What is the Niro?
The Kia Niro is a compact car that grants you some of the space you want out of an SUV wrapped up in a smaller footprint. It's also a great option for anyone looking for an affordably priced vehicle that provides a spacious interior and remarkable fuel economy. Since the Niro was fully redesigned for 2023, we don't expect any significant changes for the 2024 model year. The Niro is currently offered as a traditional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric vehicle. We will focus on the traditional hybrid model here, but look out for Edmunds' separate reviews on the other two versions.
Although the Niro is considered a compact vehicle, it grew a bit for the 2023 model year. As part of the redesign, Kia stretched out the Niro both in length and wheelbase. Along with the increased space, passengers also enjoy a modern and comfortable interior. In addition, updated technology includes an optional Harman Kardon audio system and an available dual 10.25-inch touchscreen setup. Under the hood, Kia kept the previous model's not-so-inspiring 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that generates 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. But don't let that discourage you because this little Kia is meant to take you around town with splendid efficiency — an EPA-estimated 49 mpg combined — and good looks.
The Kia Niro is a solid hybrid crossover, but because its design has a foot in both hatchback and SUV camps, it can be put up against strong competition across different categories in the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the Toyota Prius and the hybrid version of the Honda CR-V. The updates it received are a move in the right direction to stay relevant.