Kia's 2026 Niro Hybrid Is Here, But It'll Cost You. Is It Still the Smart Buy?

Kia has unveiled the refreshed 2026 Niro HEV for the U.S. market, and prices are climbing across the lineup. While the automaker hasn’t shared full details on what’s changed or why prices are up, it’s clear that buyers will be paying a bit more for the brand’s popular hybrid crossover this year.

The South Korean automaker officially confirmed that sales of the 2026 Niro Hybrid have started in the United States. According to Kia, every trim level now costs more than last year’s version. The base model starts at $27,090, which is several hundred dollars higher than before.

The Niro keeps its recognizable design and key features, but Kia hasn’t yet revealed what updates are coming for the new model year. The company attributes the higher prices to general market inflation and to an upcoming refresh of available options, expected to roll out soon.

Despite the price bump, the hybrid Niro remains a solid pick for American buyers who value fuel efficiency and modern tech. Kia is counting on those strengths to keep demand strong in 2026. More details about new features and possible trim updates are expected to surface in the coming months.