Kia Reveals First Image of the Updated U.S.-Spec Niro: Hybrid, PHEV, and EV

Most discussions about Kia usually center on its more “attention-grabbing” vehicles. Three-row SUVs like the Telluride and EV9—both World Car of the Year winners—often come up, as do high-volume models such as the Sportage and the compact K4. And if someone mentions a 2025 “monster” in Kia’s lineup, the Carnival minivan is usually the first name mentioned. This time, however, the spotlight is on a different vehicle: the subcompact Niro, which Kia doesn’t always even label as a crossover on its own website.

Niro basics, at a glance

The initial information released highlights the specifications of the base version:

• Engine: 1.6-liter inline-four hybrid

• Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode

• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

• Output: 103.5 hp at 5,700 rpm

• Torque: 106.3 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm

• Fuel economy (city/highway/combined): 53/54/53 mpg

• Battery: Lithium-polymer (LiPo)

What Kia showed: the first look at the refreshed Niro

Kia’s global media site has published the first official image of the Niro destined for the U.S. market as a refresh of the second generation. The early impression suggests a bolder, more upscale look. The design follows Kia’s familiar “Opposites United” philosophy seen across the lineup, and in terms of overall vibe, the Niro has even drawn comparisons to the EV9—naturally, scaled down to fit its segment.

Key design highlights

• Starmap lighting with distinctive vertical and horizontal LED daytime running lights up front

• More futuristic 18-inch alloy wheels

• Body-colored B-pillars, giving the side profile a cleaner, more seamless appearance

Three powertrains: Hybrid, PHEV, and EV

Kia continues to offer the Niro in three distinct flavors, which remains one of the model’s biggest selling points: a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric version.

• Hybrid: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 0–60 mph in 8.97 seconds (tested); top speed 106 mph

• PHEV: 180 hp, 188 lb-ft; 0–60 mph in 7.3 seconds

• EV: 201 hp; 0–60 mph in 6.5 seconds

Sales, efficiency, and the pricing question

A fresh design certainly helps, but the article notes that the Niro still occupies an awkward position in the U.S. market. In 2025, Kia sold 31,182 Niro units—up 4 percent year over year, but well behind some of its closest neighbors in popularity. That figure trails the next best-selling Kia internal-combustion model, the now-discontinued Soul, by about 19,000 units, while the Seltos outsold the Niro by more than 20,000.

Where the Niro truly shines is efficiency:

• Niro Hybrid (EPA): up to 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway

• Niro PHEV: 33 miles of electric range and up to 48 mpg combined

• Niro EV: 253 miles of range from a 64.8-kWh battery

Pricing, however, remains the big question mark:

• Niro Hybrid: starting at $27,390

• Niro PHEV: starting at $34,490

• Niro EV: starting at $39,600

And because the Niro is built in South Korea, it also faces additional cost pressure from import tariffs.