Kia · 2016–present

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro (Korean: 기아 니로) is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by Kia since 2016. It is an electrification-focused vehicle, offering three versions: hybrid, plug-in hybrid (until 2026) and battery electric (until 2026) variants.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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First generation (DE; 2016)

The first-generation Niro was introduced in 2016. Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia opted to use dual-clutch transmission instead of the more traditional continuously variable transmission found in most other hybrids to offer a more engaging driving experience. The size is between the Stonic and Sportage, and very close to the XCeed. In Europe, the Niro was launched in a choice of seven colours and either 16- or 18-inch wheels. It was the first Kia model to feature Android Auto, available from its launch, while Apple CarPlay was made available towards the end of 2016. Seven airbags were included as standard, along with other safety features including autonomous braking, smart cruise control, and lane departure warning. Noise reduction was a key development focus, with Kia achieving a quieter cabin by use of increased front structure insulation and the use of acoustic windshield glass. Full production started in May 2016 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea, with European sales from the third quarter of 2016. A plug-in version was launched in the United Kingdom in the end of 2017, and in the United States in the beginning of 2018, with an electric version launched in 2018. Towards the end of 2018 and start of 2019, sales of the Niro PHEV ranked highly in Denmark and Sweden in a list of top plug-in car sales. The Niro received a facelift in 2019 which included changes to the front and rear bumpers, as well as new headlights and color choices. Unlike the prototypes, no production version was ever offered with four wheel drive. Hybrid (HEV). The 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. A subcompact hybrid utility vehicle, the model's exterior design is marketed as "un-hybrid", saying it is more conventional than other hybrid cars. Th

Second generation (SG2; 2021)

The second-generation Niro was released at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show on 25 November. The front part extended the Tiger Face design from the hood to the fender. A C-pillar integrated with a boomerang-shaped LED rear combination lamp was applied to the side, and a vertical LED rear combination lamp was applied to the rear. In the interior, recycled fibres were used on the ceiling of the vehicle and water-friendly paint without benzene, toluene, and xylene was added to the door panel. The bio-artificial leather sheet used fibres made from raw materials extracted from eucalyptus leaves. It is also equipped with driver assistance systems and infotainment such as head-up displays, remote smart parking assistance, rear passenger notification, and smart power tailgate. The model was officially launched on 25 January 2022, while the second-generation Niro EV debuted in April 2022. Facelift (2026). The Niro facelift was revealed on 20 January 2026. The plug-in hybrid and battery electric models were discontinued. Powertrain. === Safety ===

Reception

Popular Mechanics named the 2019 Kia Niro EV as its 2019 Car of the Year, praising it for its normal looks, 239-mile range, and that it can use Volkswagen Group of America's Electrify America chargers to allow the car to be used on long car trips. The UK's What Car? magazine named the Kia e-Niro its 2019 Car of the Year – the first time the prize had been awarded to an electric vehicle. The car was chosen as one of the Top 10 Tech Cars by the IEEE in 2018. The Kia Niro was selected as the 'Best Urban Car' at the 2023 Women’s Car of the Year.

Concept models

=== Concept (2013) === The Kia Niro concept debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The car, designed almost entirely by Peter Schreyer at Kia's Frankfurt studio, is a sporty three door subcompact crossover, with butterfly doors that open into the roof panel. The front wheels are powered by the 1.6-litre Gamma inline-4 producing 160 hp (119 kW) mated with a seven speed rotary-shifted dual-clutch transmission, while a 45 hp electric hybrid system powers the rear wheels when driving in rougher road conditions. KX–3 concept. The Kia KX–3 concept followed at the November 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show. Inspired by the earlier Niro concept, it has grown larger in size into a compact SUV, measuring 167.71 inches (4,260 mm) long and 69.48 inches (1,765 mm) wide. A turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivers power to all four wheels via a seven speed dual clutch transmission. HabaNiro Concept. The Kia HabaNiro Concept was unveiled at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The model featured butterfly doors and also previewed some design elements of the second generation Niro.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Kia Niro

Manufacturer

Kia

Production

2016–present

Model years

2017–present

Class

Subcompact crossover SUV

Body style

5-door SUV

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-motor, front-wheel-drive (EV)

sp

us

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22754238CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_NiroCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1369870702 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kia_Niro_(SG2)_PHEV_1X7A6014.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Alexander Migl · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — http://www.kia.com/worldwide/vehicles/niro.doLink only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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