The 2022 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.
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.
This DGDG Premium 2022 Kia Niro EX Premium with one previous owner and 61,384 miles was inspected and reconditioned by our service team. Reconditioned...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
49 Combined MPG (51 City/46 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDCE3LC1N5489945 Stock: K22962TA Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 09-09-2025
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.7
out of 10
We drove the 2022 Kia Niro on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
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
8/10
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.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Niro's interior is functional, and passenger space is excellent for a car of this class. The driver's seat has enough adjustability to accommodate a wide range of body types. Rear passengers will find the quarters to be pretty roomy, and all door openings are about as generous as it gets for this class.
Visibility is pretty good for the most part, but a larger rear window would help when backing up. Overall, the blind spots are minimal. The controls are clearly labeled, arranged logically and easy to use. The available 10.25-inch screen has crisp and easy-to-read graphics and is responsive to inputs. In higher trims there's also a large driver information display in the gauge cluster.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? Bluetooth pairing is quick, and smartphones can be connected with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice controls are basic in functionality but work well. The available Harman Kardon audio system produces pleasing sound quality.
The navigation system is quick to respond and spreads across the widescreen for Apple CarPlay while Android Auto makes do with a split screen. We like that a number of advanced safety and driver aids come standard one trim up from the base. Adaptive cruise control worked well in our testing, as did all other safety functions. Our only complaint was the overly sensitive lane-keeping system.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The Niro's rear cargo space has 19.4 cubic feet of space available behind the rear seats. That's a respectable amount of space, even though the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq can hold a little more. It's easy to load cargo and the rear seats fold flat.
Up front, you'll find a decent number of places to store your small items. All four doors feature pockets and water bottle holders. The main cupholders can accommodate bigger cups and bottles too. The front cubby that houses the available wireless charger can hold larger phones but gets blocked by the gear shifter when you put it in park.
Got kids? We've found that it's pretty easy to install child safety seats thanks to the Niro's roomy rear seat and easily accessible seat anchors.
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The base model Niro is the most efficient trim at an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined (53 city/48 highway). Though undeniably frugal, it is near the bottom of the hybrid class that includes models such as the Prius and the Honda Insight. The midtier Touring gets the worst gas mileage at 43 mpg (46 city/40 highway) due to its larger 18-inch wheels. We weren't able to match the EPA estimates during our testing of a Niro EX Premium.
Value
8/10
Is the Niro a good value? The Niro offers good value in this hybrid market. It might not be the cheapest model out there, but you get a lot for your money. And the Niro feels well built despite some drab interior surface plastics and a shiny black dash that's a bit of a smudge-magnet.
Kia's warranty is one of the best in class. It includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties. The hybrid battery also carries a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Roadside assistance is provided for five years/60,000 miles.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Niro can prove to be kind of entertaining on twisty roads as long as you aren't expecting a lot of speed. It's effective and comfortable when in its element, which is primarily dealing with the daily commute, and its compact nature makes it easy to park and maneuver through traffic.
The Niro is more conservative in its styling than rivals, but it's also less polarizing. We appreciate the design for its simplicity and not trying to be something more radical than it is. But we also don't consider this an SUV — it's a hatchback.
2022 Kia Niro trim level differences
The 2022 Kia Niro is a hatchback/small SUV available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, LXS Special Edition, Touring Special Edition and EX Premium. 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:
Which Niro trim does Edmunds recommend?
In the intersecting sweet spot between price and feature content, the LXS Special Edition trim gets our vote. It adds a handful of convenience items and enhancements (power driver's seat, sunroof and partial leather upholstery) to dress up the interior without driving the price up drastically. If the Touring Special Edition trim wasn't penalized with lower fuel economy, that version would be our choice.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
2019 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
We bought a Niro LX for $21,000 + tax.
Here are the highlights and low lights.
Amazing MPG - I'm getting over 60 mpg.
Price without leather was great...$21,000.
The sports mode turns this into A SUPER FAST sports car.
(No kidding...it will blow almost anything away for 20 yards.)
I couldn't believe it.
Now the bad...
The front seat sucks but a good cushion will fix it.
The ride is a bit … sporty...it's not horrible but could be better.
The stereo speakers are ok but you might want to upgrade.
Well, that's it.
My wife loves the car but she loves her 2014 Prius.
I'll give it a 4 out of 5.
Also, Kia has a super warranty.
--------------------------------------------
3 month update:
I've driven about 2200 miles and am getting over 600 miles on a fill-up.
That's really nice.
I can hookup my phone with a YouTube app and play thousands of songs through the media button, so I won't need Sirusxm.
That's good.
The car is easy to wash. Takes about 20 minutes by hand.
Car handles very nice around town and is agile.
I'm 6'4" and weigh about 290 and I have plenty of room.
So far it's been a good purchase.
I was going to buy a RAV4 Hybrid but we saved around $8,000 with the NIRO and are getting way better gas mileage.
Update at 10,000 miles.
I've had no issues with the car.
We took it on a 3300 mile road trip.
It got absolutely great gas mileage.
Drives nice on the highway.
I've enjoyed this car and I hope it lasts.
best of both world
5 out of 5 stars
Johnny K, 09/01/2019
2019 Kia Niro S Touring 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
I have a S-Touring; 51+MPG commuting in DC traffic, nice entertainment system with Android Auto [must have], nice comfortable seats, nice interior design and overall quality. traded in RX350 and now I am saving $1300 a year just on gas and I have all the capacity I need with roof-box and hitch cargo carrier. rock solid reliability after 40k on ODO on same tires and brakes to boot. DTC is … a jewel and suspension with 18inch wheels boosts fun factor on curve roads. Niro also made me a better person behind the wheel :-)
Best hybrid for the price
5 out of 5 stars
Karin, 11/01/2019
2019 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
Just bought our second Kia Niro. We got one 11 months ago and are so crazy about it, that my husband and I argued about whose turn it was to take it. So I went out and bought my own. Gas savings are fabulous and it's very roomy and comfortable. Love the price, too.
The Niro is a Hero
4 out of 5 stars
Dave Miller, 11/27/2018
2019 Kia Niro LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
This is a great commuter vehicle. I am consistently getting better than the advertised average gas mileage at almost 55 MPG. It is a very comfortable vehicle even for me being larger than most people. The technology is outstanding and well laid out on the dashboard. I have the back seats down most the time to take advantage of the extra cargo space. I have to admit it was a big … adjustment for me going from a V8 to 4 Cyl Hybrid as far as power, but it performs well enough for my everyday driving.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Kia Niro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Niro since its last redesign.
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