2025 Kia Niro review
The Kia Niro straddles the line between a small wagon and a pint-size SUV. Whatever you want to call it, this versatile little people mover is easy on the car-buying budget and equally kind to the fuel budget. There are three versions of the Niro: the standard hybrid model, a plug-in hybrid, and a purely electric model. Perhaps the most polarizing thing about the Niro is its unique exterior design. If the robotic styling isn’t a deterrent, know that the Niro comes loaded with standard features, including a highly intuitive infotainment system. Better still, Kia also includes an outstanding warranty, including 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
Explore the evolution of the Kia Niro
Get our expert take on used Kia Niro models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Kia Niro
The Niro received a major reboot for the 2023 model year. The changes included a bold new exterior and the switch to an entirely electrified engine lineup. Serving as the entry-level model is a fuel-sipping hybrid that returns an EPA-estimated 53 combined city/highway average
in the available FE trim level. There is also a plug-in hybrid version that delivers 33 miles of pure electric range (before the engine fires up), along with a full EV variant that can travel 253 miles per full recharge. Other than what’s under the hood, the Niro stands out for its spacious cabin, easygoing driving manners, and smooth ride. Acceleration isn’t exactly overwhelming, but the Niro has more than enough pep for everyday driving needs. This is especially true in the torque-rich electric version. One caveat is that the Niro is strictly front-wheel drive—there is no option to upgrade to all-wheel drive—and it has low ground clearance, further suggesting it’s really a wagon.Model highlights
Roomy cabin
Excellent fuel economy
Plug-in hybrid and electric versions
Surprising cargo capacity
Smooth ride
First generation Kia Niro
The first-generation Niro thrust Kia into the market for subcompact SUVs. Facing off against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Nissan Kicks, and Chevrolet Trax, the Niro set itself apart with its excellent fuel economy and surprisingly roomy interior. For a small SUV (or wagon), the Niro offered adult-friendly levels of space in both the first and second rows. There was also an effective level of cargo room; this generation of Niro provided 19.4 cubic feet of space behind the split-folding rear seat.
Model highlights
Smooth ride
Spacious cabin
Excellent fuel economy
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Au
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2023 - present
2025 Kia Niro
2024 Kia Niro
2023 Kia Niro
Highlights
Redesigned for the 2023 model year
Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery versions
Front-wheel drive
Learn more
Previous generation from 2017 - 2022
2022 Kia Niro
2021 Kia Niro
Highlights
Available wireless smartphone connectivity
Rear-seat reminder was made standard
Keyless entry became standard
Learn more
2020 Kia Niro
Highlights
Refreshed exterior styling
A 10.25-inch infotainment screen became available
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2019 Kia Niro
Highlights
Fully electric version of the Niro introduced with 239 miles of range
Learn more
2018 Kia Niro
2017 Kia Niro
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Kia Niro an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Niro 3rd out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Niro is $377, compared to an average of $371 for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Kia Niro owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.4 times per year, compared to an average of 0.5 times for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 8% for the Kia Niro, compared to an average of 9% for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Nick Kurczewski has been writing about cars for more than 20 years, and his enthusiasm for journalism has led him to cover auto-related stories around the world. From blasting down the German autobahn to covering every major auto show, his stories have appeared in the New York Times, Car and Driver, U.S. News & World Report, Kelley Blue Book, Cars.com and the New York Daily News, where he served as head editor. Having once aspired to be a Formula One racer, Nick discovered sharing his passion for cars as a journalist is just as thrilling as dreaming of pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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