with battery charging and gliding in EV on its own that way. Gerdes' fuel economy results can be brushed off as unrealistic for many, but he gives much better reports on how a hybrid's system behaves than other auto journalists. The most extreme hypermiling they did was letting the speed drop to 25mph while climbing mountains(they turned on the flashers while doing so).

A poster also reported the Niro has a 2860 pound tow rating. I didn't spot it of Kia's site, so it might be a rating for Europe. As a crossover I hope Kia gives it some type of rating for here if that is the case.