Kia has revealed an updated version of its eco-friendly crossover, the Niro, now exclusively available as a hybrid model. The Niro EV has been discontinued as part of Kia’s strategic shift towards dedicated electric vehicles.
The South Korean automaker will begin accepting orders for the refreshed Niro in South Korea starting Tuesday. This facelifted model arrives four years after the second-generation Niro was initially launched in January 2022.
The upgraded Niro boasts impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 20.2 kilometers per liter in its hybrid configuration – a leading figure in its class. It is equipped with a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain, delivering 141 horsepower and 277.0 kilogram-meters of torque.
According to Kia, the new Niro prioritizes enhanced convenience, safety features, and digital connectivity to provide a superior overall driving experience.
The Niro was first introduced by Kia in March 2016 and established as the company’s flagship eco-conscious vehicle.
“When the Niro first appeared, eco-friendly cars still felt unfamiliar and somewhat distant to many people,” stated Jung Won-jung, Vice President of Kia Corp., at a media preview held in Seoul on Monday. “The Niro represented Kia’s initial move towards an electrified future, bringing the value of sustainability to our customers’ daily lives.”
Since its initial release, the Niro model has achieved cumulative global sales exceeding 1.2 million units, as stated by Jung, solidifying its position as a key electrified vehicle within Kia’s lineup.
Kia has also confirmed the discontinuation of the EV version with this updated Niro release.
“The Niro EV, previously offered, has been discontinued,” confirmed Jung Yoon-kyung, a senior manager within Kia’s marketing team. “We intend to sell the remaining inventory that is currently available.”
She further explained that this decision aligns with Kia’s overarching strategy to concentrate on its dedicated electric vehicle models.
“Kia is heavily focused on electrification. Starting with the EV3 and continuing through EV9, we have a range of vehicles showcasing strong electrification capabilities and enhanced product competitiveness,” she stated. “To further concentrate on these specific models, the decision was made to discontinue the (Niro EV).”
Addressing potential concerns regarding overlap between the redesigned Seltos, which was launched in January, and the Niro within the subcompact SUV segment, Kia clarified that the two models are designed to complement one another. The Seltos is available in both gasoline and hybrid variants.
“The Niro and Seltos are complementary models,” clarified Jung. “The Seltos caters to customers seeking a more traditional SUV aesthetic and bold styling, while the Niro appeals to drivers prioritizing a relatively lower ride height, enhanced fuel efficiency, and a more refined and streamlined design.”
The Niro hybrid is priced starting at 28.85 million won ($19,302) for the base Trendy trim, after accounting for eco-friendly vehicle tax incentives. The Prestige trim is priced at 31.95 million won, while the top-tier Signature trim is available for 34.6 million won.
This SUV will be offered in a selection of seven exterior colors, including the newly introduced ivory silver, alongside three distinct interior color palettes.
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