Looking for a Pocket-Sized City Hybrid? The Kia Niro Could Be It

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Kia

MSRP

HIGHS

Funky-chic styling, well-equipped top trims, the best of the few hybrid subcompact SUVs.

LOWS

Lackadaisical performance, coarse gas engine sound, underperformed in its highway fuel-economy test.

VERDICT

Style and efficiency top the Kia Niro's priorities list, making it a good buy for city dwellers who put driving verve on the back burner.

By Austin Parsons

Overview

While its 39 mpg result on our 75-mph fuel economy test proves that it is thriftier than the majority of subcompact SUVs, that figure is well short of its 45 mpg highway rating by the EPA. In addition to its quirky-funky-chic sheetmetal, the 2027 Niro has an attractive, modern interior featuring plenty of standard features and just enough space to get by.

Expert Tip: If you'd prefer an electric SUV, last year's Kia Niro EV has been discontinued and replaced by the EV3 for 2027.

What's New for 2027?

The Niro Hybrid gets a new look after four years in the same clothes. Its updated fascia brings its styling in line with other modern Kias, sporting a look reminiscent of the EV9. The interior has been refreshed as well, and now features larger digital displays on the dashboard. Starting this year, the Niro will be offered only with the 139-hp standard hybrid powertrain; the more powerful plug-in hybrid model has been discontinued.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Hybrid Powertrain: 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor, 139-hp combined
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

The Niro is far from quick and not particularly exciting to drive, but it can be a workable solution for urbanites in need of a commuter. In addition to its lack of verve, the four-cylinder gas engine is coarse and noisy when pushed.

0–60-MPH Times

C/D 60-mph Test: 8.9 seconds

In Comparison: With its 8.9-second walk to 60 mph, the Niro Hybrid is slower than most vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment. It's slower than even the nonhybrid, three-cylinder Chevy Trax, which got to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds in our testing.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 39 mpg
EPA City Rating: 53 mpg
EPA Highway Rating: 46 mpg

The EPA rates the Niro for 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway, and 50 mpg combined. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the previous Niro Hybrid EX Touring managed 39 mpg; that's a significant 7 mpg shy of its EPA rating, but still impressive. For more information about the Niro's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: A sculptural interior design creates a contemporary feel inside the Niro. Kia has used recycled materials and natural fibers such as eucalyptus leaves for the headliner and upholstery.

Second Row: Passenger space is snug, but the Niro's a small crossover, after all. Its second row offers enough space for two adults, but an extended ride back there will likely prompt some complaining.

Cargo Capacity: The Niro's cargo hold is plenty spacious for grocery runs and light errand running. In our testing, we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the Niro hybrid's rear seats and 20 with the rear seats folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Audio System: 6-speaker audio system (standard), 7-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system (optional)

The Niro Hybrid comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that features in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The display runs the latest version of Kia's UVO infotainment system and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trims and above get a wireless smartphone charging pad, while the SX and SX Touring trims ditch the standard six-speaker stereo for a seven-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A host of driver-assistance features come standard on all Niro models, including pedestrian-detection capabilities, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. A more advanced adaptive cruise control system with lane-centering is offered as an option.

Standard Safety Features: forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

For information about the Niro Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia and its sister company, Hyundai, offer one of the most comprehensive vehicle warranties available. The 10-year powertrain warranty is the cornerstone, but they beat the competition almost across the board. The only thing that's missing—for Kia, at least—is complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance: None

C/D Test Results and Specs

Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.

Specs panel icon

Specifications

Specifications

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid EX Touring
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motors, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $27,785/$32,685

POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 104 hp, 106 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 11 and 43 hp, 26 and 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 0.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est)
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Continental ProContact RX
225/45R-18 95V M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 174.0 in
Width: 71.8 in
Height: 60.8 in
Passenger Volume: 102 ft3
Cargo Volume: 23 ft3
Curb Weight: 3217 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.9 sec @ 82 mph
100 mph: 27.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 106 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
75-mph Highway Driving: 39 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 430 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 49/53/45 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs

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