Kia has updated its Niro crossover with a bolder design and subtle interior enhancements, bringing it in line with the company’s latest design direction. The changes affect both the exterior and the cabin, though powertrains will remain largely the same.
Exterior Updates: A More Defined Look
The most noticeable changes are up front. The Niro now sports a more angular front grille and headlights inspired by Kia’s newer models like the Seltos, EV3, and EV9. The silver accent bar previously wrapping the hood has been reduced in size, giving the front a cleaner look.
Black plastic cladding on the sides is less prominent and now features a glossy finish, including the wheel arches. At the rear, the bumper has been redesigned, and the taillights are darker with thinner LED graphics. The overall effect is a more aggressive and modern appearance.
Interior Refresh: Streamlined and Tech-Forward
Inside, the Niro gets a redesigned dashboard with a single, large rectangular panel housing both the 12.3-inch infotainment and instrument screens. The center console remains largely unchanged but now uses matte grey plastic instead of the previous piano black finish, potentially reducing fingerprints and glare. The steering wheel has also been reshaped with a flatter top and bottom.
Powertrain Options: Familiar Choices
Kia will release full technical details in March, but the Niro is expected to retain its current powertrain options:
- Hybrid: A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Delivers 127bhp, 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, and a claimed 64.2mpg.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A boosted version with 168bhp and an 8.9kWh battery, offering up to 40 miles of electric range.
- Electric (EV): A single front-mounted motor producing 201bhp and a range of 285 miles.
The hybrid variant is the most popular among individual buyers, while the PHEV and EV models are primarily targeted at business fleets.
The Niro redesign represents a modest but effective refresh, aligning the model with Kia’s evolving design language while maintaining the core strengths that make it a popular choice for efficiency-minded consumers.
