2021 Kia Niro Review
Price Range: $16,998 - $24,998





+48
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 Niro provides a comfortable, relatively spacious cabin that's better equipped than most other rival hybrids. It's not as fuel-efficient as the segment leaders such as the Toyota Prius, but it makes up for it with appealing technology features, including some of the best advanced driving aids in the class.
2021 Kia Niro Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- Available wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- More advanced navigation-based cruise control is now available
- Rear occupant alert is now standard
- Part of the first Niro generation introduced for 2017
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.85 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$119/mo for Niro LX
Niro LX
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#3 out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Niro from 2008-2022.$377/yr
vs. $377/yr
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.38x/yr
vs. 0.52x/yr
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).8.3%
vs. 8.3%
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Kia Niro Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(54%)
4(24%)
3(8%)
2(4%)
1(10%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Could have been the best
4 out of 5 starsRick, 11/25/2019
2019 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
We bought a Niro LX for $21,000 + tax.
Here are the highlights and low lights.
Amazing MPG - I'm getting over 60 mpg.
Price without leather was great...$21,000.
The sports mode turns this into A SUPER FAST sports car.
(No kidding...it will blow almost anything away for 20 yards.)
I couldn't believe it.
Now the bad...
The front seat sucks but a good cushion will fix it.
The ride is a bit … sporty...it's not horrible but could be better.
The stereo speakers are ok but you might want to upgrade.
Well, that's it.
My wife loves the car but she loves her 2014 Prius.
I'll give it a 4 out of 5.
Also, Kia has a super warranty.
--------------------------------------------
3 month update:
I've driven about 2200 miles and am getting over 600 miles on a fill-up.
That's really nice.
I can hookup my phone with a YouTube app and play thousands of songs through the media button, so I won't need Sirusxm.
That's good.
The car is easy to wash. Takes about 20 minutes by hand.
Car handles very nice around town and is agile.
I'm 6'4" and weigh about 290 and I have plenty of room.
So far it's been a good purchase.
I was going to buy a RAV4 Hybrid but we saved around $8,000 with the NIRO and are getting way better gas mileage.
Update at 10,000 miles.
I've had no issues with the car.
We took it on a 3300 mile road trip.
It got absolutely great gas mileage.
Drives nice on the highway.
I've enjoyed this car and I hope it lasts.
best of both world
5 out of 5 starsJohnny K, 09/01/2019
2019 Kia Niro S Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
I have a S-Touring; 51+MPG commuting in DC traffic, nice entertainment system with Android Auto [must have], nice comfortable seats, nice interior design and overall quality. traded in RX350 and now I am saving $1300 a year just on gas and I have all the capacity I need with roof-box and hitch cargo carrier. rock solid reliability after 40k on ODO on same tires and brakes to boot. DTC is … a jewel and suspension with 18inch wheels boosts fun factor on curve roads. Niro also made me a better person behind the wheel :-)
Best hybrid for the price
5 out of 5 starsKarin, 11/01/2019
2019 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
Just bought our second Kia Niro. We got one 11 months ago and are so crazy about it, that my husband and I argued about whose turn it was to take it. So I went out and bought my own. Gas savings are fabulous and it's very roomy and comfortable. Love the price, too.
The Niro is a Hero
4 out of 5 starsDave Miller, 11/27/2018
2019 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
This is a great commuter vehicle. I am consistently getting better than the advertised average gas mileage at almost 55 MPG. It is a very comfortable vehicle even for me being larger than most people. The technology is outstanding and well laid out on the dashboard. I have the back seats down most the time to take advantage of the extra cargo space. I have to admit it was a big … adjustment for me going from a V8 to 4 Cyl Hybrid as far as power, but it performs well enough for my everyday driving.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Kia Niro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Niro since its last redesign.
2021 Niro Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,690 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 50 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $119/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Niro models:
- Blind-Spot Detection System
- Detects and alerts you with visual and audio warnings when a vehicle in the adjacent lane is in your blind spot.
- Smart Cruise Control
- Maintains a set speed and interval behind the car ahead and will bring the car to a stop briefly before relinquishing control.
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Identifies lane markings and corrects the steering if you begin to drift out of your lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat4 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover12.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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