Review and specifications
2022 Kia Niro
Kia's five-passenger Niro marries good fuel economy with cargo versatility. This front-wheel-drive hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which, in conjunction with the electric drive unit, puts out a combined 139 hp. This combo is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Because the lithium-ion battery is located under the rear seat, that creates a flat cargo floor when the rear seats are folded. We got 43 mpg overall, which is good but not as good as the Hyundai Ioniq or Toyota Prius. The handling lacks agility and the ride is a bit choppy. The optional power driver seat provides better support than the standard seats do. A suite of advanced safety features is available, including automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. A plug-in hybrid and full electric version were also offered. Updates for the 2020 model include new headlights, a standard 8-inch touch screen, and various exterior styling details.
- Market value
- $17,250
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Body style
- wagon
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Sequential, 6-speed
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 2017
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $17,250
- Retail value range
- $14,550 - $18,700
- Original MSRP range
- $24,690 - $31,990
- Trade-in range
- $12,285 - $17,130
Ratings
- Road test score
- 65/100
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 51 MPG
- EPA highway
- 46 MPG
- EPA combined
- 49 MPG
- Tested city
- 33 MPG
- Tested highway
- 52 MPG
- Tested overall
- 43 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $905
- Cruising range
- 510 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.6 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 9.9 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 143 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 51 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 172 in
- Width
- 71 in
- Height
- 60 in
- Wheelbase
- 106 in
- Weight
- 3,155 lb
- Maximum load
- 850 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 5 in
- Front leg room
- 42.5 in
- Rear head room
- 4.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 28.5 in
- Luggage
- 2+2+0
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 9/10
- SmartWay
- Yes
Brand context
About Kia
For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.
Vehicle ID: 23011 First published: November 18, 2021 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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