2026 Kia Niro

If you're shopping for a small SUV with a hybrid drivetrain, your options are, unfortunately, limited. Thankfully, one of those options is the 2026 Kia Niro hybrid, and it's a good one. The Niro hybrid is one of three Niro models that also include a plug-in hybrid and a full EV. The traditional hybrid enjoys the same spacious back seat and cargo area as the rest of the lineup, but it also has the upside of a relatively low starting price. The four-cylinder hybrid powerplant puts out a mere 139 horsepower but makes up for its lack of thrust with stellar fuel economy. The Niro hybrid is estimated to deliver up to 53 mpg in the EPA's combined testing cycle.

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Despite its small footprint, the Niro hybrid offers a surprising amount of interior space. The back seat has more headroom than a Honda CR-V and more legroom than a Toyota RAV4, which are both larger than the Niro. Meanwhile, its cargo area with 22.8 cubic feet of space is larger than that of the comparably sized Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, though not quite as generous as other non-hybrid small SUVs like the Chevrolet Trax or Trailblazer.

Competitors to consider

The closest comepetitor to this little Kia — which really skirts the line between hatchback and crossover SUV — is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. It gets up to 42 mpg and comes standard with all-wheel drive, an option not available on the Niro. The Toyota Prius is still the one to beat when it comes to maximizing fuel economy — it carries a lofty EPA estimate of up to 57 mpg combined. Another potential rival is the Honda CR-V with the available hybrid engine; it is larger but more expensive and not as efficient.

The 2026 Kia Niro is a unique offering that delivers exceptional fuel economy and crossover practicality in a compact yet spacious package. As long as you don't need all-wheel drive and can wait an extra second or two to get up to highway speed, it's a great buy.