Kia Niro - TopCarNews

Kia Niro (2016 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Kia Niro is a small hybrid crossover/SUV that sits between the smaller Stonic and larger Sportage in the Kia family. It was launched in the summer of 2016 with a mid-life facelift in the middle of 2019.

The Niro was initially launched as a regular hybrid in the summer of 2016, with a plug-in hybrid version joining the line-up in 2017. There is also fully-electric model called the Kia e-Niro, and we have a separate page for this model.

Being more car-like and less SUV-like than most crossover rivals, and squeezed into a narrow niche between the slightly-smaller Stonic and slightly-larger Sportage means that the Niro has few direct rivals but a huge number of broadly comparable cars for a similar sort of price. The motoring media have lined it up against hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius as well as more SUV-styled models like the Peugeot 3008.

The Kia Niro has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with the general consensus being that the plug-in hybrid model is better than the regular hybrid, and the electric e-Niro being significantly better again. The Niro’s overall Expert Rating of 62% (as of December 2021) is something of a mid-point between lower scores for the regular hybrid and higher scores for the plug-in version. Some of the scores cover the whole Niro family, including the e-Niro, although most sources rate the electric version separately.

The Niro has been praised for offering good levels of equipment and low running costs compared to similarly-priced rivals. However, it has been criticised for an average driving experience and a lack of boot space, along with interior quality that falls behind the best cars in its class.

Key specifications

Body style: Small-medium SUV/crossoverPower: petrol-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid
Price: From £24,900

Launched: Summer 2016Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic ‘2’Score: 8 / 10“Kia’s mainstream hybrid pioneer is not as efficient as a Prius, but it comes at a cheaper price and in a more family-friendly package that will likely appeal to a wider audience.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: PHEVScore: 8 / 10“This car is simple to live with, will be cheap to run if you can plug it in regularly, and is well equipped.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Kia Niro offers three levels of electrification, and it gets better with the more electric input there is. The standard hybrid can’t match the Toyota Prius for smoothness or efficiency, but the plug-in version has a decent all-electric range, while the e-Niro is an EV class leader.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Niro is decent to drive, well made and has a stonking seven-year warranty, as well as being loaded with equipment as standard.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Being handsome, practical and appealingly good value, the Kia Niro has made a splash in the growing hybrid market, even if it’s a sufficiently contrived, muddled car to drive to prevent it from vying for class leadership. That said, the long waiting lists prove that for many buyers its many strengths easily outweigh the odd demerit.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6 GDi PHEVScore: 7 / 10“Mid-life refresh adds style and technology to Kia’s crossover SUV, while retaining the benefits (and pitfalls) of a plug-in powertrain.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid automaticScore: 6 / 10“The Kia Niro presents as an entirely companionable proposition. Spacious, reasonable to drive and with a cost of ownership worth shouting about, the Niro will find plenty of very happy homes.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic First EditionScore: 8 / 10“For Kia’s first dedicated UK hybrid, the Niro is a brilliant effort. Not only does it retain favourable characteristics of other new Kias, but it strikes a superb balance between comfort and dynamics, which will leave those wanting a conventional car with greater efficiency smiling from ear to ear.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Niro is a hybrid SUV that’s not quite as frugal as the Toyota Prius, but is practical, easy to drive and highly affordable.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybridScore: 4 / 10“The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is a small family SUV that’s easy to drive. It’ll prove cheap to run, too – but only if you do mainly short journeys and have somewhere to charge it overnight.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 5 / 10“The Kia Niro is a small, easy-to-drive SUV that’s cheap to run and well-equipped, but alternatives are more exciting to look at and have bigger boots.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid ‘3’“Makes great sense on paper, the hybrid system works well and the Kia Niro PHEV is an attractive – if understated – package let down a little by some interior plastics.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybridScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Niro PHEV is a welcome addition to the growing range of plug-in vehicles available for motorists. It’s very efficient, it’s practical, and it’s reasonably affordable. This may be enough for many people. It isn’t a driver’s car, but that won’t be a concern for lots of car buyers.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic ‘2’Score: 7 / 10“The Kia Niro is ideal for people who want an affordable, efficient, easy-to-drive car, in a practical yet compact package. As a first attempt at a hybrid that has appeal for a certain segment of the motoring population, the Niro is a good effort.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“If space, performance and convenience technology matter more to you than running cost then there are better choices, including Kia’s own Sportage. But the Niro’s ease of use, low running costs and impressive economy make it a great alternative to petrol or diesel-powered crossovers.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybridScore: 7 / 10“The Niro PHEV might appear to be an expensive Kia, but that would be an unfair judgement given the specification on offer and the pricing of some of its key rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“To drive, the Kia Niro definitely favours a relaxed drive rather than a spirited one. There’s largely a smooth and refined transition between electric and petrol power, although on the plug-in hybrid you do seem to get a sudden burst of power when the engine kicks in.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.4 / 10“Compact SUV with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“Protects you, protects the planet.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic ‘1’Score: 6 / 10“It takes more than numbers to make a good family car.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybridScore: 8 / 10“As plug-in hybrids go, the Kia Niro PHEV makes a lot of sense. It’s more affordably priced than the majority of its rivals, comes well equipped, and while driving it won’t give you goosebumps, it’s still a smooth and relatively relaxing way of getting around.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Kia Niro is a tempting option for those looking to switch from diesel into a hybrid car. Company car drivers might well be tempted by the plug-in version, but for private buyers the standard model is both cheaper and more pleasant to drive.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“A clever bit of engineering wrapped up in a tedious package.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“While the fully electric Kia e-Niro’s vast electric range is something of an exception and a massive reason to purchase, the rest of the Niro’s package has never been that exciting. So, while the Hybrid and PHEV models are well equipped, they’re not that great to drive and not that practical either.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid“In Plug-In Hybrid guise, the Kia Niro blends many of the benefits of an electric car with those of a conventional petrol-powered car. Running costs are potentially very low and it’s spacious for passengers (if not for luggage). It’s easy to drive and comfortable, and while not excelling in any particular area, it’s a convincing all-rounder and a Best Buy.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The most unusual thing about the Kia Niro is that it’s a hybrid. In other respects, it feels like a conventional and rather middle-of-the-road SUV. It’s fairly spacious for passengers (although not for luggage), it’s easy to drive and it’s comfortable – but it’s not exceptional in any area.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: August 2016

83%

ADULT OCCUPANT

80%

CHILD OCCUPANT

57%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

59%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP

The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid was awarded a 3.5 star eco rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. We are currently updating our Euro NCAP database, as the organisation changed its rating system and we need to change our database accordingly to be able to display the complete scoring information.

Green NCAP said: “In general, the implementation of the hybrid technology, and the strategy adopted by Kia, works well and results are good. Green NCAP’s test laboratory noted that the Niro started its petrol engine even when the battery was sufficiently charged, in order to warm the cabin or to provide additional torque when needed in the high-load tests.

“The Niro performs well in all three areas of assessment but its plug-in hybrid power system is most effective in improving energy efficiency. Overall, the Niro emerges from Green NCAP’s tests with a good 3½ star rating.”

This rating only applies to the plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Niro, rather than the regular hybrid version.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia e-Niro has received

2021

Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Best Used AFV
Business Motoring Awards – Best Hybrid

2020

What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Hybrid Small SUV
Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Hybrid + Best Plug-in Hybrid
DieselCar & EcoCar Used Car Top 50 – Best Used Hybrid

2019

Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Best Used Car + Best Used SUV
Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Plug-in Hybrid

2018

Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Hybrid
Auto Express Driver Power survey – Best Small SUV

2017

Next Green Car Awards – Best Crossover

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