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Used 2021 Kia Niro Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
46 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Niro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Niro since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Vacation Rental

Traveler, 12/09/2019
2019 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful

My husband and I requested a hybrid rental vehicle to save $$ on our vacation. Got a 2019 Kia Niro and were amazed at the MPG we got, averaged 55 MPG mostly highway miles. It wasn't a bad ride either, once we got used to the differences as this was our first experience with a hybrid. Unfortunately, we were rear ended on a highway when at a stop for construction by a texting driver at 55 MPH. That being said, we were both very impressed with the car. No major injuries for either driver or passenger and none of our cargo was damaged at all but the car was totaled. We were so impressed that we are now looking to replace our current gas powered vehicle with a Kia Niro hybrid. It seems we can get a top of the line Kia for less than a mid-range hybrid from other manufacturers. YES!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

J R, 08/07/2021
updated 08/11/2023
2021 Kia Niro EX Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Traded a 2021 Ford Escape for this 2021 Kia Niro LXS and I love it. I only have 700 miles on it but it is really fun to drive. I am averaging 58.9 MPG city and highway. I was averaging 28MPG with the Ford Escape. What a difference. The seats are very comfortable and I love the large back up camera along with the beep beep when you put it in reverse. Lots of safety features including blind spot. I'm 6'1" and I have plenty of room and I feel very comfortable. This is a small hybrid just right for 1 or 2 people not a family SUV. It has everything I need and I'm delighted to own this Niro.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2021 Kia Niro for sale near you
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4 out of 5 stars

almost great

zingeoff, 02/05/2019
2019 Kia Niro EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
79 of 88 people found this review helpful

the niro is a wonderful little hybrid crossover...it looks much cooler than the Prius and some of the other small hybrids. it gets very good mileage, and its pretty lively to drive in the sport mode. a few less desirable areas..first, the transition from electric to gas is not smooth...sorry, but, this should be seamless. apparently the use of a clutched geared transmission vs the CVT has proven too much for the Kia engineers to master. so, you can expect the unexpected as the transmission tries to figure out whats happening when the gas engine kicks in...it cant seem to find the right gear quickly, which is not fatal, but is sloppy and bumpy. second, there just isnt enough small item storage in the cabin...the center console is small, along with a small glove compartment and not very roomy door compartments...again, it should have been easy to increase the convenient storage. finally, the driver side visor bumps right into the rear view mirror when its down...so, you cant really see the left edge of the mirror, and you cant get the visor down correctly. simple situation that virtually all other car makers easily solved. my wife also just experienced an inability to turn off the car. while she did eventually turn it off, the technology is not user friendly in some key areas, which is not great for non-nerd types. all of these indicate that, while this car has many wonderful features, it isnt quite ready for the big time...too bad, because its such a really neat car otherwise.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Lovely Commute!

Ms. V, 04/05/2019
2019 Kia Niro EX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
39 of 44 people found this review helpful

I’ve only had the car a few weeks but have really been enjoying it. I’ve got an hour commute, mostly in traffic, and having this hybrid has actually shifted how I view my commute. I see the time in stop and go traffic as a way to save on gas...and I’m doing better than what was quoted (55.1 mpg). I’ve filled up once in two weeks. Aside from the fuel economy, I really like the technology it comes with...I’ve been able to listen to podcasts, Amazon music, and enjoy some of my Sirius XM trial as well. It’s nicely spacious for my needs. It looks bigger to me than it actually is but it’s a nice size overall for my needs. I had a MINI Clubman previously so that could be the reason it seems so big... To note, it is a hybrid so there’s not a ton of kick and at times it does feel a bit sluggish but with my commute I’m rarely going that fast. Within the city it’s great. If you’re looking for turbo speed, this isn’t the car for you but if you want to save money on your commute and enjoy the ride, check it out!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Grinding noise when I come to a stop

Funky, 12/17/2019
updated 02/25/2020
2019 Kia Niro FE 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful

I would not recommend this vehicle!!! At first I was completely in Love with this vehicle! But then...First came there coolant reservoir..totally erupted all over the engine. Next was the water pump recall.. followed by transmission issue after check engine light on!!! And while this was all happening I have a grinding noise that according to my Kia dealer is normal!! This is not normal! All started after taking in for a simple oil change! 5500 miles ish. Took it in And they said that it was fixed. Then decided after I insisted on a test drive that it wasn’t fixed and that it’s a normal sound. I believe it’s a transmission issue as it only does it in automatic vs manual usage. I am beyond frustrated and honestly bummed that a car that ran so perfectly initially has turned into a hot mess. Save yourself some cash and buy something else. Cooperate has been unable to resolve Update- so after horrible customer service and a lot of just awful treatment.. turns out the customer was right! My Niro needed a new transmission! Do not let KIA push you around if your experiencing this issue! Hopefully I will not need another one once I reach that 5,000 miles on this new transmission!

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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