Kia Niro

Name: 2026 Kia Niro
Brand: Kia

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The redesigned Kia Niro hybrid benefits from sharper handling, shorter stopping distances, and improved fuel economy. As before, its interior size and functionality rival that of a small SUV. Its biggest downside may simply be that it isn’t available with all-wheel drive, unlike most SUVs.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Niro

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envista

Chevrolet Trax

Honda Civic

Honda Civic Hybri...

Honda Civic Hybrid

Hyundai Elantra

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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2026 Kia Niro

$27,390 - $35,790

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$24,700 - $29,500

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$24,695 - $46,895

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda Civic Hybrid

$29,395 - $33,595

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Elantra

$22,625 - $36,600

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$25,450 - $29,800

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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Road test

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Road test

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In Test

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EPA MPG 33 mpg

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$17,390 - $21,390

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2026 Toyota Corolla

$22,925 - $29,140

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Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

$24,380 - $27,375

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

$22,925 - $29,140

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Prius

$28,550 - $36,965

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

$33,775 - $40,470

39 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 hybrid (139 hp)

6-speed sequential

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/60,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2023-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2023 Niro is very sensible and economical. Even though it is only a front-wheel-drive model, its overall functionality rivals that of most small SUVs. Handling and braking have been improved, and the ride is mostly comfortable, but the cabin is loud. The hybrid achieved an excellent 45 mpg overall. Unfortunately, the controls are now less friendly than before, and outward visibility is hurt by the elimination of the third side window. The Niro is also offered as a plug-in hybrid with an estimated electric range of 33 miles before transitioning to regular hybrid operation. The pure EV version has an EPA range of 253 miles. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

2017-2022

2017 Redesign Year

Kia's five-passenger Niro marries good fuel economy with cargo versatility. This front-wheel-drive hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which, in conjunction with the electric drive unit, puts out a combined 139 hp. This combo is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Because the lithium-ion battery is located under the rear seat, that creates a flat cargo floor when the rear seats are folded. We got 43 mpg overall, which is good but not as good as the Hyundai Ioniq or Toyota Prius. The handling lacks agility and the ride is a bit choppy. The optional power driver seat provides better support than the standard seats do. A suite of advanced safety features is available, including automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. A plug-in hybrid and full electric version were also offered. Updates for the 2020 model include new headlights, a standard 8-inch touch screen, and various exterior styling details.