Kia Niro (2016 – 2021) Review
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Kia Niro (2016 – 2021) Verdict
Easy to drive. Impressive fuel economy and low running costs. Space for a family. 450 litre load area.
Ride quality is sometimes unsettled over country roads. Hardly desirable inside or out.
Find out more about the Kia Niro (2016 – 2021)
Insurance Groups are between 11–15
On average it achieves 82% of the official MPG figure
It might look like any other crossover, but the Kia Niro is a hybrid, much like a Toyota Prius. That means it has a high driving position and plenty of space for a family, but it's also economical, with low emissions and impressive economy in real world driving.
Power comes from the combination of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 44PS electric motor, with a total output of 141PS and 265Nm of torque. Official economy is 74.3mpg and emissions are 88g/km, with no plugging in necessary. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard, as opposed to a CVT like the Prius.
The result is a driving experience that will feel more familiar to drivers used to a conventional automatic transmission or a manual gearbox. In fact, the Niro just feels like any other car for the most part, particularly out of town, where it's easy to drive and very comfortable.
It can operate on electricity alone under some circumstances, such as at low speeds in traffic or when cruising at a steady speed. However, most of the time the engine needs to be working. Fortunately, while it is audible, it’s only really noticeable when accelerating very hard for overtakes or joining motorways.
If you can charge a car at home, there's also a plug-in hybrid model, with an official 36-mile range under electric power alone. The PHEV is only available in one trim level, the 3, meaning it's well equipped but also quite expensive.
Aside from the hybrid system, the Niro is very much like any other crossover. It’s spacious, comfortable and comes with plenty of modern technology, including standard-fit lane keep assist, Bluetooth and cruise control plus, on mid-grade ‘2’ versions, there is navigation and smartphone mirroring through Android Auto.
Space in the back is adequate even for adults, while the boot is a perfectly decent 421 litres, expandable to 1425 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Like all crossovers it has a fairly high load deck compared to hatchbacks, but that’s par for the course and the Niro is no worse than anything else.
If space, performance and convenience technology matter more to you than running cost then there are better choices, including Kia's own Sportage. But the Niro's ease of use, low running costs and impressive economy make it a great alternative to petrol or diesel-powered crossovers like the Nissan Qashqai or the SEAT Ateca - just be prepared to pay a small premium for its hybrid system.
If you're looking for the latest Kia Niro, check out our 2022 Kia Niro review.
Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Kia Niro review.
Reviews for Kia Niro (2016 – 2021)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Niro (2016 – 2021) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 GDI PHEV to 1.6 GDI Hybrid
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 44–70 mpg
The standard Kia Niro uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine linked to a 44PS electric motor. All that combined gives you the equivalent of 141PS, while peak torque is 265Nm and available from just 1000rpm. The gearbox is a six-speed DCT automatic, which has two drive modes – D and S – for everyday or more spirited driving, respectively.
Thanks to its 1.56kWh battery - which is higher capacity than the Prius battery - the Niro can operate in pure electric mode over very limited distances and in certain circumstances, such as when moving slowly in traffic or when cruising at a steady speed. The rest of the time the engine works with the motor to deliver smooth performance, with plenty of punch from a standing start - particularly in S mode.
It’s not exactly a fast car when on the go, especially when it comes to overtaking performance, but it’s more than capable enough in everyday driving. Plus it is genuinely economical. Official figures are 74.3mpg for cars on 16-inch wheels or 64.2mpg for cars on larger 18-inch wheels. In real-life, 60mpg is a perfectly achievable figure without too much effort.
For those wanting to travel further under electric power, there's also a plug-in hybrid Niro. This can be charged using a standard three-pin plug or a Type 2 cable for fast chargers, taking less than three hours to fill up. This has an electric range of around 36 miles, meaning many drivers could theoretically commute under electric power alone.
On the road the Niro is very easy to drive, but it isn’t flawless. The steering, while light and accurate, self-centres quite aggressively and the ride quality is busy over rough surfaces. The brakes need a good shove, but they are strong, plus handling is neat, predictable and safe through corners.
In the default D mode, the automatic gearbox changes up early to maximise economy, but this comes at the expense of throttle response. Fortunately switching over to S just requires the driver to knock the gear selector to one side. It livens up acceleration noticeably and is handy when passing slow traffic.
For those thinking of switching to a hybrid for the first time, the Niro is a good place to start, since it feels exactly like any automatic car more or less all of the time. It’s only when running at low speeds as on battery power that the Niro feels unusual, but getting used to it takes no time at all.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid | 64–76 mpg | 11.1 s | 88–120 g/km |
| 1.6 GDI PHEV | - | 10.4 s | 29–31 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Niro (2016 – 2021)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
82%
Real MPG
44–70 mpg
MPGs submitted
200
Kia Niro (2016 – 2021) interior
- Boot space is 324–1380 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4355 mm |
| Width | 1805 mm |
| Height | 1535–1545 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
The Niro doesn’t really shout about its hybrid credentials inside, with a cabin layout very typical of Kia models. Material quality is very good, with sturdy plastics and a soft touch dashboard covering. The centre stack features a nice clear touchscreen system and a clear, easy-to-use button layout.
Space is reasonable in the back row, with enough leg and headroom for adults, while the boot is sizeable at 421 litres. Folding the rear seats down is straightforward and provides a flat load deck with a capacity of 1425 litres, which is enough for trips to Ikea or visits to the garden centre. The load deck is quite high compared to a hatchback, though.
There's plenty of safety equipment fitted as standard, including lane keep assistance, cruise control and a speed limiter, plus buyers can optionally specify autonomous emergency braking and a more advanced, adaptive cruise control system that can match the speed of the car ahead and maintain a safe braking distance.
Connectivity is good across all variants. Bluetooth is standard, as is a USB port and aux-in. 2 models have a touchscreen with navigation and Android Auto, which gives occupants access to apps like Spotify, Audible and Google Maps on the move. The touchscreen works very well, too - the interface is easy-to-use, so configuring settings and setting up a smartphone is straightforward.
Standard Equipment from launch:
1 is the basic trim and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, LED running lights, electric windows and mirror adjustment, DAB radio, AUX and USB sockets.
2 adds gloss black trim details, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, part leather upholstery, roof rails, privacy glass, reversing sensors, auto wipers, rear ventilation, heated and foldable door mirrors, seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto and a reversing camera.
3 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, full black leather upholstery, front parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, power adjustable driver’s seat, larger navigation screen, wireless phone charging and JBL premium audio.
First Edition models have grey leather upholstery, white interior inserts, keyless entry and ignition, heated outer rear seats, ventilated front seats and a sun roof. It also has adaptive cruise control as standard.
Kia Niro (2016 – 2021) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4355 mm |
| Width | 1805 mm |
| Height | 1535–1545 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1490–1594 kg |
| Boot Space | 324–1380 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £30,265 |
| Insurance Groups | 11–15 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–C |
| Official MPG | 64.2–76.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
Currently on sale
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDI Phev 139bhp 2 DCT 5dr | £30,265 | - | 10.4 s |
| 2 GDi 139 DCT Auto Self Charge 42kw Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
| 3 GDi 139 DCT Auto 8.9 kWh 59kw Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 10.4 s |
| 3 GDi 139 DCT Auto Self Charge 42kw Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
| 4 GDi 139 DCT Auto Self Charge 42kw Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
| Connect GDi 139 DCT Auto 8.9 kWh 59kw Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 10.4 s |
| Connect GDi 139 DCT Auto Self Charge 42kw Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.1 s |
On sale until December 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 1 DCT 5dr | £21,635 | 74.3 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 2 DCT 5dr | - | 76.3 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 3 DCT 5dr | - | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 4 DCT 5dr | - | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp First Edition DCT 5dr | £27,385 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Phev 139bhp 3 DCT 5dr | - | - | - |
On sale until April 2017
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 1 DCT 5dr | £21,295 | 74.3 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 2 DCT 5dr | £22,795 | 74.3 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 3 DCT 5dr | £24,695 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp First Edition DCT 5dr | £26,995 | 64.2 mpg | - |
Model History
- February 2016: Kia Niro revealed
- August 2016: Kia Niro now on sale in the UK
- September 2017: Kia Niro PHEV goes on sale
- January 2019: Entry-level Kia Niro PHEV 2 announced
- May 2019: Updated Kia Niro now on sale
- July 2021: Kia Niro Connect special edition announced
February 2016
Kia Niro revealed
An all-new low-emissions hybrid crossover, the Niro marks the development of Kia’s first dedicated eco-car platform.
The Niro has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains. The Niro’s hybrid powertrain is made up of a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) Kappa engine producing 105PS and 147Nm torque paired with a 32 kW electric motor and a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.
The powertrain’s combined 141PS power output is applied to the road through a highly-efficient six-speed double-clutch transmission (6DCT), with a maximum 264Nm torque available in first gear. A target CO 2 emissions rating of sub-89 g/km (combined, based on Kia internal testing) will ensure low running costs.
The Niro is 4,355mm in length, 1,800mm wide and 1,535mm tall, making it smaller overall than the all-new Kia Sportage, though occupying a larger footprint than the Cee’d hatchback.
The all-new cabin of the Kia Niro has been designed to give an impression of space and modernity, with a wide dashboard and defined horizontal lines. The Niro follows the most recent Kia models in offering high quality, soft-touch materials throughout the interior.
The Niro is available with a single-tone cabin, available either in black or dark grey, and upholstered in cloth, cloth and leather or full genuine leather. First Editon models have areas of glossy white trim.
At the heart of the dashboard is Kia’s latest Human Machine Interface (HMI) and a large 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with optional navigation. Both systems support Bluetooth smartphone and audio connectivity and DAB digital radio and are connected to a six-speaker audio system. Music lovers can also specify new eight-speaker audio from JBL, with a powerful 320 watt output, external amplifier.
The Niro is fitted as standard with seven airbags for optimum passive occupant safety, with airbags for driver and front passenger, driver knee, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags. Isofix child-seat tether and anchor points are fitted as standard to the second row of seats, to safely secure children.
The Niro is designed to offer high levels of practicality and comfortable interior dimensions despite its compact on-road footprint, with class-leading headroom, 421 litres (VDA) of cargo capacity and a boot of a sufficient size and space to offer a full-size spare wheel beneath the boot floor. From Q4 2016, the new Niro will be available with optional towing functionality – rare amongst cars in the hybrid class – allowing owners to tow braked loads of up to 1,300 kg.
August 2016
Kia Niro now on sale in the UK
Kia Niro ‘1’ 1.6 GDi with 1.57kWh lithium-ion battery: £21,295
Kia Niro ‘2’ 1.6 GDi with 1.57kWh lithium-ion battery: £22,795
Kia Niro ‘3’ 1.6 GDi with 1.57kWh lithium-ion battery: £24,695
Kia Niro ‘First Edition’ 1.6GDi with 1.57kWh lithium-ion battery: £26,995
Optional Metallic Paint £595
Optional Advanced Driving Assistance Pack £350
September 2017
Kia Niro PHEV goes on sale
The PHEV is priced at £27,995 on the road after taking into consideration the Government plug-in car grant of £2,500.
The PHEV is a stand-alone model in the Niro line-up, based on the mid-range (grade 3) Niro parallel hybrid (with ADAP). Standard features include the latest connectivity and active safety technologies, including Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom, wireless smartphone charging, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
It is available in six colours, including optional Gravity Blue which is exclusive to the plug-in Niro. The standard paint colour is Rich Espresso, while other options are Clear White, Graphite, Midnight Black and White Pearl.
The Niro PHEV features the same 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine as the parallel hybrid, but in the plug-in model this is paired with a more powerful 44.5kW (60bhp) electric motor. The Niro PHEV is capable of travelling up to 36 miles on the energy stored in its batteries.
The battery of the Kia Niro PHEV has a total capacity of 8.9 kWh. The usable capacity is 7.1 kWh (estimate).
|
Niro |
Total power bhp |
Total torque |
0–60 |
Max speed mph |
Average mpg |
C02 g/km |
|
1.6 GDi 6DCT plug-in hybrid |
139 |
265 |
10.4 |
107 |
217.3 |
29 |
January 2019
Entry-level Kia Niro PHEV 2 announced
Kia has dropped the start price of its Niro PHEV thanks to a new entry-level model. The Kia Niro PHEV 2 is priced from £30,265 and comes with an eight-inch infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, roof rails and a towing pack giving the Niro PHEV a towing capacity of 1300kg.
Further standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels and part leather upholstery.
May 2019
Updated Kia Niro now on sale
Following its unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the upgraded Kia Niro is now on sale in the UK with prices starting at £24,590.
A number of improvements have been made to the Niro, including a new exterior design, a more upscale, high-quality interior and enhanced connectivity, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models feature Kia’s advanced new UVO CONNECT telematics system, which brings additional ‘connected’ functionality to the car.
Retaining its stylish crossover design, the upgraded Kia Niro features a number of design updates for 2019. The refreshed design aligns the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants of the range with the appearance of the all-new all-electric e-Niro.
While the new Niro retains its distinctive design and iconic ‘tiger-nose’ grille, new bumpers at the front and rear give it a more purposeful appearance and more confident stance on the road. The standard projection headlamps have been redesigned, incorporating Kia’s unique ‘ice-cube’ design with LED headlamps on the ‘4’ grade.
The bumper features new LED daytime running lights below the headlamps with a unique double-arrow layout, as well as LED fog lamps on grades ‘3’ and ‘4’.
At the rear of the car, newly-redesigned LED lights give the Niro a more distinctive and modern light signature. The new bumper design is finished with a silver-painted skid plate and incorporates new light reflectors and rear fog lamps in the corners.
The Niro Hybrid is offered with redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels on grade ‘2’, with an all-new 18-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheel for grades ‘3’ and ‘4’. The Niro PHEV is available with newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels with dark grey inserts, contributing to its unique stance and design.
Inside, Kia has introduced a series of visual and material upgrades, creating a more upscale atmosphere and enhancing cabin quality. The top of the dashboard is finished in high-quality soft-touch coating, while the dashboard and instrument panel feature elegant new gloss black trim with satin chrome highlights.
Kia is also introducing a new 10.25-inch TFT-LCD widescreen for the main display on grades ‘3’ and ‘4’, with a 7.0-inch TFT Supervision instrument cluster for the driver included on grade ‘4’. The car is fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 4.2-inch TFT instrument binnacle as standard on grade ‘2’.
The interior also engages drivers more with the adoption of wheel-mounted paddle-shifters to change gear. The Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are both equipped with a slick-shifting six-speed auto dual-clutch transmission, delivering more direct and immediate responses – and a more entertaining drive – than traditional electronic continuously-variable transmissions (e-CVT) found on other hybrids.
Kia is now equipping the new Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models with a new electronic parking brake, accompanied by larger rear brakes to improve stopping power in all conditions.
The upgraded Niro range sees the introduction of a series of new active driver-assistive safety technologies. Already available with Adaptive Smart Cruise Control, the upgraded Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are now offered with additional Stop & Go functionality. Adaptive Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go follows the preceding vehicle and can now bring the Niro to a stop if traffic slows to a halt, bringing the car back up to speed as the car in front moves off.
Lane Following Assist is available for the first time on Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models, following its introduction on the electric e-Niro. This technology tracks vehicles in front of the car in traffic and detects road markings to keep the Niro in its lane on the motorway. The system controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the convoy of vehicles in front, using external sensors to maintain a safe distance, while also assisting the driver change lanes. Lane Following Assist operates between zero and 81mph.
The Niro continues to be offered with a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies. Depending on specification, these include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind-spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, in addition to the new electronic parking brake.
|
Model |
OTR £ |
|
‘2’ 1.6 GDi 6-speed DCT Hybrid |
£24,590 |
|
‘3’ 1.6 GDi 6-speed DCT Hybrid |
£26,770 |
|
‘3’ PHEV 1.6 GDi 6-speed DCT Plug-in Hybrid |
£31,945 |
|
‘4’ 1.6 GDi 6-speed DCT Hybrid |
£29,270 |
July 2021
Kia Niro Connect special edition announced
The Niro ‘Connect’ is available as both a self-charging Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, priced from £25,995 and £31,355 respectively.
The limited edition ‘Connect’ model sits between the ‘2’ and ‘3’ grade models in the Niro line-up and adds the following features above the entry-level ‘2’ grade:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation
- UVO Connect ‘connected car’ system
- Cloth and leather upholstery
- High-gloss centre fascia
- Chrome coated interior and exterior door handles
- USB charger inside the front console
- Rear console ventilation duct
The Niro ‘Connect’ also offers a choice of three premium exterior paint colours at no additional cost – Runway Red, Ocean Blue and Steel Grey.
What to watch out for
Report of Niro needing a replacement part due to a brake fluid leak. But when the part arrived at the dealer it was for a left hand drive Niro, so a two day job turned into an eifght day job and the owner was not offered a courtesy car.
11-01-2019:Reader reported that using the heater in winder dramatically reduces the EV range of his Kia Niro PHEV down from its summer 35 miles range because this automatically starts the petrol engine. He says he can use heated seats, radio and headlights without starting the petrol engine – but not the heater.
27-04-2019:Noise detected by Kia dealer from timing chain area of engine of 2017/66 Niro at its second service. Found a problem with the oil supply to the timing chain tensioner. Entire short engine being replaced FoC under warranty. "Apparently it's a rare fault they have only encountered in three cars worldwide."
29-12-2019:Report of early Kia Niro hybrid running roughly at erratic times. Back to dealer on four occasions and eventually fault acknowledged and engine fitted with new cylinder head and injectors.
