Kia · Niro

Niro

Released 2022

Kia's second-generation compact crossover, sold in the UK as a self-charging hybrid and as a plug-in hybrid with an 11.1 kWh battery, suited to buyers who want low running costs in a car about 4.4 metres long.

Body: Crossover
Powertrain: Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid
Power: 136–168 bhp
Range: 40 mi
Boot: 451 l

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the Niro hybrids are practical, economical and well equipped, with a spacious interior and a long warranty. The common criticisms are a dull drive and engines that feel slow and get noisy when worked; Auto Express found the interior quality disappointing in places and the plug-in hybrid's boot small, and Autocar found the plug-in unrefined.

From autocar.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk, whatcar.com and parkers.co.uk

Specifications

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Performance

Powertrain: Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid
Power: 136–168 bhp
0–62 mph: 11.1 s
Top speed: 104 mph
Engine or motors: 1.6 GDi four-cylinder petrol (1,580 cc) with an electric motor; hybrid 136 bhp with a 1.32 kWh battery, plug-in hybrid 168 bhp with an 11.1 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and an 83 kW battery output; Kia does not state usable battery capacity
Gearbox: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drive: Front-wheel drive

Range and charging

Zero-emission range (WLTP): 40 miles
Economy (WLTP): 353.1 mpg
Range detail: Plug-in hybrid: WLTP electric range 40 miles (grade 2) or 37 miles (grades 3 and 4). Kia UK gives the plug-in hybrid 0–60 mph in 9.6–9.8 seconds; Kia's MY26 hybrid specification gives 0–100 km/h in 11.1–11.4 seconds
Charging: Plug-in hybrid: Type 2, up to 3.3 kW AC; Kia UK gives 2 h 55 min from 15 to 95% charge; no DC charging
Efficiency: Hybrid: Kia UK's earlier technical sheet gives 60.1–64.2 mpg WLTP combined across grades 2–4; current grade-specific UK figures are not on Kia's main spec page. Plug-in hybrid: weighted combined 353.1 mpg (grade 2), 313.9 mpg (grade 3), 282.5 mpg (grade 4)
CO2 emissions: 18–22 g/km weighted (plug-in hybrid), WLTP

Practicality

Body: Crossover
Seats: 5
Boot: 451 litres
Length: 4,420 mm
Width: 1,825 mm
Weight: From 1,474 kg
Boot: 451 litres (hybrid) or 348 litres (plug-in hybrid) with the rear seats up; 1,445 or 1,342 litres folded per Kia UK's technical sheet
Towing: Kia UK's earlier technical sheet gives both hybrids 1,300 kg braked and 100 kg tow ball load; the current UK specification retains those figures for the plug-in hybrid
Size: 4,420 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,545–1,560 mm high depending on trim; 2,720 mm wheelbase; 10.6 m turning circle; Kia UK's earlier technical sheet gives 1,474 kg kerb weight for the hybrid and 1,594 kg for the plug-in hybrid

Tech and safety

Infotainment: Kia UK lists 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation as standard on the current plug-in hybrid; its 2023 brochure lists an 8-inch display on grade 2 and a 10.25-inch navigation display on grades 3 and 4; head-up display on grade 4
Driver assistance: Remote Smart Parking Assist on grade 4
Warranty: 7 years or 100,000 miles

Pros and cons

Pros

Plug-in hybrid has a WLTP electric range of up to 40 miles
Hybrid has a 451-litre boot
7-year or 100,000-mile warranty

Cons

Plug-in hybrid charges on AC only, at up to 3.3 kW
Plug-in hybrid's boot is 348 litres against 451 litres for the hybrid
Hybrid takes over 11 seconds to reach 62 mph

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
NissanQashqai	Crossover	Mild hybrid, Hybrid	156–202 bhp	–	504 l	Mar 2021
ToyotaC-HR	Crossover	Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid	138–220 bhp	41 mi	388 l	Oct 2023
OmodaOmoda 5	Crossover	Petrol, Hybrid, Electric	145–221 bhp	267 mi	380 l	Aug 2024

Sources

Photo: kia.com

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