2023 Kia Niro | Review & Road Test

For the latest Kia Niro pricing and information:

For 2023 the Kia Niro is all-new, it sports a fresh look inside and out, and it's offered in 3 versions. There’s the original-recipe Niro hybrid, a spicy Niro plug-in hybrid, and a fully-electric Niro EV.

Unlike its electric kin, the Kia EV6, the Kia Niro EV’s battery is not built with speedy 800v recharge abilities. So, using a DC quick charger, the Niro EV achieves a 10% to 80% charge in about 43 minutes, whereas the EV6 takes as little as 18 minutes.

The Hybrid and the plug-in hybrid each employ a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. And, despite looking a bit like an SUV, all-wheel drive is not offered on any Niro model. It’s front-wheel drive across the lineup.

As for price, a basic hybrid Niro LX trim costs $26,490 plus $1,295 in destination charges. For that price you get dual-zone automatic climate control, 7 airbags, a full suite of active driver assist tech including collision warning, lane keeping assist, and blindspot warning, plus an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All higher trims feature a 10.25” screen.

While the standard Niro hybrid is offered in a comparatively simple LX trim, the Niro Plug-in hybrid and EV, start at higher trim levels. More features and bigger batteries mean more money. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid starts at $33,740 not including destination charges.

The competitive set varies depending on which Niro you’re considering. The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Honda CR-V hybrid, or maybe even the Prius might earn your attention. And among EVs there’s the Chevy Bolt, Hyundai Kona Electric, and VW ID.4. But if you like your efficiency & ergonomic pragmatism cocooned in sassy styling, the Kia Niro is likely to please.

00:00 2023 Kia Niro Review
0:32 Engine Choices
1:26 Niro Hybrid Driving Impressions
3:21 Niro EV Driving Impressions
5:05 Interior
6:35 Pricing & Infotainment
9:14 Competitors

[CapELarry]

That interior is a massive upgrade from the last gen. Well done.

[jadens.]

I love Micah's reviews! Peppy, entertaining, and truly informative! Great work man

[BrendenPragasam]

I remember the first generation was famous for having an msrp around the 20k mark. Thats a depressing big 6k price difference.

[danhall]

I have a 2019 Niro PHEV, a great easy to drive city car, decent on highway as well. Interior is quite nice, very spacious feeling (actually feels more spacious than our 22 Outback) with excellent visibility in all directions. With flat folding seats the cargo area can handle a lot of gear and even a full size road or mt bike (with front wheel off). Its not a powerhouse but no problem getting over 3, 000' passes here in WA.
Although 2019 PHEV is rated at 26 mpg I (and most other owners typically get 28-32 miles / charge. Also the highway mileage on both HEV and PHEV typically exceed EPA rating.
Gen 2 has some nice improvements but not enough to entice me to spring for a new one -- assuming one could find one.

[winstonmcse]

thanks Micah, great review and very informative as my 22 yr old car was put to rest, I am now looking forward to purchasing a Hybrid!!!

[johnnyk]

good subtle improvement is very nice. I have the 2019 touring HEV and it's a perfect commuter or long distance hauler. with a hitch, I can haul things to/from the dump and home depot. easily carry bikes both inside and out with a bike rack, and roof top box can further expand the storage space. during warmer months, i am averaging 50+MPG but drastically drops during colder months and hwy driving. if it wasn't for the high markup, i would have already upgraded to PHEV. Niro is the best commuter/utility vehicle for the $$.

[JWFas]

It's a shame they didn't make it e-AWD standard. It would be serious competition for the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

[salnger]

I'm pretty sure if you long-pull on the left hand paddle the car will switch to iPedal mode, which is Kia's one pedal driving mode. That's how it works on my EV6 and I've seen other reviews of the Niro EV confirming it works the same way.

[MDKN]

I'll absolutely take a vehicle made in South Korea. One car I used to own and one I own now (hint, it's a Hyundai) were both made in South Korea and they've been so damn reliable, despite apparently having "poor" reliability scores. It seems the Americans and Mexicans don't build reliable or trustworthy cars.

[AllStars]

It seems like sticking to the Volvo XC40 is still the best idea. Another reviewer said that when the A/C is on, the drain on the engine is noticeable and the A/C never gets the cockpit cooled enough.

[mutestingray]

Oh I just noticed: piano black interior? No way.

[sentiencepsn]

Surprised by the omission of any awd options. For those of us living in adverse climate regions, it’s just a mandatory piece of mind requirement that - unlike some things like tires, the owner can’t just add themselves aftermarket.

[TnTteam]

There is a dedicated home button On the Niro Ev, Really in all of the New Kia Models and it is the star (Favorite) button. You can set that button to have quick and direct access to what ever menu you want it to go to.

[rahuljayachandran]

The front end looks good but the rear end not so Gr8 but still all in all a nice looking car. Btw Loved the review. Thanks.

[futurepaver]

I don't just dislike any new crossover that doesn't have a back window (C-pillar), I HATE it!! I find it to be a HUGE blindspot issue and if nothing else, makes it look more hatchbacky. I'd buy the old Niro.

[bl-swsl]

our friend bought a 2024 new it stopped running on her way home from the dealership, after 3 months at KIA the dealership could not get it running and gave her a refund

[DestroyerOfWords]

I've had four KIA's and loved them all.
EXCEPT that with the 2023 Niro EX, the door button on the driver's side does not work consistently. It is frustrating as hell, constantly pressing the button over and over.
I took it to the dealer 3x and they really gave me the run around and lectured me it was my fault--knowing damn well this is a known problem since at least 2017.
Basically, KIA refuses to support the dealership with this issue. This leads me to wonder what else is instore.
Aside from that I've been very, very, happy with all my KIA purchases and good quality. So far.

[tsmatthx]

Um, why does the plug in hybrid have worse mpg than the non plugin? Makes no sense

[scottfromboston]

Anyone know if any of the NIRO models automatically connect to Apple CarPlay without a USB cord?

[diegomontoya]

Everytime I see a KIA Niro EV, I think the same thing: Why didn't KIA allow the north American market to get the KIA Soul EV? It is the best version of the KIA Soul and it already looks like and drives like a KIA Soul, which is a much better car than the Niro. Let's be honest, the Niro was made to compete with the Prius. It is a utilitarian livery mobile, that is focused on side hustle ride sharing and making it as efficient as possible. Unfortunately, those same hallmarks have left it completely soulless. Added to that, it is still made in Korea, not Georgia, so KIA is not reaping any build and ship efficiency over the Korean made Soul. So, at that point, why?