2021 Kia Niro

MSRP range: $24,690 - $32,950

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(4)

7.7/10 Expert Rating

+53

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Total MSRP	$25,865
Edmunds suggests you pay	$25,584

What Should I Pay

Kia Niro for Sale

2021 Kia Niro Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers.}

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

Available wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
More advanced navigation-based cruise control is now available
Rear occupant alert is now standard
Part of the first Niro generation introduced for 2017

Though styled to look like a little SUV, the Kia Niro is actually a fuel-efficient hybrid. It gets up to 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. This isn't quite as high as some rival hybrids, but it's still plenty good and will help you save on gas. We also like its nimble handling and roomy interior. For 2021, Kia has added wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a more advanced navigation-based cruise control system.

Hybrids are becoming better all the time, and the Niro's got some stiff competition. Toyota's Prius is the quintessential hybrid, and even offers all-wheel drive, while Honda's Insight stands out with its pleasing power and refinement. So should you get the Niro or something else? Read the categories of our Expert Rating below to help you find out.

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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