2021 Kia Niro

History/Overview

The Kia Niro is a compact crossover wagon that serves as the entry point for a trio of models that all use electrified powertrains. The base Niro is a gas-electric hybrid, while the Niro PHEV adds plug-in charging, and the Niro EV is a pure electric vehicle. The PHEV and EV models are covered in separate buyer’s guide entries.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, Kia has trimmed the Niro’s trim range, eliminating last year’s EX Premium package.

Available Trims

That leaves three trims: L, EX, and SX Touring. All three use a 1.6L gasoline engine matched with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which drives the front wheels; there is no AWD option.

Standard Features

Niro L comes dressed in 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, and heated/power-adjustable side mirrors. Inside, there’s cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a cargo cover, dual-zone auto A/C, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

EX adds fog lights, LED taillights, a sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, roof rails, cloth/leather seating, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-trimmed shifter, under-floor storage, rear-seat ventilation, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, passive keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

SX Touring gains 18-inch wheels, LED headlights/fog lights, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 110-volt power outlet, and radar cruise control.

SX Touring also gets Kia’s full suite of driver safety aids: lane keep/follow assist, driver attention alert, forward collision avoidance, and front and rear parking sensors.

Fuel Economy

Kia’s fuel consumption estimates for the Niro are 4.4/4.9 L/100 km (city/highway) for L and EX trims, and 5.0/5.6 L/100 km for SX Touring.

Competition

The Kia Niro’s key competitors are the Toyota Prius, the Hyundai Ioniq, and Honda Insight. You might also cross-shop this wagon against big hybrid sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.