2020 Kia Niro
What’s new
- Restyled headlights, foglights and grille
- Newly available 10.25-inch touchscreen
- More advanced traffic-adaptive cruise control system
- Part of the first Kia Niro generation introduced for 2017
Pros & Cons
- Impressive fuel economy
- One of the more affordable hybrids available
- Plenty of standard and optional features
- All-wheel drive isn't available despite SUV marketing and styling
- Less cargo space than most rivals
- Feels poky in the default Eco driving mode
2020 Kia Niro pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Edmunds Suggested Price2020 Kia Niro Review
Our verdict
7.0 / 10How does it drive?
6.0Braking is smooth in typical driving, but we found the car's emergency stopping power disappointing. In our testing, the Niro needed more distance to stop from 60 mph than other hybrids. The steering isn't great either since it's hard to discern where the true center is, so you have to constantly make tiny adjustments to keep the Niro tracking straight on the highway.
How comfortable is it?
7.5How’s the interior?
8.0How’s the tech?
7.5How’s the storage?
6.5How economical is it?
8.0Is it a good value?
7.5Wildcard
6.0Which Niro does Edmunds recommend?
Kia Niro models
The 2020 Kia Niro is a five-passenger hatchback/small SUV available in five trims. Every Niro comes with a four-cylinder hybrid electric powertrain that's good for 139 horsepower. That power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Feature highlights for the Niro include:
LX
The Kia Niro's base trim starts you off with:
- 16-inch wheels
- Roof rails
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker audio system
LXS
Adds a variety of features such as:
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
- Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
- Lane keeping assist (automatically steers the car back into its lane if the Niro begins to drift over the lane marker)
Touring
The Touring includes everything above, plus:
- 18-inch wheels
- Sunroof
- Paddle shifters
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Cloth and leather combination upholstery
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Niro and the car in front)
Touring Special Edition
Available only in unique shades of light blue or orange, the Touring Special Edition further adds:
- LED headlights
- Leather upholstery
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
EX Premium
The range-topping EX Premium doesn't include the Special Edition's LED headlights or unique paint. It also rides on 16-inch wheels. Otherwise, all other features are included, as are:
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Wireless charging pad
- Rear parking sensors
- Cargo cover (optional on all other models)
Sponsored cars related to the Niro
Features & Specs
| LX 4dr SUV 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,590 |
| MPG | 52 city / 49 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| LXS 4dr SUV 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $25,990 |
| MPG | 51 city / 46 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| EX Premium 4dr SUV 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $32,790 |
| MPG | 51 city / 46 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Touring SE 4dr SUV 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,790 |
| MPG | 46 city / 40 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Niro safety features:
- Blind Spot Detection System
- Detects and alerts you with visual and audio warnings when a vehicle in the adjacent lane is in your blind spot.
- Smart Cruise Control
- Maintains a set speed and interval behind the car ahead and will bring the car to a stop briefly before relinquishing control.
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Identifies lane markings and corrects the steering if you begin to drift out of your lane.
Kia Niro vs. the competition
Kia Niro vs. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
The Hyundai Ioniq is the Kia Niro's corporate sibling. Both share the same powertrain, though the Ioniq is styled to look like a hatchback. Though these two vehicles should feel similar, the Ioniq is slightly less appealing to drive. It doesn't ride as smoothly, and its grabby brakes make it harder to stop smoothly. There are better hybrids than both, but the Niro wins in a direct matchup.
Kia Niro vs. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius gets better fuel economy than the Niro and is a little more pleasant to drive. It also offers optional all-wheel drive, which is something you'd think the SUV-styled Niro would offer but doesn't. You'll generally get more for your money by going with the Niro though. If you want to learn more about the Prius, you can read our long-term road test here.
Kia Niro vs. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is essentially a Civic with a hybrid powertrain and the exterior styling of an Accord. It is better than the Niro in most respects. You get a roomier cabin, a more compliant ride, and a more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain. Unless you absolutely need the practicality afforded by the Niro's rear hatch (the Insight is a sedan), the Honda is a better choice.
FAQ
Is the Kia Niro a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Kia Niro?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Kia Niro:
- Restyled headlights, foglights and grille
- Newly available 10.25-inch touchscreen
- More advanced traffic-adaptive cruise control system
- Part of the first Kia Niro generation introduced for 2017
Is the Kia Niro reliable?
Is the 2020 Kia Niro a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Kia Niro?
The least-expensive 2020 Kia Niro is the 2020 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 $24,590.
Other versions include:
- LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $24,590
- LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $25,990
- EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $32,790
- Touring SE 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $30,790
- Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $28,290
What are the different models of Kia Niro?
More about the 2020 Kia Niro
2020 Kia Niro Overview
The 2020 Kia Niro is offered in the following submodels: Niro SUV. Available styles include LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), Touring SE 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM).
What do people think of the 2020 Kia Niro?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Kia Niro and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Niro.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Kia Niro and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Niro featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Kia Niro?
2020 Kia Niro EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2020 Kia Niro EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,440. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $2,847 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,847 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $31,593.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 8.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 6 2020 Kia Niro EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Kia Niro LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2020 Kia Niro LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,245. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $2,555 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,555 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $24,690.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 9.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2020 Kia Niro LXS 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2020 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,845. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is trending $2,503 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,503 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $23,342.
The average savings for the 2020 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) is 9.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2020 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Kia Niros are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Kia Niro for sale near. There are currently 110 new 2020 Niros listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $25,485 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Kia Niro. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,540 on a used or CPO 2020 Niro available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Kia Niros you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia Niro for sale - 1 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $15,498.
Find a new Kia for sale - 11 great deals out of 12 listings starting at $25,483.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Kia Niro?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials