2026 Kia Niro

The current generation Kia Niro represents a dramatic departure from its predecessor with styling inspired by the 2019 HabaNiro concept. The design features striking "heartbeat" LED daytime running lights, a transformed "tiger face" that extends from the hood through the rugged fender, and wide rear pillars blending into boomerang-shaped taillights. The C-pillars are painted in a different color than the rest of the body and enhance air flow to improve aerodynamics. Available exterior colors for the Kia Niro include Aurora Black Pearl, Runway Red, and Snow-White Pearl, among others. The SX Touring further enhances the Kia Niro looks with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, black mirror housings and aluminum pedals.

The front dash in the Kia Niro uses a similar layout to the EV6 and Sportage SUV models, creating a modern and driver-focused environment. The entry-level Kia Niro LX features 16-inch aluminum wheels, heated side mirrors and proximity keyless entry, with a cabin upholstered in cloth featuring dual-zone automatic climate control, six speakers, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Higher Kia Niro trims benefit from larger displays and premium materials throughout. A potential point of contention for some might be the row of haptic feedback buttons under the center screen that manage various functions of the climate control system, but pressing a button changes the entire row to entertainment and vehicle functions. One big improvement is rear seat legroom with up to two and a half inches more depending on powertrain. Storage behind the second-row ranges from 19.4 cubic feet to 22.8, and it is expandable on all models thanks to the folding seats. The interior incorporates sustainable materials throughout, reflecting Kia's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Even the base Kia Niro model has a safety tech suite that includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane following assist, driver assistance warning, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, and intelligent speed limit assist. The EX trim and above add smart cruise control, highway driving assist, and park distance warning. Going up the trims, the SX and SX Touring have forward and reverse parking distance warning. An available Head-Up Display projects directions, active safety warnings, vehicle speed, and current infotainment directly in the driver's line of sight. In terms of interior tech, the Kia Niro LX comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Kia Niro EX and above get a 10.25-inch display with navigation. Wireless phone charging is optional, and programmable mood lighting sets the scene for a personalized driving experience. The Kia Niro EV gains vehicle-to-load onboard generator functionality that allows the car to supply 120-volt power for various household appliances and other devices.

The Kia Niro is a hybrid, pairing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with electrical assist for combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque. It includes a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. The Kia Niro Hybrid LX, EX, and SX offer impressive fuel efficiency with EPA-estimated 53 MPG combined. The SX Touring is rated at 53/45/49 mpg city/highway/combined. Improvements to cooling, friction and combustion technologies helped make the current generation more fuel-efficient, representing a 3 to 4 mpg improvement over the previous generation. The plug-in hybrid's all-electric driving range is an EPA-estimated 33 miles on a full charge, up from 26 miles previously, with a combined driving range of 510 miles. The Kia Niro EV returns an impressive 253 miles of range, a jump up from the previous-generation model's EPA-rated 238 miles. The Kia Niro EV is equipped with an electric motor developing 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Regenerative braking automatically captures energy to recharge the Kia Niro Hybrid's battery when you slow down or brake, maximizing efficiency in everyday driving conditions.

The 2026 Kia Niro Hybrid comes with a new design that redefines its identity as a stylish and modern crossover. It features a sleek front grille with a diamond-patterned insert and LED headlights that are both stylish and functional. This new look is not only more aerodynamic but also emphasizes the Kia Niro eco-friendly mission, while new side sculpting and a wider stance give it a stronger road presence. With a longer wheelbase and slightly wider body, the Kia Niro Hybrid has more interior space so passengers can enjoy the ride more. The redesign enhances both appearance and aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency. Inside the cabin has been reimagined to be more comfortable and tech-rich, filled with premium materials including soft-touch surfaces and available vegan leather upholstery. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display comes standard with seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the fully digital instrument cluster. All trims are powered by a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine paired with a 32kW electric motor. It delivers a combined 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with regenerative braking capturing energy during deceleration to recharge the battery. The Kia Niro Hybrid is rated at a Kia-estimated 53 MPG combined for LX, EX and SX trims, with the LX achieving 53/54 mpg city/highway.

The 2026 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid represents a significant evolution of Kia's eco-friendly crossover lineup. It features a redesigned exterior with a more aggressive Tiger Nose grille and enhanced aerodynamics, while maintaining the practical versatility that has made the Niro family popular among environmentally conscious drivers. This latest iteration promises to deliver up to 33 miles of all-electric driving capability. The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid model comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a six-speed automatic, featuring a larger 11.1-kWh battery with power output that increases to 180 hp. Thanks to a total system output of 180 horsepower, the Kia Niro PHEV achieves 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 7.4 seconds. The powertrain seamlessly blends electric and gas power, and the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers a more natural feel thanks to its smooth, conventional shifts. In hybrid mode it returned 47 mpg in testing, a 2-mpg improvement over the regular Kia Niro Hybrid. The system constantly monitors driving patterns and adapts power distribution for maximum range, while regenerative braking captures energy normally lost during deceleration, and driving modes like Eco and Sport allow drivers to tailor performance.