2026 Kia Niro Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims

Motor Trend

2 days ago

Reviewed by Zach Gale
Offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions, the Kia Niro is a practical and efficient alternative to several other cars and SUVs.
With a focus on fuel economy and a spacious interior, the 2026 Niro is a versatile option for those seeking a green vehicle that doesn't sacrifice everyday usability. Key rivals include the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
What's New
Look for the 2026 Kia Niro to go mostly unchanged before a more significant refresh for 2027.
Anticipated changes for 2027 include design updates as well as an updated cabin. We hope Kia will also add some sound insulation to quiet the interior.
What We Think
The 2026 Kia Niro stands out as a cost-effective, fuel-efficient option for those seeking an eco-friendly ride. Expected to remain available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV, the Niro is spacious for a small car and has a bolder design than its predecessor. The biggest problem with the Niro—especially the hybrid models—is how excellent the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrid are.
Unlike the Prius, though, the 2026 Niro's cabin feels airy, and Kia packs it with useful storage cubbies and USB ports. While ride refinement isn't great, the handling remains fun and agile in most situations. The Niro Hybrid is the slowest of the three Niro models but arguably the most fun to drive.
Fiddly dual-use infotainment and climate controls and the lack of flat-folding second-row seats reduce the Niro's practicality. The absence of an all-wheel-drive option is disappointing, too, considering Kia once positioned the Niro as a small SUV.
On the plus side, the redesigned exterior offers a significant upgrade over the quirky styling of the previous model. And upscale details bely the Niro's accessible position in the market. It's a solid choice, but be sure to check out the competition first, the latest rivals from Honda and Toyota are more compelling than ever.
MotorTrend Tested
The most affordable Niro is the standard hybrid model, which is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output will likely remain 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, enough to get a 2023 SX Touring version of the hatchback to 60 mph in an MT-tested 8.8 seconds.
The Plug-In Hybrid model also comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a six-speed automatic, but instead of the Hybrid's 1.3-kWh battery the PHEV in 2025 models features a larger 11.1-kWh battery.
Power output increases to 180 hp but torque is the same as the Hybrid. These models need only 7.2 seconds to sprint to 60 mph.
MPGs and Range
Every Niro comes with FWD. Most 2025 Niro Hybrids return fuel economy of 53/45 mpg city/highway except for the FE model, which gets 53/54 mpg, mostly due to a lighter curb weight and smaller, lighter wheels. Look for the 2026 to receive similar estimates.
Range comes to 544-588 miles. That's good if you're comparing to K5 sedans, but slightly below what you get in a Toyota Prius.
In the Niro plug-in hybrid, EPA-rated range comes to 510 miles that includes up to 33 miles of all-electric driving. The 2026 model should do the same.
Will There Be a Niro EV This Year?
The future of the Niro Electric is less clear than other models in the lineup. That's because Kia introduced the EV4 small electric hatchback in early 2025 that could replace the Niro EV if it heads to the U.S.
The new EV4 features a standard single-motor FWD configuration and is available with one of two battery capacities, a 58.3-kWh pack and larger 81.4-kWh pack. We're expecting the Standard version to be rated at about 240 miles of range while models with the Long Range battery could top out over 350 miles per full charge. Below the EV6, Kia probably only needs one electric model in its lineup, and it could be the EV4 or Niro EV in the future.
If the Niro EV survives, it will likely still come with the same 64.8-kWh battery pack it used before that enables a driving range of 253 miles. The battery can recharge at a rate only up to 85 kW, which is slow by today's EV standards.
All models will probably remain FWD and make 201 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The Electric is the quickest version of the Niro, launching to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Safety Features
Drive Wise is the name Kia gives the Niro's suite of driver assist features. These are the included features:
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane keeping
Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking,
Driver focus monitor
Available features consist of front and rear parking sensors as well as adaptive cruise control.
Cargo Space
With the Niro, the standard hybrid has more cargo capacity than the plug-in hybrid. The Kia is comparable to the Toyota Prius when it comes to cargo space with the rear seats in place.
Cargo Space with the seats up
2026 Kia Niro Hybrid: 22.8 cubic feet
2026 Kia Niro PHEV: 19.4 cubic feet
2025 Toyota Prius: 20.3-23.8 cubic feet
2025 Toyota Prius PHEV: 20.3 cubic feet
Technology
Could this be the year Kia makes the 10.3-inch touchscreen standard across the line? Currently, that screen size is on some trims while an 8.0-inch display serves as the base setup.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six speakers should remain standard features. Higher trims will probably continue to unlock a phone charging pad, power driver's seat, heated front seats, power-folding side mirrors, and heated steering wheel.
Value
If it were our money, we'd stick with a mid-level trim of the 2026 Niro's standard model to maximize its features-per-dollar value. That's because the higher you go in price, the more we'd want the richer driving experience of the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrid. And the Prius PHEV has more range than the Niro PHEV.
This year's Niro Hybrid base model should start around $29,500 and the top trim should sticker closer to $37,000. That's essentially where we expect the Niro PHEV to start, with its top model retailing for about $43,000.
If there is a 2026 Niro EV, look for it to start at roughly $42,000. The top model of the electric lineup will probably start around $47,000.
Other Small Hybrids: