2022 Kia Niro

MSRP range: $24,690 - $31,990

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(5)

2022 Kia Niro Touring SE 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

7.7/10 Expert Rating

#6 Hybrid car

+106

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Total MSRP	$25,945
What others are paying	$27,213

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2022 Kia Niro Review

byMark Takahashi^{Senior Reviews Editor
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Plenty of features for your money
Nimble handling
Roomy interior with comfortable seats

Cons

All-wheel drive isn't available
Slow acceleration

What's new

The new LXS Special Edition trim replaces last year's Touring model
A minor shuffling of features between trims
Part of the first Niro generation introduced for 2017

The 2022 Kia Niro is available in three versions. This particular review covers the hybrid model, while the plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions are covered separately. All of these models straddle the line between hatchbacks and subcompact SUVs, and they all benefit from a slightly elevated ride height and a large rear hatch for easier cargo loading. The base model Niro is estimated to return up to 50 mpg in combined driving, which is an admirable figure even if it's not quite as fuel-efficient as some rivals.

For 2022, the Kia Niro returns largely unchanged. There are a few standard features that are shuffled between trim levels, and last year's Touring trim is replaced with a new LXS Special Edition. As such, the Niro remains a strong choice among small hybrids, though we suggest checking out the Honda Insight and stalwart Toyota Prius since they remain our top hybrid picks. You can check out where the Niro shines and where it could use some improvement in the Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

7.7 /10

The Niro provides a comfortable, relatively spacious cabin that's better equipped than most other rival hybrids. It's not as fuel-efficient as the segment leaders such as the Toyota Prius, but it makes up for it with appealing technology features, including some of the best advanced driving aids in the class.

Rated for you by America’s best test team.

Performance

7.0/10

How does the Niro drive? The Niro isn't going to thrill you. In our testing we measured 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds. That's a tad slow but enough to get you where you're going. The dual-clutch automatic transmission is somewhat slow to shift, but it's smooth and jerk-free. We prefer it to the conventional continuously variable transmissions that most hybrids are equipped with.

The steering is direct and has an appropriate amount of heft to it, which makes it easy to maneuver the Niro on the highway or around a parking lot. Unfortunately, the steering is devoid of road feedback. That last part only matters because the Niro's handling is surprisingly nimble but less engaging because it lacks connection. Emergency-stopping performance is lackluster, but at least the brakes are relatively easy to control for smooth stops on your daily commute.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Niro? The Niro is pretty comfortable overall. The front seats feature optional heat and ventilation, a rarity in this class, and are supportive with firm cushioning. The rear seats are decently comfortable as well.

The Niro rides smoothly over most surfaces, making it a pleasant commuter. The cabin remains fairly quiet at highway speeds, though you'll likely hear the engine working hard when you accelerate with gusto. The dual-zone climate control system is simple to use and works effectively with rear vents helping to distribute airflow to backseat passengers.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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