The Kia Niro has been a very versatile product for the brand, thanks to being available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. However, the company has decided to overhaul the product range as part of an upcoming mild refresh for the little crossover. Kia just presented more details about the machine to Korean media, and one of the automaker's execs announced that the EV variant was getting the axe for the revised lineup.The automaker's reason for the decision is that it doesn't need the Niro EV anymore. There are already plenty of other electric models in the global lineup. Another model in the segment just wasn't necessary. The Nearly New Niro kia-niro-refreshIn South Korea, the updated Niro will be available with a hybrid-assisted 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 141 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. In Korean market testing, the setup allegedly offers the equivalent of 48 miles per gallon fuel economy (20.2 kilometers per liter). The automaker is now preparing to take orders for the revised Niro in Korea, with pricing there starting at the equivalent of $19,325 (28.85 million won).However, there are still no details about the version for the United States. We expect the info to arrive in the coming weeks because there are usually several months between when the automaker begins offering a model in its home market and bringing those vehicles to the US.CarBuzz has reached out to Kia America for clarification about dropping the Niro EV. The automaker only builds the model in South Korea, so ending production means there's no other supply for the vehicle. Assembling the variant exclusively for the US is very unlikely.KiaIn early 2026, Kia announced that it was discontinuing the Niro Plug-In Hybrid. When CarBuzz contacted the automaker at the time, a spokesperson said the decision was due to changing market conditions. The demise of the Niro PHEV and the extremely likely loss of the EV means buyers' only option would be the regular hybrid.When referring to the Niro EV's demise, Kia's Jung Yoon-kyung made a similar statement to The Korea Herald as what we heard about the PHEV's cancellation. "Kia is strongly focusing on electrification. Starting with the EV3 and continuing through EV9, we have a range of vehicles with strong electrification capabilities and improved product competitiveness. In order to concentrate more on those models, we decided to discontinue the [Niro EV]."-Jung Yoon-kyung, senior manager, Kia marketing The Niro EV KiaFor now, the 2026 Niro EV remains available at dealers, at least while supplies last. Prices start at $39,700 (before a $1,495 destination fee) for the base Wind grade, and there's also the nicer Wave trim for $44,700. Both versions come with a 201-horsepower electric motor and a 64.8-kilowatt-hour battery, providing a 253-mile range. When it goes away, Kia's entry-level EV would become the EV6, which starts at $42,900.
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