Kia Niro review

Is the Kia Niro a good car?

The Kia Niro once again delivers on the practicality front, and any notion that it would be compromised due to the mix of internal combustion and pure-electric powertrains can be dismissed. The conventional hybrid model is a tough competitor in a congested market, while the plug-in hybrid offers the flexibility of its electric power that is impressive as well as efficient. The range-topping Niro EV doesn’t offer a world-beating range, but its versatility, comfort and excellent onboard technology will appeal to family and business users alike.

Cabin space across the Niro range is superb, its infotainment system is top-notch, and the low running costs are particularly appealing, but just like the old car, the Niro doesn’t feel all that special to drive, and some of its interior quality is lacking. That aside, the Niro (in whichever form you choose) is a strong contender across a variety of segments, and one of the best small SUVs on the market right now.

How much does the Kia Niro cost?

Pricing for the entry-level Niro Hybrid in 2 trim starts from around £30,000, while the equivalent Niro EV comes in at over £37,000. The Niro PHEV starts between the two (although closer to the EV version) at around £35,500.

Kia launched the first-generation Niro in the UK back in 2016 and it was a smash hit. It managed to win plenty of Auto Express group tests against esteemed opposition and the all-electric e-Niro won our 2019 Affordable Electric Car of the Year award. This second-generation model looks to follow in the footsteps of the original, once again being offered with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electrified variants (although the electric Niro is now called the Niro EV). It also managed to win our Small SUV of the Year award in 2022 and our sister title Carbuyer’s 2023 Car of the Year title shortly after it launched.

The Niro has received a major makeover for its second generation with an entirely new front-end design with pinched headlights and a single light cluster below (quite similar to BMW’s recent design language). The electric Niro EV gets a slightly different face due to the charging port being located at the front, rather than on the front wing of the Niro PHEV.

Like the old model, the Niro hybrid utilises a 1.6-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine combined with an electric motor fed by a small battery, all used to drive the front wheels (like all Niros). The same petrol engine features in the plug-in hybrid, but it’s mated to a more powerful electric motor and larger battery for a pure-electric driving range of up to 40 miles. Both hybrids get a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

The 64.8kWh battery found in the Niro EV is barely any bigger than the old e-Niro’s unit, and its 201bhp power output is identical. But range is up an extra five miles to 285 miles, while its recharging time from 10 to 80 per cent takes 45 minutes, which is nine minutes quicker than the old e-Niro.

The Niro’s trim structure is incredibly simple, kicking off with the entry-level ‘2’, followed by mid-range ‘3’ and finally top-spec ‘4’. All models are equipped with alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a digital instrument panel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and smart cruise control, among other safety features. The size of the digital driver’s display and central touchscreen vary depending on the trim level, with range-topping models equipped with two 10.25-inch panels.

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The Kia Niro isn’t a fun car to drive, but it does do everything you’d expect of a small SUV well enough that it’s hard to fault. The regular 127bhp hybrid may not be very fast – 0-62mph takes 11.3 seconds – but it is the best choice with the most comfortable and settled ride of all the versions in the Niro range. Read more about the Kia Niro's engines, performance and drive…

The Kia Niro is uniquely placed to appeal to a wide range of drivers thanks to being available in fuel efficient hybrid, and company-car friendly plug-in hybrid and all electric versions that have very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) costs. Depreciation and insurance costs are either on par or lower than tha of its closest rivals. Read more about the Kia Niro's MPG, emissions and running costs…

The latest Kia Niro has a much bolder design than its predecessor that helps it stand out amongst rivals. Inside, it isn’t quite as plush as the most premium offerings in the class, but it should prove to be hard wearing. All version come with an infotainment screen that’s responsive, while a mixture of physical and touch sensitive controls for climate control and radio shortcuts is more straightforward to use on the move than rivals that have migrated everything to the central touchscreen. Read more about the Kia Niro's interior, design and technology…

The bigger exterior dimensions of the Kia Niro have benefited front and rear passenger room, making this a practical family car. There are differences between the different versions when it comes to boot capacity, with the EV version having the most, closely followed by the hybrid. Unfortunately, the PHEV has the smallest boot. Read more about the Kia Niro's boot space, comfort, and practicality…

The Kia brand has done exceptionally well in our most recent Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, and the Niro comes with the brand’s industry leading warranty package. Euro NCAP awards the Niro a four star rating for cars with a more basic autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, and five stars for models with the upgraded system. Read more about the Kia Niro's reliability and safety…

Kia Niro alternatives

Given the Niro is offered with three distinct powertrains, it has a long list of rivals. The Niro Hybrid and PHEV come up against the likes of the Honda HR-V, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Toyota C-HR and this Kia’s sister car, the Hyundai Kona: our Car of the Year and Small SUV of the Year for 2023. The Niro Hybrid competes with the usual cohort of hatchbacks, such as the hybrid-only Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, plus the Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308, both of which are offered with plug-in hybrid power. 

The pure-electric Niro EV has a slightly different field of competitors, namely other small electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, BYD Atto 3, Peugeot E-2008 and Smart #1, not to mention zero-emissions hatchbacks like the Renault Megane E-Tech, Cupra Born, Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4.