© Kia Motors America 2019 Kia Niro
The 2019 Kia Niro is not alone in that rarefied air of cars that approach 50 mpg—see the Toyota Prius and the Hyundai Ioniq —but the Niro might be the most versatile of the bunch. 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; 2012; 2011; Optima PHEV. 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; K900. 2020; 2019; 2017; 2016; 2015; Niro. 2019 Kia Niro Features & Options. Excel (.xlsx) My Computer Google Drive Dropbox PDF (.pdf). Kia makes reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained in its press. The Niro shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Ioniq, which is a more traditional Prius fighter. But thanks to its crossover shape and extra cargo space, the Niro presents itself to be a much. The Kia Niro, an efficient small crossover, was introduced for 2017 and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model followed in 2018. For 2019, the Niro PHEV carries over with minor updates to the vehicle’s three trim levels.
The 2019 Kia Niro ranks midpack among hybrid and electric SUVs. It returns great fuel economy and has a decent amount of cabin space, but its interior quality is a mixed bag.
Is the Kia Niro a Good SUV?
The Kia Niro is an OK hybrid and electric SUV (it's available as both). The main draw here is outstanding fuel efficiency, as it gets around 50 mpg on hybrid power. Electric (EV) models have a range of about 240 miles. Although driving dynamics aren't this Kia's strong suit, it has a decent amount of engine power and provides a comfortable ride. Inside, the Niro boasts roomy, comfortable seating, as well as generous cargo space for a subcompact SUV. However, it lacks available all-wheel drive, and it isn’t as athletic as many rivals. Also, critics are mixed on the quality of its cabin materials and design.
Should I Buy the Kia Niro?
The 2019 Kia Niro should be on your short list if you're looking for a small hybrid SUV with a composed ride and a comfortable interior. If you're not bound to a hybrid, it's worth considering some other small crossovers. The Kia Sportage provides the same level of performance as the Niro, but it also offers all-wheel drive and additional passenger and cargo space. If you want a more exhilarating driving experience, consider the Hyundai Kona. The Kona’s agile handling and available turbocharged engine make it a joy to drive.
Should I Buy a New or Used Kia Niro?
The 2019 Niro is part of a generation that debuted for the 2017 model year, and there have been few major changes since then. Kia added a plug-in hybrid model to the lineup for the 2018 model year, and Kia introduced an EV model for 2019. Aside from those two additions, the 2017 Niro is nearly identical to the 2019 Niro. It's worth shopping for an older Niro to get a similar car at a much lower price.
If you're interested in a used model, be sure to read our reviews of the 2017 and 2018 Niro. If you decide that a used Niro is for you, check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles.
We Did the Research for You: 28 Reviews Analyzed
To give you a complete overview of the 2019 Niro – and make your car-shopping experience easier – we analyzed 28 Kia Niro reviews alongside performance specs, interior dimensions, and more.
This review uses applicable research and data from all model years of the current Niro generation, which includes 2017 to 2019.
Why You Can Trust Us
U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our crew has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. To ensure our objectivity, we do not accept expensive gifts from carmakers, and an external company manages the ads on our site.
How Much Does the Kia Niro Cost?
With a starting price of $23,490, the Niro is the least expensive option among hybrid and electric SUVs. The hybrid’s top-of-the-line Touring trim costs $32,150. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid starts at $28,200, and its high-level EX Premium trim is $34,900. The Niro EV starts at $38,500, and its higher Premium trim retails for $44,000.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Kia dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Kia deals page.
Kia Niro Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: Kia Niro or Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona is a high-ranking subcompact SUV. It comes in both nonelectric and electric variants that have a few things worth highlighting. The nonelectric Kona has an available turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, and the electric Kona EV has a longer range than the Niro: 258 miles compared to the Niro EV’s 239. In both forms, the Kona has one of the most engaging rides in its class. Plus, it's less expensive than the Niro and comes with more standard safety features. However, the Niro has a more comfortable ride and additional passenger and cargo space. Shoppers who want more power under the hood will prefer the Kona, as will EV shoppers who want a longer electric range. For additional space and comfort in a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, opt for the Niro.
Which Is Better: Kia Niro or Kia Sportage?
Though the Kia Sportage sits in the compact SUV class, its price is similar to that of the smaller Niro. In addition to more storage and passenger space than you'll find in the Niro, the Sportage is available with all-wheel drive (not available with the Niro) and a turbocharged engine. The Niro gets significantly better fuel economy estimates than the gas-only Sportage, and it comes with more standard features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. It's the better pick if you prioritize fuel efficiency. Otherwise you're probably better off with the larger Sportage.
Niro Interior
How Many People Does the Niro Seat?
There's seating for five people in the Niro. There is plenty of passenger room in both rows, and the nicely padded seats keep all occupants comfortable on extended trips. Reviewers praise the raised seating position of the Niro's driver's seat, which creates good forward visibility. Quite a bit of road noise seeps into the cabin, however. Available features include a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Niro and Car Seats
There are two sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the rear outboard seats. There's also an upper tether on the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for its ease of use. It's mostly easy to use, but the lower anchors are too deep in the seats.
Niro Interior Quality
With a simple, well-constructed design and quality materials like durable cloth upholstery or available leather upholstery, the Niro's interior should please most shoppers. However, there are some hard plastics scattered around the cabin.
Niro Cargo Space
The Niro has 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 54.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Those values are unimpressive for the hybrid and electric SUV class but good compared to similar-sized subcompact SUVs and even some compact SUVs. Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow you to carry one or two people in the back while folding down one side of the back row for additional cargo space.
Niro Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
Standard features include an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, four speakers, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a USB port. The infotainment system is equipped with plenty of smartphone technology, and it's intuitive and easy to use.
Available features include an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, an eight-speaker premium audio system, a wireless phone charger, satellite radio, and HD Radio.
For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?
Niro Performance
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Battery Warranty
Niro Engine: Sufficient Power
Both the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid are powered by a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to make 139 horsepower. The Niro has a decent amount of power for most daily commutes, but some reviewers note that acceleration can be slow. It’s paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is a rarity among hybrid and electric vehicles. Reviewers applaud Kia's decision to include this transmission, which delivers natural shifts while retaining fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers note that the shifts could be smoother.
The new-for-2019 Niro EV comes with a 150-kW electric motor that makes 201-horsepower. It's paired with a single-speed transmission. This setup provides the EV with quick acceleration.
Niro Gas Mileage: Some of the Best
The base Niro hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles around. It delivers 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. The plug-in hybrid also gets commendable estimates. It has a 105 MPGe combined rating, and it can go about 26 miles on just electric power. The brand-new Niro Electric gets 112 MPGe and has a 239-mile electric range.
For more information, read What Is MPGe?
Niro Ride and Handling: Stable and Comfortable
The Kia Niro has responsive steering and composed handling, and it maintains a comfortable ride over rough roads. However, some class rivals have tighter handling that makes them more enjoyable to drive. Front-wheel drive is standard in the Niro, and unlike some rivals, all-wheel drive is unavailable.
Niro Reliability
Is the Kia Niro Reliable?
The 2019 Niro has an above-average predicted reliability rating of four out of five from J.D Power.
Kia Niro Warranty
The 2019 Niro comes with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for various hybrid components. Kia has not yet released warranty details for the Niro EV.
Niro Safety
Niro Crash Test Results
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2019 Niro a Top Safety Pick+ designation and the highest rating of Good in all six IIHS crash tests. IIHS also gave it a Good rating for headlight visibility and the highest rating of Superior for front crash prevention.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Niro an overall rating of four out of five stars, with four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests and five stars in the side crash test. The NHTSA identified an additional safety concern of a high likelihood of chest injury to the front passenger in the event of a front, passenger-side crash.
Niro Safety Features
The Niro comes standard with a rearview camera. Available active safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, pedestrian detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Which Kia Niro Model Is Right for Me?
The 2019 Niro hybrid comes in five trim levels: FE, LX, EX, S Touring, and Touring. The plug-in hybrid comes in LX, EX, and EX Premium trims. Niro EV models come in EX and EX Premium trims. The base trim of each Niro model comes with a solid list of standard features that should satisfy most shoppers. Pricing for EV models is unavailable at the time of this writing.
Kia Niro FE
The FE is the base trim for regular hybrid models. It starts at $23,490 and comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, six speakers, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a USB port. No optional packages are available for this trim.
Kia Niro LX
Starting at $23,800 for hybrid models, the LX trim adds push-button start and a hidden storage tray in the cargo area. There is an available LX Advanced Technology package that costs $1,450 and adds automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The LX is the base trim for plug-in hybrid models. It costs $28,200 and comes with all the FE trim's features as well as a slew of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Kia Niro EX
The EX trim starts at $26,300 for hybrid models and adds partial leather upholstery, a rear USB port, and heated front seats. Two packages are available. The EX Advanced Technology package costs $1,950 and includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The EX Premium Package costs $5,300 and includes a sunroof, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, an eight-speaker premium audio system, front and rear parking sensors, leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
For plug-in hybrid models, the EX trim starts at $31,800 and includes blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, a rear USB port, heated front seats, partial leather upholstery, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
This is the base trim for EV models. Base Niro EVs get all the LX trim's features as well as partial leather upholstery, heated front seats, fog lights, a wireless phone charger, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection.
Kia Niro S Touring and Touring
The S Touring and Touring trims cost $28,700 and $32,150, respectively. These are the top trim levels for hybrid models. The S Touring trim adds an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim adds a sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Kia Niro EX Premium
Starting at $34,900 for the plug-in hybrid, the EX Premium adds front and rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. You can add a sunroof for $700.
EX Premium EV models include front and rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touch screen, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, leather-trimmed seats, and a sunroof.
The Final Call
The 2019 Kia Niro is an excellent pick for budget-conscious shoppers in the hybrid and electric SUV class. It boasts spacious seating and excellent fuel economy. The Niro also has sufficient engine power and a composed ride. Those who want more enjoyable driving dynamics should look elsewhere, however.
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.
Read the full 2019 Kia Niro review on U.S. News & World Report for more details, photos, specs and prices.
The new model 2019 Kia Niro is a family 4-door compact-crossover SUV that is available as Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid and EV model. It comes with outstanding fuel economy and great safety rating. Standing next to competitors like Chevy Volt and Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro is the most efficient vehicle in its segment. Kia’s new crossover SUV will hit the markets in four trims available.
The upcoming Niro will come with some changes, one of them is that the Lane Keep Assist will replace Lane Departure warning system. Kia Niro also comes with an advanced Tech Package and with more comfort. The design is eye-pleasing and stylish. It is one of the family favorites and is affordable as well.
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Manual
2019 Kia Niro Attractive Design
While new 2019 Kia Niro won’t suffer many changes. The front fascia is slightly extender and the fog lights are moved more to the side, just below the headlamps. Additionally, some design cues like plastic wheel arches and skid plate are changed and give Niro visual height.
The exterior is more rugged than Toyota Prius but mechanically very similar to Hyundai Ioniq. If you opt for the top-line Touring model, body-color door handles and mirrors are standard. 16-inch wheels are standard and 18-inch alloys are optional. Furthermore, Glossy Black roof rails and metallic colored front grille are standard on some higher trims.
2019 Kia Niro Interior
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Photos
The cabin of the upcoming 2019 Kia Niro is perhaps the best in its class. The design is simple and clean with some high-quality materials. The controls are now more intuitive and the comfort is exceptional. Gears can be changed thanks to a conventional shifter on the console. USB and power ports are placed in a handy open bin. The rear-seat legroom and headroom are great, and the folding seats increase cargo space even more.
Speaking of equipment, Niro FE trim will not get you extra options, so more recommendable trim is Niro LX. LX trim comes with keyless entry and push-button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Illuminated Glove Box will be very attractive new features. The infotainment system is a UVO3 and it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen. Advanced Tech Package is also available and it offers features like a moonroof, ventilated and heated leather seats and wireless charger.
Safety ratings of 2019 Kia Niro are one of the best in its class. Furthermore, the Lane Keep Assist is replacing Lane Departure warning system, and blind-spot detection is now standard. Autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control, forward-collision warning, Electronic Stability Control, Side Impact Beams, Low Tire Pressure Warning, Airbag Occupancy Sensor, Driver Knee Airbag, Rear Child Safety Locks and Back-Up Camera are on the list too.
2019 Kia Niro EV version
The new model of the 2019 Kia Niro EV is coming soon in the market. It will give much more features than base one. The Niro EV concept features new and aggressive front and rear fascias and huge good looking wheels.
This model will be eco-friendly with its electric motor and battery pack. Furthermore, the newest model will be coming with 150 kW electric motor, along with a 64 kWh battery pack. With this combination, the new model is able to go around 100 miles.
This range is better if we compare with Hyundai Ionic Electric and Kia Soul EV. The difference between this model and Plug-in model / Hybrid is on the grill that is now replaced with an interactive display and slim LED lights. Also, the new dashboard will be installed that is adjusted by touch or gesturing at the screen. The Kia manufacturer has a plan to launch 16 electrified vehicles by 2025. Furthermore, it will including its first fuel cell electric vehicle in 2020.
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Ev
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Models
Approaching 2019 Kia Niro is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is combined with a 1.56-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This gas/electric combination is producing 140 HP and 195 lb-ft of torque. Niro Plug-in hybrid is using a 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine. This drivetrain can produce up to 105 HP and 109 lb-ft of torque. The model will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 sec. Top speed is 111 mph.
The 1.6-liter engine comes with a 44.5-kW Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor that adds another 60 HP and 125 lb-ft of torque. The Touring model is rated to return 43 mpg and 49 mpg for LX and EX models. Plug-in Hybrid model can go for 26 miles on electricity before the gasoline engine turns on and increase the range to over 600 miles.
However, if we compare the fuel economy with model Toyota Prius that gives 56 mpg, the Prius is still the king in this section.
2019 Kia Niro Price and Release Date
The 2019 Kia Niro will cost around $25,000. The price of a fully loaded Touring model is slightly above $33,000. This compact-crossover SUV will hit the car markets somewhere at the start of 2019. As for the warranty, this model will come with 5 years or 60,000 Miles.