The Kia Niro is a compact vehicle that splits the difference between SUV and hatchback. It's offered in three electrified flavors, including a traditional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric model. In this review, we're looking at the traditional hybrid, which is the most affordable of the bunch. All versions of the Niro receive a full redesign for 2023 and gain a larger footprint, improved interior and more tech features.
The Niro's exterior styling has been brought in line with its larger electrified sibling, the Kia EV6. Besides looking more futuristic, the new Niro is larger than before. Kia has slightly increased the Niro's overall length as well as its wheelbase for this generation. That means more space inside for passengers and cargo, the latter measuring 22.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The interior design has similarly been brought up to date, with an available dual 10.25-inch instrument panel and central touchscreen setup similar to the EV6's.
Though almost everything else is new, the Niro hybrid soldiers on with the old model's 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which makes 139 horsepower and is backed by a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Just as before, that drivetrain is adequate for driving around town, but passing power could be better. That said, when you need a burst of acceleration, or simply want to drive more enthusiastically, activating Sport mode provides a noticeable improvement in throttle response. Also like before, the Niro hybrid returns exceptional fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 49 mpg combined.
The 2023 Kia Niro hybrid's most direct competitor is likely the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, though it might also be cross-shopped against hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. And with its increased dimensions, it could arguably be considered against compact crossover SUVs like the hybrid version of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and even its own sibling, the Kia Sportage Hybrid. Now that it's been thoroughly updated, the Kia Niro is certainly worth a look if you're in the market for a small yet spacious hybrid. Check out the Expert Rating below to get our test team's full report on the Niro's comfort, real-world fuel economy and more.
The 2023 Kia Niro hybrid is a small SUV available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX and SX Touring. Every Niro comes with a four-cylinder hybrid electric powertrain good for 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Feature highlights for the Niro include:
With the redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius, you no longer have to sacrifice style in the name of efficiency. Toyota's hybrid hatchback is now sleeker and more powerful, with 194 hp available in front-wheel-drive guise. Even with more power, the Prius doesn't take a hit to its fuel economy, achieving up to 57 mpg combined on the EPA's cycle. That's actually slightly better than the outgoing Prius LE Eco trim and a notable advantage over the Niro's 53 mpg. But the new Prius' sleek shape does impact interior space, giving the Niro the advantage.
The Insight is a hybridized relative of the previous-generation Honda Civic. It's a compact sedan that's powered by a 1.5-liter hybrid setup, making it slightly more powerful than the Niro at 151 hp. As a sedan, the Insight is at a disadvantage when it comes to cargo space. Its trunk only holds 14.7 cubic feet compared to the Niro's 22.8 cubes, yet it's nearly as spacious inside. The Niro has better warranty coverage, with five years/60,000 miles for the basic warranty and 10 years/100,000 miles for powertrain.
The Niro hybrid and Sportage Hybrid are surprisingly close pricewise. For not much more, you can get a larger hybrid SUV (not to mention our current favorite non-luxury traditional hybrid SUV). Like the Niro, the Sportage Hybrid packs a 1.6-liter hybrid drivetrain. The Sportage makes more power, though, and comes paired with all-wheel drive. But the Niro has the edge when it comes to efficiency since the Sportage is rated at only 38 mpg combined.
Fully redesigned, the 2023 Kia Niro will be offered in three flavors: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric. Here we'll be talking about the regular hybrid; the other variants are reviewed separately. In addition to new styling, updated tech and even more space for people and cargo, Kia promises the new Niro Hybrid will be both better to drive and more fuel-efficient than before, though final EPA fuel economy figures haven't been released.
The 2023 Niro Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 32-kW electric motor. Altogether, the Niro Hybrid will send 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, which is the same output as the outgoing 2022 model.
The Niro defaults to Eco mode, and while it has no issues keeping up with traffic, it isn't going to blow you away with its acceleration. That said, in times when you need a burst of acceleration or simply want to drive more enthusiastically, activating Sport mode provides a noticeable improvement in the throttle response. We averaged between 40 and 42 mpg during our drive on a mix of highways and city streets, which was impressive for a couple of lead-footed journalists trying to test the car's performance.
Like the exterior, the Niro's interior has been fully redesigned. It's not surprising that the Niro's interior draws a lot of influence from the larger and flashier all-electric EV6. The center console and dashboard aren't exactly the same, but a family resemblance is apparent. Two 10.25-inch displays dominate the dashboard. Even the seats appear to be the same as those in the EV6, and Kia says the Niro will use animal-free textiles, recycled materials for the headliner, and more environmentally friendly paint on some of the interior panels.
As you might expect, the Niro is loaded with some of the latest in-car tech and driver aids that Kia has to offer. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, though there are multiple USB ports you can plug into as well. Wireless charging is available, too, as is a head-up display that can project speed, navigation directions, media and more onto the windshield. Kia has a smartphone app that can connect to the Niro Hybrid remotely. If you have an Apple iPhone, an Apple Watch or a Samsung Galaxy, your phone can be used to unlock as well as start the car in place of a key fob.
Edmunds saysEven with more and more full EVs hitting the market, there's still a place for a compact yet spacious hybrid like the 2023 Niro Hybrid. If other recent Kias are any indication, there's going to be a lot to like once we finally get our hands on one.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Kia Niro:
The least-expensive 2023 Kia Niro is the 2023 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $26,590.
Other versions include:
