The Kia Niro is a great all-around option for anyone wanting an efficient, compact crossover. Acceleration is lackluster, but the Niro gains back points with its helpful driving aids, smooth ride quality and value for the money.
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.
Pros
Smooth and quiet ride quality
High fuel economy
Spacious seating and cargo area for a compact car
Cons
Slow acceleration
No option for all-wheel drive
Can get unsettled when driving over bumps or around turns
What's new
All-new exterior and interior design
More space for passengers and cargo
Updated infotainment screen
Kicks off the second Niro generation for 2023
Overview
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Kia Niro EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
8.0/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
The Kia Niro is a great all-around option for anyone wanting an efficient, compact crossover. Acceleration is lackluster, but the Niro gains back points with its helpful driving aids, smooth ride quality and value for the money.
How does the Niro drive? The Niro is poised and easygoing at low speeds. But it's less endearing when you need a burst of speed. Considering the Toyota Prius' newly improved performance credentials, the Niro's athleticism is now subpar. At our test track, the Niro accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. That's slow for a modern hybrid, and it feels that way on the road too.
Beyond the lackluster acceleration, the Niro also comes up short in athleticism. Make some quick direction changes and the Niro's chassis gets very unsettled — it feels flexible and unsturdy. There's minimal feedback coming through the steering wheel, though the light weighting feels appropriate for this type of vehicle. The Niro is clearly much more at home in an urban environment.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Niro? The Niro has impressive road manners, with a quiet cabin that only gets noisy under hard acceleration. At city speeds, it's extremely pleasant. Similarly, the suspension is tuned to keep things cushy over bumps in the road. The Niro is nice and relaxing for a commute home. The seats are supportive and easy to adjust, but they feel slightly too firm. A bit more padding would go a long way to make long-distance driving more comfortable.
Standard dual-zone climate control is a great feature to have, and the system worked effectively in our testing. The optional ventilation for the front seats is a nice add-on.
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How’s the interior? Kia put in the effort to make the Niro feel fresh and fun even at its affordable price point. The latest generation has much more personality than its predecessor, with a lively design full of angles and patterns. Every control is right in front of the driver and easy to access with a quick input. The switchable touch bar that controls both the audio and climate settings can be finicky to adjust and forces the driver to look away from the road when doing so. The center touchscreen, on the other hand, is higher on the dash and pretty easy to reach.
Considering the Niro's small overall size, the interior is generously roomy. The driving position is upright and the view is great out of the front. The rear roof pillar can create a blind spot but it's not too bad. Passenger space is better in the Niro than in the Prius, and the non-tapering roofline means that headroom doesn't suffer.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? Kia's tech is clean-looking and easy to use, but it suffers from a few things that age it. Smartphone integration is not wireless if you get the bigger touchscreen, and the data port is the older USB-A type instead of the newer USB-C. This means that a new iPhone's cord, for example, won't work out of the box. On the upside, the available Harman Kardon audio system sounds pretty solid considering the car's price.
The twin-screen housing for the digital instrument panel and 10.25-inch center touchscreen looks slick and premium. The infotainment system is generally easy to use, but the onboard navigation system is plagued by too many menus just to input a destination. Using Google Maps in Apple CarPlay is still the preferred way to get to a destination. The Niro's onboard voice controls don't do enough to add to the experience in any meaningful way.
Kia's Highway Driving Assist is one of the best in the game. It's active but never intrusive with daily driving. The stop-and-go cruise control feature is well calibrated, with the car hitting the brakes with plenty of time. It's also easy to activate.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? This little hatchback can hold a surprising amount of your stuff. The 22.8 cubic foot cargo area is wide and easy to access; the multi-level loading floor is extra convenient for adding items. The rear seats split in a 60/40 configuration and fold down almost completely flat, so you can fit long objects as well. The Niro's door pockets are a bit too small, but the center console is big enough to handle most of your everyday things.
Got small children? Accessing the anchor points for car seats in the rear is easy. However, the Niro's smallish door openings and low height might be a challenge when loading little ones into the car.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? On our real-world test route, the Kia Niro achieved 47.7 miles per gallon. We expected a little more considering the Niro's EPA estimate of 49 mpg in combined driving. On the same route, the Toyota Prius got 50 mpg. The Niro is still a very fuel-efficient crossover, just less so than its main competitor.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Niro a good value? For the money, the Niro offers great efficiency and a solid list of features. We'd prefer less plastic in the interior and increase the use of premium materials, but our test car's build quality felt solid. A comparably equipped Toyota Prius costs the same money, making neither car a slam-dunk value over the other.
Kia's 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty remains one of the best in the industry. That makes the Niro a more compelling sell, along with its five-year, 60,000-miles basic warranty.
Wildcard
8.0/10
The Niro's biggest wildcard is that it truly does stand out from the crowd. The design is fun and forward-thinking, which are two qualities that some hybrids just don't have. This Kia won't dazzle you on a canyon road, but it's a total charmer in the city — and that's where it counts the most.
Which Niro does Edmunds recommend?
For a few thousand more than the base model, you can get into an appreciably nicer EX trim. By upgrading to the EX, you receive the larger 10.25-inch central touchscreen with onboard navigation, a smart key with push-button start, standard adaptive cruise control and seats trimmed with synthetic leather, among other handy features.
Kia Niro models
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:
LX
The base Niro hybrid models starts you off with:
16-inch alloy wheels
Automatic high beams
Keyless entry
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Six-speaker audio system
Five USB ports
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cloth upholstery
All Niro models come with these advanced driver assist features:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
Automatic high beams
EX
Builds on the LX's equipment list by adding:
Roof rails
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation (reverts to wired connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
Wireless charging pad
Hands-free keyless entry with push-button start
Synthetic leather and cloth upholstery
Power driver's seat
Heated front seats
Ambient lighting
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
EX Touring
Based on the EX, this trim adds:
18-inch alloy wheels
Unique body cladding
LED foglights
Power sunroof
Aluminum sport pedals
Gloss black interior accent trim
SX
Builds on the EX trim and adds more style, including:
Gloss black body cladding
Satin chrome window trim
Gloss black rear spoiler
Hands-free tailgate
Seven-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
Synthetic leather upholstery
Driver's seat memory settings
Heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Front and rear parking sensors
Digital Key 2.0 (smartphone application allows driver to start, lock and unlock the vehicle)
SX Touring
The range-topping Niro model is based on the SX but adds:
What a difference a powertrain makes. This is the third iteration of the Niro we've tested, following the fully electric Niro EV and the Niro PHEV, or plug-in hybrid. This regular Niro Hybrid (not a plug-in) is the least expensive but the worst performing model in the bunch. It's nearly 2 seconds slower than the Niro PHEV and almost three seconds slower than the Niro EV. This powertrain might do well when it comes to fuel economy, but it doesn't make for a particularly swift machine. The engine feels a little peppy below 30 mph, but that quickly fades. It's not dangerously slow, but it is one of the slowest cars I've tested as of late. It's not all bad. I like the transmission.
Braking:
As with acceleration, this is the worst performing Niro we've tested to date, though the gap to the other two Niros isn't nearly as vast as it is when it comes to straight-line speed. Stops were only 3 ft longer than both the Niro EV and PHEV. It felt decent under braking, too, with only a mild amount of dive and no wiggling from the rear. The pedal is firm and even, though it doesn't offer much in the way of feedback. I like the initial bite, too, as it's strong but not overly touchy. My biggest complaint is with the transmission. After the stop, it feels clunky and slow to get into the right gear, so the car sort of hesitates and stumbles when you give it gas as if it's caught off guard.
Handling:
Here's where you can see how well-balanced the Niro's platform is as a whole. The Hybrid and EV both pulled 0.87 g on the skidpad; the PHEV managed a bit better with 0.89 g. Impressive figures for economy-minded cars with low-rolling resistance tires. I've said it with other small SUVs like this, but I'd love to drive one with a good set of summer tires. The tires the Niro does come with don't provide much in the way of feedback, and you have to work the wheel and throttle to keep understeer in check. Maybe it's the weight balance or power difference, but I don't recall the other versions being so much work. Body roll is moderate but controlled, and you never feel like you're falling out of your seat.
How do we test?
The instrumented testing at our test track is only one part of the Edmunds Rating process. Learn more
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2023 Kia Niro.
5/5 stars, 1st Kia after a Hyundai customer for 15 yrs
TJ from N.J.,
EX Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
After being a customer with Hyundai for 15 yrs I’ve decided to switch to Kia. Kia brand appears to be much more futuristic, both exterior and interior. So far I’ve enjoyed this EX touring Niro hybrid. May not look that big but it does have plenty interior space.Nice modern looking dash
Ride is pretty good just remember this vehicle only cost 33 grand but has quite a few options
Wish I … stepped up to the SX version but a few more options I would like to have, but on the lot models were kinda limited.One thing I miss is the upgrade sound system. Again for 33 grand delivers enough power as far as I’m concerned
Nice Navigation system and delivers what’s on the sticker as far as MPG . Lowest reading was 47 and highest was 52 mpg. Will keep you up to date as time goes on in my Kia
UPDATE: My four month update w 2,500 miles on it.
Still enjoy my E X touring . If driving aggressively and what I mean is keeping up with traffic on the highway in Jersey your mileage drops to about
37-39 MPG , otherwise around town 45-49 MPG.
Climate and audio controls at first I thought it was pretty cool but now find it annoying taking your eyes off the road to toggle between radio and climate controls
5/5 stars, 2023 Niro EX is very practical, but it's not SUV
MM11,
EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
I've had my EX for 2 months now. I'm really liking it. It gets super gas mileage in ECO mode which I use almost all the time. I've been getting about 53 mpg (using a lot of regen braking). The ride quality is pretty good considering the wheel/tire size. It could be improved if the wheel/tire size is increased but then you wouldn't have the super mileage it gets. By comparison I … believe the Prius wheels/tires are even smaller so I think this is a good compromise. The build quality is very high, to me almost feels like a luxury car. I was blown away when the sales lady popped the hood at the dealership to have hood raise up by a pair of gas struts. 1st car I've ever owned that doesn't have the prop rod. Interior room is very generous. It has very roomy back seats. 4 adults can ride very comfortably in this car. For me it would have been better to have cramped rear seats and a bit more cargo room behind the seats since we have no kids, just 2 small dogs. The seats are very comfortable. In fact that was one of the selling points for me. One of the more comfortable car seats I've ever sat in. Since the driver seat is all electric it can remember the adjustment settings between different drivers. There is a lot of tech in this car which I'm still getting used to since I'm coming from a 2003 Subaru. Kia recommends you either use top tier gas or add fuel treatment on a regular basis. I'm using Chevron gas which isn't a big deal given that I'm getting 53mpg. Kia classifies this as an SUV which is kind of silly. It's a compact hybrid wagon, 2wd. As a compact hybrid wagon I would say it should be at the top of your list if that's what you are in the market for. I think the Niro will give the Prius some serious competition. I kept my 2003 Subaru for times when I do need an SUV such as the snow storm we recently had.
5/5 stars, Goldilocks Perfect
S.Deemer,
SX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
I was looking for something with more cargo room than my 2018 Buick Encore, and originally thought I wanted a Kia Sportage HEV. After a test drive of both a Niro and a Sportage, I decided that the Niro SX was a better fit for my needs. The Niro has significantly more cargo space than the Encore, better handling and performance and gas mileage, far better ergonomics, and about the same … ride and seat comfort.
My Niro is approaching 2,000 miles and even after 7 weeks of ownership, it seems like I discover new features every week. On a 900 mile road trip, with a passenger and about 300 pounds of cargo, it averaged 46 MPG; for mixed urban/suburban driving it is averaging 54 MPG. Power has not been an issue; it climbed to steep grades across the Appalachians without running out of breath.
In 58 years of owning cars, the Niro is the first car I have ever fallen in love with.
5/5 stars, Runway Red Kia Niro EX 2023
Doreen,
EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
Kia hit a home run with the fun, reliable Niro EX 2023. Kia combined the advanced driving assistance system with user friendly instrument panel, sustainable materials for the spacious interior and snappy driving experience. Kia gives the driver many options to tailor their experience: Smart key/Remote start, or digital key 2 smart phone access, Driver 1 and 2 auto seating adjustments, … Blue tooth-Apple or Android and Kia connect for your smart phone. A sleek driver display panel and center consul don't distract and are easy to navigate and synced with the steering instrument controls for easy operation. Convenient Multimedia USB ports, 12 volt and wireless phone charging. The astonishing 53mpg is a winner at this price point.
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 outgoing Niro made its debut in 2017, and while there's still a lot to like with that car, it was feeling a bit bland compared to newer, more stylish rivals. This full redesign aims to fix that image, and if newer Kia models like the EV6, K5 sedan and Telluride SUV are any indication, the latest Niro should be plenty strong.
What's under the Niro's hood?
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.
Kia says the new Niro has a new Green Zone drive mode that uses GPS data to put the car in EV mode in residential areas or in the vicinity of schools and hospitals.
How does the Niro drive?
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.
Forward visibility is excellent, with an expansive view of the road from the driving position. We were also impressed with how well isolated the cabin felt. It dampened wind noise and sounds from the outside, and even the engine felt relatively quiet when it was working hard.
How's the Niro's interior?
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.
Kia has slightly increased the Niro's overall length as well as its wheelbase for this new generation. That means more space inside for passengers and cargo, the latter measuring 22.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
How's the Niro's tech?
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.
There are a ton of standard driver aids on the Niro Hybrid, including forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control as well as enhanced versions of some standard driver aids can be added as optional features.
Edmunds says
Even 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.
FAQ
Is the Kia Niro a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Niro both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Niro gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 13 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Niro has 22.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Niro. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Kia Niro?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Kia Niro:
To determine whether the Kia Niro is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Niro. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Niro's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Kia Niro a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Kia Niro is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Niro and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Niro gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 13 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Niro is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 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:
LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $26,590
EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $29,190
EX Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $31,490
SX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $32,590
SX Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $34,890
If you're interested in the Kia Niro, the next question is, which Niro model is right for you? Niro variants include LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), EX Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and SX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). For a full list of Niro models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more