GREEN CHOICE

Kia Niro

Name: 2021 Kia Niro
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 49 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 49 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Thanks to its high stance, conservative styling, and a more normal, traditional-acting automatic transmission, the Kia Niro is a genre-splitting hybrid that combines fuel economy with versatility. It uses the same drivetrain as its sibling hybrid -- the Hyundai Ioniq -- and also suffers from some of that car's shortcomings.

2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

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Kia Niro

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

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$15,075 - $17,825

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

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25 miles

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Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

electric (201 hp)
1.6-liter 4 hybrid (139 hp)
1.6-liter 4 hybrid (139 hp)

6-speed sequential
1-speed direct

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2023-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2023 Niro is very sensible and economical. Even though it is only a front-wheel-drive model, its overall functionality rivals that of most small SUVs. Handling and braking have been improved, and the ride is mostly comfortable, but the cabin is loud. The hybrid achieved an excellent 45 mpg overall. Unfortunately, the controls are now less friendly than before, and outward visibility is hurt by the elimination of the third side window. The Niro is also offered as a plug-in hybrid with an estimated electric range of 33 miles before transitioning to regular hybrid operation. The pure EV version has an EPA range of 253 miles. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

2017-2022

2017 Redesign Year

Kia's five-passenger Niro marries good fuel economy with cargo versatility. This front-wheel-drive hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which, in conjunction with the electric drive unit, puts out a combined 139 hp. This combo is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Because the lithium-ion battery is located under the rear seat, that creates a flat cargo floor when the rear seats are folded. We got 43 mpg overall, which is good but not as good as the Hyundai Ioniq or Toyota Prius. The handling lacks agility and the ride is a bit choppy. The optional power driver seat provides better support than the standard seats do. A suite of advanced safety features is available, including automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. A plug-in hybrid and full electric version were also offered. Updates for the 2020 model include new headlights, a standard 8-inch touch screen, and various exterior styling details.