The Kia Niro is the perfect example of a Korean manufacturer catering to green products like Japanese Toyota Prius and American Tesla Model S. Even though Kia markets the Niro as a crossover, it looks more like a jacked-up hatchback with its low ground clearance and a slightly narrow-body design. Niro combines state of the art technology in a conventional body, luring mainstream buyers.
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
dimensions
wheelbase
106.3 in.
length
171.5 in.
width
71.1 in.
height
60.8 in.
curb weight
3287 lbs.
ground clearance
6.3 in.
capacity
passenger volume
100.9 cu ft.
cargo volume
54.5 cu ft.
payload
968
performance
zero to 60 mph
10.4 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
46/43/40 mpg
highway range
476.0 mi. mi.
warranty
basic warranty
5 yr./ 60000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
10 yr./ 100000 mi.
corrosion warranty
5 yr./100000 mi.
roadside assistance
Yes
Pictures
exterior
interior
Trims
FE $23,490 onwards
139 hp @ 5700 rpm | 1.6 L | I-4 | regular unleaded
LX $23,900 onwards
139 hp @ 5700 rpm | 1.6 L | I-4 | regular unleaded
EX $26,400 onwards
139 hp @ 5700 rpm | 1.6 L | I-4 | regular unleaded
S Touring $28,800 onwards
139 hp @ 5700 rpm | 1.6 L | I-4 | regular unleaded
Touring $32,250 onwards
139 hp @ 5700 rpm | 1.6 L | I-4 | regular unleaded
Colors and Styles
Aurora Black Pearl
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Features
7.5
Interior
8.0
7.3
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.3
Overall Rating
The parallel hybrid powertrain of Niro integrates electric power for outstanding efficiency. The cabin is handsomely designed and comes with intuitive technology and premium features. Kia Niro's price falls squarely in line with Honda HR-V, Buick Encore, and Subaru Crosstrek. While other manufacturers offer all-wheel-drive as an option Kia makes up for it with stellar fuel economy.
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid
7.5/10 Features
8.0/10 Interior
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Features
7.5/10
The 2019 Kia Niro is a five-passenger hatchback available in five trims which are priced as follows:
FE: $24,430
LX: $24,740
EX: $27,240
S Touring: $29,640
Touring: $33,090
Every variant is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid-electric powertrain which produces 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The power is transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Trims
FE
LX
EX
S Touring
Touring
MSRP
$23,340
$23,650
$26,150
$32,000
$ 34,200
Features
SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
Smart key with push-button start and immobilizer
Heated front seats
18" black aluminum Wheels
Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
ABS and driveline Traction control
Front Fog/driving lights
SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
18" machined w/painted accents aluminum wheels
16" Aluminum Wheels
Heated mirrors
Driver lumbar support
Leather seat trim
Dual-zone automatic
Navigation system
Front & Rear Parking Assist System (FRPAS) Parking assist
Leather seat trim
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Kia offers best in class warranty like its kin Hyundai and provides a comprehensive warranty.
The limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance
We Recommend
Each trim of the Niro offers an above-average value for your money. The EX will probably be the biggest seller, and we believe it offers the best value. It allows for the same driver-assist safety features and options as the Touring and can be outfitted with most of the Touring's standard features such as the Harman Kardon audio, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, HID headlights and navigation.
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Engine and Performance
'The Niro has a decent amount of power for most daily commutes, but some reviewers note that acceleration can be slow. It’s paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is a rarity among hybrid and electric vehicles. Reviewers applaud Kia's decision to include this transmission, which delivers natural shifts while retaining fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers note that the shifts could be smoother" - Autotrader
Kia Niro produces a total of 139 hp, the 1.4 liter inline 4 gasoline engine produces the most of it and the 8.5 kW electric motor assists by pumping out 43 hp. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is the only option. Niro has enough grunt for day to day driving but it cannot be termed as sporty. The Kia Niro can solely drive on electric power at the push of a button.
The six-speed dual-clutch automatic optimizes the engine’s responsiveness for enhanced acceleration and better fuel economy. The standard mode leads to longer shift time and moderate engine performance. The Kia Niro also has a sport mode which makes the transmission snappier and holds on to gears longer. Even though it doesn't make a substantial difference in the performance, it is still there.
Models
Kia Niro FE SUV
Honda HR-V LX SUV
Hyundai Kona SE SUV
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i SUV
Mazda CX-3 Sport SUV
Buick Encore 1SV SUV
MSRP
$23,490
$21,515
$21,035
$22,870
$21,365
$24,195
Engine
1.6L i4 Gas/Electric
1.8L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L flat4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.4L i4 Turbocharged
Transmission
6 Speed Dual Clutch
Continuously variable automatic
6 Speed automatic
6 Speed manual
6 Speed automatic
6 Speed automatic
Horsepower
139 hp@ 5700rpm
141 hp @ 6500 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
148 hp@ 6000rpm
138 hp@ 4900rpm
Torque
195 ft-lbs@ 2400rpm
127 ft-lbs. @ 4300 rpm
132 ft-lbs@ 4500 rpm
145 ft-lbs@ 4000 rpm
146 ft-lbs@ 2800rpm
148 ft-lbs@ 1850rpm
The Subaru Crosstrek produces the highest number of horses and after that comes the Honda HRV. Kia Niro and Buick Encore produce a somewhat equal amount of horsepower. The Niro surpasses all of the rivals in terms and provides seamless power delivery. In terms of torque, the Niro produces the most thanks to its electric motor. The Honda HR-V pumps out the least amount of torque mainly due to its CVT transmission.
Acceleration
The Kia Niro in FE, LX, and EX trim can sprint to 60 mph from standstill in just 8.6 seconds. Top trims take a second longer due to their extra weight and bigger wheels. The Niro’s 1.56-kWh hybrid powertrain is so small that most of the task in moving 3,200-pound hatchback is done by the gasoline engine.
Models
Kia Niro FE SUV
Honda HR-V LX SUV
Hyundai Kona SE SUV
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i SUV
Mazda CX-3 Sport SUV
Buick Encore 1SV SUV
0-60 MPH
8.9 sec
9.3 sec
10 sec
9.2 sec
8.8 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter mile
16.8 sec
17.3 sec
17.3 sec
N/A
16.6 sec
N/A
Engine
1.6L i4 Gas/Electric
1.8L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L flat4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.4L i4 Turbocharged
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
6.0
6.6
6.1
6.1
6.3
The Buick Encore provides the fastest acceleration and Kia Niro tails behind it. The Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HRV clock the same time in reaching 0 to 60. More peculiarly, HR-V crosses quarter-mile neck-to-neck with Niro despite being almost a second slower than Niro from 0 to 60.
Ride and Handling
The Kia Niro is powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine which produces a total of 139 hp in conjunction with an electric motor. The power is adequate for city jaunts and highway passes. You can choose between two drive modes, which can alter throttle response and engine performance. Standard mode optimizes fuel efficiency or opt for Sports mode for an enthusiastic drive. The chassis is made with high-tensile strength steel alloys to help improve rigidity for great driving dynamics and a quiet ride.
In terms of handling the Kia Niro performs surprisingly well with a swift and accurate response. With no dead zones the steering firms up in sports mode. There is little sway when taking a turn due to the electric motor's battery being stowed under the second-row seat which makes Niro well-planted. This little crossover easily tackles mild terrains but there is some noise that peeps into the cabin. Wind noise is effectively muted sound-insulating windshield glass and noise-absorbing insulation throughout the vehicle ensures a compliant ride.
Braking
The brake pedal feels light and it travels a long way in case of panic braking. You will never notice how the Niro transitions from regenerative braking to conventional braking. The Niro requires 129 feet to stop from 60 mph which is below average for this segment. Overall, the brake feels solid and the anti-lock braking system doesn't feel intrusive either.
Model
Kia Niro FE SUV
Honda HR-V LX SUV
Hyundai Kona SE SUV
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i SUV
Mazda CX-3 Sport SUV
Buick Encore 1SV SUV
Brake Front (in.)
11
11.5
11
11.6
11
11.8
Brake Rear (in.)
10.3
11.1
10.3
10.8
11.1
10.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3106
2902
2890
3113
2809
3237
60-0 MPH (ft.)
122
127
175 (70-0)
124
135
119
The Buick Encore has the best braking performance in contrast to all the rivals. The Buick takes 119 feet to come to a complete halt from 60 miles an hour. The Mazda CX-3 takes the longest in doing the same task. The Subaru performs better than the Mazda even though it is heavier.
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Fuel Economy
The Kia Niro is designed to use the best of both worlds, the gasoline engine and electric motor work together for optimum fuel economy. The engine has been specifically developed for a hybrid employing Atkinson cycle and Cooled EGR technology for maximizing efficiency. The entry-level FE is most fuel efficient and returns 52 miles per gallon in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. The two midlevel LX and EX come in at 51 mpg city/46 mpg hwy. The most expensive Touring variant returns 46 mpg city/40 mpg hwy.
Model
Kia Niro FE suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
MPG (city)
52
28
27
23
29
26
MPG (highway)
49
34
33
29
34
31
MPG (combined)
50
30
30
25
31
28
Range (miles) (city/highway)
N/A
370/449
356/436
382/481
368/432
364/434
Tank Capacity (gal)
11.9
13.2
13.2
16.6
12.7
14.0
Regardless of the trim, the Kia Niro outclasses all of them in terms of fuel efficiency. It will be the best bang for your bucks if fuel budget is your concern. The Mazda performs the best out of the rest returning 29 miles to the gallon in city and 34 miles to the gallon on the highway. In terms of range as well, the Subaru is the best of the rest.
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Interior
8.0/10
"A number of years ago, Kia’s interior design went from frumpy to fantastic, and the cabin of the 2019 Kia Niro is one of the finest in its class. The design is clean and simple with an upscale feel and high-quality materials. The layout is intuitive, and all of the controls work with precision" - Kellybluebook
Seating and Comfort
The inside of the Kia Niro is intelligently designed with smart features to be as welcoming to you as possible. The cabin is fuss-free, simple and minimalistic. All the buttons are laid out in a proper manner and make everything easy to use. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and a bright meter cluster make driving this car a joy.
The spacious inside is adorned with ultra-comfortable leather seats available in contrast stitching. The sporty 10-way power-adjustable driver seat lets you find your ideal driving position with ease. The rear seats can accommodate 3 people but not for a long journey. The front and rear seats offer great headroom and legroom with commanding outward visibility.
Model
Kia Niro FE SUV
Honda HR-V LX SUV
Hyundai Kona SE SUV
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i SUV
Mazda CX-3 Sport SUV
Buick Encore 1SV SUV
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
40.1/56/41.7
39.5/56.8/41.2
39.6/55.5/41.5
39.8/56.7/43.1
38.4/53.5/41.7
39.6/54.2/40.8
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.1/55.2/37.4
38.3/54.5/39.3
37.8/54.5/34.6
38.0/55.6/36.5
37.2/50.4/35.0
38.8/52.6/35.8
The HR-V has a lot of interior room, including the most rear-seat legroom of the group and the largest rear cargo compartment. Buick Encore has the smallest amount of cabin space due to its compact dimensions. Subaru Crosstrek is also spacious from the inside.
Infotainment System
When it comes to looks, the infotainment screen might not be the most pleasing but when it comes to performance and user experience, there’s not a lot left to be desired. The 7’’ screen is really impressive. The screen is vibrant and snappy to use. The menus are well laid out in a simple manner. What comes with that 7-inch screen is a 6 speaker audio system. As for smartphone integration- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on every trim except the LX. The base trim is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Satellite navigation is not available on any of the trims as standard and maybe some old-school state maps might come in handy.
The optional navigation system uses GPS data to predict the geographical location. It pre-charges before going uphill and employs regenerative braking on downhill sections. Steering mounted control to make it easy to adjust your audio and use cruise control. It comes equipped with the following amenities:
Android Auto and Apple Carplay
Sirius XM radio
Bluetooth Audio
Aux Input
Satellite Navigation (optional)
Voice recognition
Real-time traffic alert
Integrated roof antenna
6 speaker sound system
Cargo Capacity
The Kia Niro offers 19 .4 cubic feet of storage seat which can be increased to 54.5 via 60/40 rear folding seats. You can expand the cargo area when needed and still accommodate rear passengers. The cargo space is enough for your groceries, camping gear, dogs or all of them. Niro’s hybrid battery takes a considerable amount of space but optional underfloor storage adds a bit more utility. The comparatively low load height makes it very easy to load and unload cargo. The rear seats also fold down completely flat which makes it very easy to push the cargo towards the front.
Model
Kia Niro FE SUV
Honda HR-V LX SUV
Hyundai Kona SE SUV
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i SUV
Mazda CX-3 Sport SUV
Buick Encore 1SV SUV
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
19.4
24.3
19.2
20.8
12.4
18.8
When compared to other vehicles in this group, the Kia Niro fares decently at most. The Honda HR-V offers the most cargo volume in this bunch whereas the Mazda CX-3 is the last with a disappointing 12.4 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Interior Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Remote keyless entry
Cruise control
Dual zone front automatic climate control
Illuminated glove box
Leather wrapped shift knob
Auto dimming rearview mirror
Front armrest and rear center armrest
Air filtration
Power adjustable seats
Engine immobilizer
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid cockpit area2019 Kia Niro Hybrid interior2019 Kia Niro Hybrid dashboard2019 Kia Niro Hybrid steering2019 Kia Niro Hybrid cargo volume2019 Kia Niro Hybrid instrumental cluster
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Exterior
“The handsome Niro fits right in with its squat crossover pals. You’d never guess that a gas-sipping hybrid is lurking under its skin.” – Car and Driver
Dimension and Weight
The Kia Niro is designed to thrill, it looks much like a grown up hatchback than a crossover. Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille is distinctive with a lower grille hiding various sensors. A wide variety of detailing like body cladding, roof rails, rear skid plate, and large wheel arches befit its crossover tag. The stance is sporty with short front and rear overhangs.
To get the maximum fuel efficiency the exterior is optimized for the lowest drag coefficient (0.29) which is close to the Nissan GTR (0.26). The front air splitters a channels air through them to the neatly designed 19-inch alloy wheels. For maximum aerodynamic efficiency, active grille shutters close at around 35 mph to smooth the airflow In the rear, the available combination LED tail lamp gives a striking appearance to Kia Niro.
Model
Kia Niro FE SUV
Honda HR-V LX SUV
Hyundai Kona SE SUV
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i SUV
Mazda CX-3 Sport SUV
Buick Encore 1SV SUV
Curb weight (lbs.)
3106
2902
2890
3113
2809
3237
Length(in)
171.5
170.4
164.0
175.8
168.3
168.4
Width(in)
71.1
69.8
70.9
71.0
69.6
69.9
Height(in)
60.4
63.2
61.0
63.6
60.7
65.3
Ground clearance (in)
6.3
7.3
6.7
8.7
6.1
6.2
Wheelbase (in)
106.3
102.8
102.4
104.9
101.2
100.6
Track width (in) F/R
61.6/62.2
60.4/60.6
62/62.4
61/61.2
60/59.9
60.7/60.6
The Honda HR-V has the lowest curb weight which accounts for better driving dynamics and that comes to the Kia Niro. The Subaru Crosstrek cast the longest shadow and Buick Encore is the smallest among all due to which it has the shortest turning radius.
Exterior Features
16” inch alloy wheels
Clear coat paint
Body-colored front and rear bumper
Black body side molding
Chrome side window trims
Body-colored door handles
Power heated side mirrors
Variable intermittent wipers
Lip spoiler
Liftgate rear cargo access
Roof rack rail
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid three quarter view2019 Kia Niro Hybrid front viewkia niro rear view2019 Kia Niro Hybrid headlight
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Safety
Even the best drivers can’t be perfect 100% of the time and for those times, the Kia Niro is equipped with a ton of safety features. These features and equipment help in making your journey a whole lot safer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Competition
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is among the top rated crossover as it comes with best in class passenger and cargo space. The Honda HR-V is the most practical subcompact SUV with generous cargo capacity, great balance of ride and handling and plenty of interior features. Although the HR-V is very fuel efficient for a conventional crossover, the Niro is hybrid and has a definite edge in fuel efficiency. However, Niro also commands a significant premium over the competitor.
Buick Encore
The Encore’s performance is however disappointing due to the sluggish acceleration with 134 –horsepower four-cylinder engine. Buick’s optional 153 hp engine is a substantial improvement. The Encore based on the same underpinnings as the Chevrolet Trax. It makes a case for itself as an in-between by outclassing subcompact crossovers from mainstream makers Honda and Nissan. With the Encore, you pay more, but you get more. Though its performance is not lively, the Encore has a comfortable ride and composed handling. Larger and more powerful than the Niro, the Rogue doesn't approach Kia's fuel economy, but if cargo hauling is a bigger concern than mpg, it's a solid choice.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is all-wheel drive and has high ground clearance, unlike the Kia Niro. Surprisingly both have an identical amount of cargo capacity and interior space. The Subaru Crosstrek has an upscale interior, a ton of standard features, and decent off-road capability. However, it comes up short on cargo space and has mediocre overall performance. If you live off the tarmac then the Subaru will befit all your needs otherwise the Kia Niro is better to package allover.
2019 Kia Niro hybrid Final Verdict
The Kia Niro is a versatile package and offers the best value for your money. Unlike other hybrids, the Niro looks like a conventional subcompact crossover, it has excellent luggage capacity, spacious interiors, commanding driving position and spectacular fuel economy. Niro is attractively priced with a host of standard safety features. Niro is a good choice for buyers who want it all. Just as long as they don't want all-wheel drive, too, since the Niro doesn't offer it.
FAQs
Is the 2019 Kia Niro all-wheel-drive?
No, the Kia Niro is only available as front-wheel drive.
Does the Niro have heated seats?
Yes, heated front seats are available as paid options.
How much can the Niro go on electric power alone?
The Kia Niro is capable of covering 26 miles on electric power alone. The overall range can go up to 560 miles along with the gasoline engine.