Overview The Kia Niro might not be bold or exciting, but that isn’t the objective that it seeks to fulfill. Instead, it aims to deliver exactly what you’d want from a hybrid subcompact SUV and largely succeeds in that mission. Offered as either a conventional hybrid or plug-in hybrid (in addition to an EV, which we review separately), the Niro is a fuel miser regardless of which powertrain you choose. In addition to being a little less somnambulant than its conventional counterpart, the plug-in hybrid Niro also grants an EPA-estimated 33 miles of all-electric range—plenty of juice for shop-hopping. As one of just two hybrid subcompact SUVs on offer currently, we give the Niro hybrid the top spot over its only natural competitor, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.What’s New for 2026?The Niro hasn’t seen any serious updates since its second generation was introduced in 2023, and the 2026 model year is no different. It carries over unchanged this year. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Kia Niro Hybrid is expected to start around $29,000 and go up to $43,000 depending on the trim and options.LX$29,000 (est)EX$32,000 (est)EX Touring$34,000 (est)SX$35,000 (est)EX PHEV$36,000 (est)SX Touring$37,000 (est)SX Touring PHEV$43,000 (est)We think the EX Touring trim represents the best value. It comes with a host of desirable features that aren’t available on the base LX trim, including a sunroof, fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 18-inch wheels, and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment display. A full EV model is also available, but we review that one separately.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceThe Niro Hybrid is powered by a 139-hp powertrain that consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard, and the Niro is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. A plug-in-hybrid powertrain adds a more powerful electric motor to the mix for a combined 180 horsepower. Neither model is particularly exciting to drive, but the plug-in hybrid offers perkier acceleration.0–60-MPH TimesA Niro PHEV reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds at our test track. The standard hybrid hit 60 mph in a languid 8.9 seconds.More on the Niro Hybrid SUVRange, Charging, and Battery LifeThe plug-in-hybrid variant comes with an 11.1-kWh battery pack that should be good for around 33 miles of electric driving range per charge. Kia says that when the car is connected to a Level 2 charger, the battery can be refilled in less than three hours. In our testing, the plug-in hybrid managed to cruise for 25 miles on the highway on electric power before resorting to the gas engine for additional range.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Niro Hybrid yet, but last year’s plug-in hybrid models received ratings of 49 mpg city, 47 mph highway, and 48 mpg combined. The conventional hybrid models were rated for 53 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 49 mpg combined ratings. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the Niro Hybrid EX Touring managed 39 mpg; that’s a significant 6 mpg shy of its EPA rating, but still impressive. The Niro plug-in hybrid returned 37 mpg in the same test. With no changes for 2026, the newest Niro Hybrid should achieve similar, or identical, results. For more information about the Niro’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoA 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. Passenger space is snug, but the Niro’s a small crossover, after all, and it offers enough space for four adults, and its cargo area is big enough for a large grocery run. Ambient interior lighting lends an upscale touch, and a rotary shift knob is similar to what you’d find in a Genesis luxury car. In our testing, we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the Niro hybrid’s rear seats and 20 with the rear seats folded. The plug-in-hybrid model held slightly less, as its battery cannibalizes some of the cargo space, but we still fit six carry-ons behind the rear seats and 18 in total.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityWhile the Niro Hybrid’s base LX trim comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display is included on all other models and features in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. Both displays run the latest version of Kia’s UVO infotainment system and include 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.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesA 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. For more information about the Niro’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageKia 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 covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
SpecificationsSpecifications
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
2024 Kia Niro PHEV
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motors, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $41,515/$41,785
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 104 hp, 106 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 11 and 83 hp, 26 and 150 lb-ft (combined output: 180 hp, 195 lb-ft; 8.9-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 Extra Load
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 174.0 in
Width: 71.8 in
Height: 60.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/50 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 55/19 ft3
Curb Weight: 3476 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mph
100 mph: 20.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.4 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 120 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 185 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 40 MPGe
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 48/49/47 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 108 MPGe
EV Range: 33 mi
More Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
