Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Sales of U.S. Kia hybrid models jumped by 108% in July as demand for the automaker's electrified vehicles continues to soar. The company's most affordable hybrid for some time has been the Niro, which was recently refreshed for the 2027 model year. Kia has now announced pricing for this model, which competes with other subcompacts like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. But the Toyota may not be the Niro's biggest problem, as the new price bump has pushed it uncomfortably close to Kia's own Sportage Hybrid. 2027 Kia Niro Pricing2027 NiroKiaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe latest Kia Niro—now exclusively available as a hybrid—starts at $29,890 for the base S trim. Here's a look at the lineup's full pricing versus the 2026 model.Trim2026 Price2027 Price% IncreaseLX$27,390$29,8909.1%SNot offered for 2026$30,590–EX$30,190$31,3904%SX$33,390$35,4406.1%SX Touring$35,790$38,9908.9%Every trim is more expensive, with the entry-level LX and top-spec SX Touring hit by the largest price hikes. These prices exclude a $1,495 destination charge, so the sub-$30,000 Niro is effectively gone.2027 NiroKiaFor 2027, the Niro has gained revised front/rear fascias, new exterior colors, and an upgraded interior. There are also new driver-assistance technologies, including Highway Driving Assist and a 360-degree camera. The S trim is a new addition for 2027, while all variants continue to use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, combining for 139 horsepower. The highlight of the package is stellar efficiency, as the Niro is capable of 53/46/50 mpg city/highway/combined. That makes it one of America's most fuel-efficient SUVs.Related: Kia's Hybrid Boom Sends U.S. Sales to a New RecordShould You Get A Sportage Hybrid Instead?2027 Kia Sportage HybridKiaWhile the Niro Hybrid has been hit with a significant price increase for 2027, the Sportage Hybrid's price has stayed relatively flat. This has significantly closed the gap between the two vehicles, strengthening the case for the larger and much more powerful Sportage.2027 Kia Niro2027 Kia Sportage HybridBase price$29,890$30,590Engine1.6L I4 Hybrid1.6L I4 Turbo HybridHorsepower139 hp232 hpTransmission6-speed dual-clutch auto6-speed autoEPA rating (city/highway/combined)53/46/50 mpg40/42/41 mpgTrunk space (behind second row)21.8 cubic feet39.5 cubic feetFor only $700 more, the Sportage Hybrid adds a far more powerful turbocharged powertrain. It also comes with the option of all-wheel drive and has a much more spacious interior, while driving more quietly. The Niro's sole advantage is its efficiency, but the Sportage is hardly thirsty, as it gets 41 mpg combined.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs solid as the Niro is, the Sportage Hybrid is now convincingly the better buy.Related: Kia's Hot-Selling Hybrid SUV Gets A Bigger Lineup For 2027This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.