2019 Kia Niro Review

The base FE is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, six-way manually adjustable front seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, selectable drive modes, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a rearview camera, Uvo eServices app suite, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker sound system with a USB port.

Stepping up to the LX trim adds rear LED taillights, roof rails, keyless ignition and entry, an underfloor storage tray for the rear cargo area, and a rear center armrest with cupholders. Optional for the LX is the Advanced Technology package, which bundles forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. It also has foglights, LED daytime running lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The EX trim comes with the foglights, LED running lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel plus power-folding and heated side mirrors, a high-gloss black upper console, cloth and leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear air-conditioning vents, an additional USB charge port, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. As with the LX trim, all options for the EX are now bundled into packages. The Advance Technology package includes the same active safety features as the LX but adds a power-adjustable driver's seat.

A rather expensive Premium package for the EX trim is available. It adds xenon headlights, a sunroof, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory function, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, an eight-speaker premium Harman Kardon sound system, LED map lights, front and rear parking system, wireless phone charging and a 110-volt power outlet.

This year's new S Touring trim is priced in between the EX and the top Touring trim. In terms of features, it's closer to the EX trim but includes the power-adjustable driver's seat, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and the premium Harman Kardon audio system. It also features a trim-exclusive Platinum Graphite paint, glossy-black 18-inch wheels, glossy-black roof rails and a metallic-colored front grille. The only caveat is none of the EX trim's packages are available with this trim.

Finally, the Touring trim comes with everything standard this year, including the active safety aids from the Advanced Technology package on lower trim models. The only choices you have are colors and smaller accessories. So if you plan to check all the boxes, and you don't mind 18-inch wheels instead of the EX's 16-inchers, you're best off beelining it to the Touring trim.