New Kia Niro Review

The 2026 Niro is designed for those who prioritize range and fuel economy over raw speed. The standard Niro Hybrid utilizes a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. This marks a notable departure from the CVTs often found in hybrids.

The combination delivers a combined 139 horsepower. This setup is optimized for the city, where it achieves an EPA-estimated 53 MPG, making it a strong contender for the daily commute on Loop 101.

For those looking to move away from gasoline entirely, the Niro EV provides a more spirited drive. With 201 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles, it offers smooth, near-silent acceleration that feels well-suited for both surface streets and highway merging.

Despite its subcompact classification, the Niro is engineered with a "small on the outside, big on the inside" philosophy. It offers a class-leading 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat. The Niro Hybrid has 22.8 cubic feet of space in the cargo hold even when all of the seats are in use.

Niro’s Dual-Level" Floor allows you to lower the floor board to gain a few extra inches of vertical height for taller items. The higher position creates a flat load surface when the seats are folded down. The tailgate’s low lift-over height also simplifies loading groceries or gear for a weekend at Lake Pleasant.

The cabin of the 2026 Niro reflects Kia’s recent shift toward sustainable luxury. Higher trims offer SynTex synthetic leather and recycled materials. The layout is minimalist and organized, featuring a unique "integrated" aesthetic where the door trim appears to flow directly into the dashboard.

Available features like ventilated front seats provide necessary relief during the Arizona summer. An available heated steering wheel and heated front seats take care of cold days.

Passenger volume is estimated at 105 cubic feet. Even with a full cabin of five passengers, rear headroom and legroom are quite generous at 39.5 inches and 39.8 inches. This spaciousness makes 2nd-row adult passengers more comfortable. The wiggle room also makes it easier to install carseats for babies and toddlers.

Technology is a focal point of the Niro’s cockpit. Base models come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, while moving up to the EX trim introduces a 10.25-inch display with navigation.

Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ ensure seamless smartphone integration. The available dual-display panoramic interface combines the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into one sleek, curved panel. Kia Connect allows for remote climate control and "Find My Car" functionality, which is particularly useful in crowded Peoria shopping centers.

Smart Cruise Control slows and goes with traffic. When the dash tech includes navigation, it is upgraded to SCC with curve management. This coordinates between the navigation system and SCC, providing speed regulation on curves.

When it comes to preventing dangerous situations, the Niro excels. It's equipped with lane following assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a blind spot monitor, helping parents steer clear of side crashes. The forward collision warning autobrake also responds to dangers indicated by pedestrian or cyclist detection.

Drivers will appreciate the automatic high beams and speed limit assist. The rearview camera and cross traffic collision avoidance assist reduce the chances of a one- or two-car crash in parking lots.

With automatic emergency braking as a back-up to driver action, the Niro's standard forward collision avoidance system watches for potential car crashes and keeps an eye on pedestrians.

Available on higher trim levels, Highway Driving Assist is a semi-autonomous driving system that aids in highway driving.

Earnhardt Peoria Kia's finance department offers a range of financing options tailored to fit various budgets and credit situations. Our team is dedicated to helping customers secure the best possible financing for their Kia, making the car-buying process smooth and stress-free.

Get ready to feel the excitement of driving a Kia firsthand. Our friendly staff will guide you through the process, ensuring you get the most out of your test drive.