Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
GREEN CHOICE

Kia Niro

EPA MPG: 49 mpg
Average Retail Price
$8,825 - $13,325

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Thanks to its high stance, conservative styling, and a more normal, traditional-acting automatic transmission, the Kia Niro is a genre-splitting hybrid that combines fuel economy with versatility. It uses the same drivetrain as its sibling hybrid -- the Hyundai Ioniq -- and also suffers from some of that car's shortcomings.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2018 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$8,600 - $13,225
economy-icon
EPA MPG 49 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,425 - $10,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG 34 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,825 - $8,450
economy-icon
EPA MPG 29 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,700 - $8,825
economy-icon
EPA MPG 35 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$10,925 - $12,725
economy-icon
53 miles
economy-icon
42 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    wagon
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.6-liter 4 hybrid (139 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed sequential
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2023-
Current Generation

The redesigned 2023 Niro is very sensible and economical. Even though it is only a front-wheel-drive model, its overall functionality rivals that of most small SUVs. Handling and braking have been improved, and the ride is mostly comfortable, but the cabin is loud. The hybrid achieved an excellent 45 mpg overall. Unfortunately, the controls are now less friendly than before, and outward visibility is hurt by the elimination of the third side window. The Niro is also offered as a plug-in hybrid with an estimated electric range of 33 miles before transitioning to regular hybrid operation. The pure EV version has an EPA range of 253 miles. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

2017-2022
2017 Redesign Year

Kia's five-passenger Niro marries good fuel economy with cargo versatility. This front-wheel-drive hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which, in conjunction with the electric drive unit, puts out a combined 139 hp. This combo is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Because the lithium-ion battery is located under the rear seat, that creates a flat cargo floor when the rear seats are folded. We got 43 mpg overall, which is good but not as good as the Hyundai Ioniq or Toyota Prius. The handling lacks agility and the ride is a bit choppy. The optional power driver seat provides better support than the standard seats do. A suite of advanced safety features is available, including automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. A plug-in hybrid and full electric version were also offered. Updates for the 2020 model include new headlights, a standard 8-inch touch screen, and various exterior styling details.