2022 Kia Niro Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs

Key Features

• Starting at $24,690 MSRP*
• 1.6 L 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System with Dual Clutch 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic
• UVO eServices with 8-inch Color Touch-Screen Display and AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM®
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration

• Standard Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with Driver Only Mode
• Optional Harman/Kardon® Premium Audio with Clari-Fi, 8 Speakers, and Integrated Subwoofer
• Available Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
• 54.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seats

About the Kia Niro

The Kia Niro redefines what it means to drive a hybrid crossover by combining dynamic styling and functional utility with unmatched fuel efficiency. Superior MPG no longer means having to sacrifice on an engaging drive thanks to its standard 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, Full Parallel Hybrid System, and responsive Dual Clutch 6-Speed Automatic transmission with Sportmatic mode.

Giving you a helpful assist when you need it most, available Kia Drive Wise offers a suite of driver-assistive safety technologies to keep you out of harm's way. Inside, both you and your passengers will be greeted by a spacious interior that offers 54.5 cubic feet of cargo space to help fit all of your gear for the next weekend adventure. Available comfort options include memory for the front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and even a heated steering wheel inside the Niro. You'll be able to drive with complete confidence thanks to the Kia 10 Year / 100,000 mile warranty included on every Niro.

What the Critics Say

"The smooth, handsome wagon shape isn't over-embellished with the kinds of styling gimmicks some makes use to make small cars look different. Higher-end Niro models wrap around large 18-inch wheels, though the car doesn't look bad with the standard (and more fuel-efficient) 16-inch wheels. Inside, the Niro has an intuitive, pleasant interior - always a Kia strong suit - that's among the easiest to understand of any car." - The Car Connection

"Unlike some small electrified vehicles the Niro never feels like a fancy golf cart or a pod without personality. Although it weighs 3,000 pounds, the Niro is athletic and feels light on its feet, with a welcome agility. Its steering feel is surprisingly satisfying." - Kelley Blue Book

What's New for 2022

In preparation for the debut of the next generation, the Kia Niro returns for 2022 essentially unchanged from last year. The sole updates include the debut of a new LXS SE trim level positioned in the middle of the trim lineup and the addition of the new Kia badging found on both the exterior and interior of the Niro. Aside from those slight changes, the Kia Niro remains an excellent option for drivers that are searching for a blend of stylish versatility and unparalleled efficiency.

Kia Niro Features

Eye-Catching Style

From striking High-Intensity Discharge projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps to stylish alloy wheel designs -- the Kia Niro is a hybrid crossover infused with an athletic character. Both dynamic and functional, the aerodynamic design of the Niro works to reduce drag and maximize fuel economy. Strategically-positioned side vents channel air over the wheel wells, a smooth undercarriage lets air flow beneath the vehicle, and a drag-reducing front fascia each contribute to the outstanding 53 city MPG rating of the Niro**. Its wide stance helps give this hybrid crossover a fun-to-drive attitude to invigorate your commute.

Smart & Spacious Interior

A destination all on its own, the interior of the Kia Niro is packed with optional amenities such as soft leather seating surfaces with heating and ventilation functions along with a heated steering wheel to help tame those chilly mornings. Boasting greater interior volume than the Toyota Prius and greater headroom than the Honda HR-V -- the Niro is perfectly suited to those living active lifestyles. An available concealed storage compartment helps maximize utility while keeping your valuables securely out of sight. Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats let you adapt the interior of the Niro to suit your needs, allowing you to carry a mix of cargo and passengers.

Groundbreaking Technology

No matter how far your journeys take you, the Kia Niro offers plenty of advanced tech features to keep you connected. Included as standard with either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Kia UVO eServices are your hub for infotainment. Thanks to standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, you can access your favorite apps and media directly from your compatible smartphone. Voice command controls let you keep your eyes safely on the road ahead of you as you select the next song. Optional wireless charging lets you charge-up by simply placing your phone on a center console pad. Hear your music the way it was intended to be with an available Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System featuring Clari-Fi technology.

Advanced Safety

Available on the Kia Niro, Kia Drive Wise technologies provide drivers with an additional boost of confidence and security behind the wheel. Included in this suite of technologies are an Emergency Stop System, Traffic Jam Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. Smart Cruise Control helps drivers maintain a preset distance from the vehicle in front of you. The Park Assist System relies on sensors to alert you to obstacles in your path when reversing in or out of a tight parking space.A Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) can apply corrective steering inputs if it detects that your Niro is beginning to drift outside of the lane.

2022 Kia Niro vs 2022 Toyota Prius

Comparing the Kia Niro with the Toyota Prius reveals some clear advantages for the Niro. Check out this helpful chart which highlights the advantages for Kia.

Comparing base trims of both the Niro and Prius, the Kia Niro offers a starting MSRP of over $1,000 compared to the Prius. Standard powertrain warranty coverage for the Niro is an impressive 10 years / 100,000 miles, which doubles that of the Toyota Prius. Kia Niro drivers will surely appreciate the great headroom in both the front and rear of the vehicle. Standard equipment on the Kia Niro includes dual zone temperature control and satellite radio, features that require higher trim levels of the Prius or not offered at all. After taking a closer look, the advantages for the Kia Niro become much more clear.

Trims & Specs

Niro LX

• Starting at $24,690 MSRP*
• 1.6L 4-cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System with Dual Clutch 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
• 53/48/50 EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined)**
• 8-inch Color Touch-Screen Display w/ AM/FM/USB Audio
• Wireless Android Auto™ / Wireless Apple CarPlay®
• Rear-View Camera w/ Dynamic Parking Guidelines

Niro LXS

• Starting at $26,090 MSRP*
• Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start, Remote Engine Start, and Immobilizer
• 16-inch Alloy Wheels w/ Partial Cover
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW) w/ Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
• Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)

Niro LXS Special Edition

• Starting at $27,590 MSRP*
• Cloth/Leather Seat Trim
• UVO link w/ 8-inch Color Touch-Screen Display and AM/FM/USB Audio
• 18-inch Alloy Wheels
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop and Go
• Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist w/ Cyclist Detection (FCA-Cyc)

Niro Touring Special Edition

• Starting at $29,890 MSRP*
• UVO link with 10.25-inch Touch-Screen Display, Voice-Command Navigation System, SiriusXM® Radio, and HD Radio™
• Harman Kardon® 8 Speaker Premium Sound System w/ Clari-Fi™ Technology and Integrated Subwoofer
• LED Projector Beam Headlights
• Leather Seat Trim
• Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C)

Niro EX Premium

• Starting at $31,990 MSRP*
• SynTex Seat Trim
• Heated/Ventilated Front Seats
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Parking Distance Warning - Reverse
• Heated Steering Wheel