We Test the New Kia Niro Hybrid: A Tech-Loaded SUV with a Lower Price That Puts the Toyota C-HR in Serious Trouble

The Kia Niro is an important model for the Korean brand: across its two generations it has received conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric powertrains, and it was precisely the Kia e-Niro (100% electric) that propelled it to sales phenomenon.

But for the Koreans it hasn’t proven profitable: hybrid drivetrains still dominate. Therefore, for the new Kia Niro the company has limited itself to preserving the formula for success: now it is an exclusively hybrid crossover that starts at €24,400. We have had the chance to drive it on a first hands-on impression, and these are our thoughts.

“We’ll launch a PHEV when it’s competitive in the market”

Kia has realized over time that it must go practical. The current situation in the industry is delicate; everything is more expensive to produce and the onslaught of Chinese brands makes the traditional manufacturers sweat a lot to sell more affordable products. It’s easy to see this by looking at how the market is distributed in Spain: 46% belongs to hybrids, and less than 10% is pure electric.

For its part, plug-in hybrids don’t reach even 12% of that contested slice of the pie, so it is not surprising that during the presentation of the new Kia Niro the brand argued that the C-SUV only brings one hybrid powertrain for the European market: “We’ll launch a PHEV when it’s competitive“. So this C-SUV competes directly with rivals such as the best-selling Toyota C-HR, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, the Honda HR-V e:HEV, the Renault Symbioz, or the MG ZS Hybrid+.

If we focus on the aesthetic updates, the new Niro preserves its essence: it is almost identical to the previous generation, with a redesigned tailgate and new lighting patterns. With a length of 4,430 mm and a wheelbase of 2,720 mm, it offers generous space within the compact CUV segment.

The boot has a volume of 451 liters (outpacing rivals such as the Toyota C-HR or the Honda HR-V) and you can choose between 16-inch alloy wheels and the redesigned 18-inch variants for the Emotion trim, the top equipment level.

Redesigned interior and Connected Cockpit

Inside, materials and color combinations have also been refreshed: it features a redesigned dashboard and center console, conceived around a 12.3-inch navigation infotainment system. The new interface integrates navigation, vehicle functions and connectivity services into a single digital environment.

Among the main tech features include:

• 12.3-inch display (31 cm) for the infotainment system and instrument cluster
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates for navigation and software
• Smartphone access with Digital Key 2.0
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Head-up display
• Wireless charging for smartphones

At the wheel of the new Kia Niro

As we have already mentioned, the refreshed Niro is equipped exclusively with a hybrid propulsion system, which combines a 1.6-liter direct-injection GDI petrol engine of 75 kW with an electric motor of 32 kW. This provides a combined output of 138 hp, transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6 DCT).

The Niro is a roomy car (especially in the rear seats), created for everyday use and without grand showiness. Everything is functional, the cabin finishes are of the quality Kia is known for, although it’s true that on some surfaces there is an excess of hard plastics. Perhaps due to preferences – I like driving as close to the ground as possible – the driving position felt too high to me.

The latest-generation infotainment system is very intuitive to use, with menus easily accessible, but it isn’t one of the fastest systems on the market and there is a lack of physical buttons.

During our route I was able to confirm that indeed the Niro meets its objective: “to facilitate responsible driving in daily use”. It is a family car in which comfort takes precedence over sensations: it is well-insulated, no road or aerodynamic noises are noticeable and the steering is sufficiently communicative.

When overtaking you’ll need patience (0 to 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h) as it’s a car built for calm driving focused on reducing consumption. The official consumption is 4.6-5.1 L/100 km, and on our mixed-cycle route it hovered around 5.6 liters.

Prices of the new Kia Niro HEV

The Niro will be available on the Spanish market with three trim levels: Concept, Drive and Emotion. It is available from €24,410 with brand discounts and financing, a price more affordable than its previous generation (launched from €28,800 with discounts).