Updated Kia Niro crossover reaches the American market

As in other regions, the refreshed subcompact crossover will be offered to Americans only with a HEV powertrain — neither an EV nor a plug-in hybrid will be available. Sales in the States will begin before the end of this summer.

The Koreans introduced the small Niro crossover in 2016, and it switched generations in the fall of 2021. The model underwent a refresh this year: at the end of January, its exterior and interior were unveiled, with a full presentation on the home market held in March. In May, the refreshed crossover reached Europe, and now a version intended for the American market has appeared.

The updated Kia Niro for the US is built on the same template as versions for other markets: this applies to the exterior in the brand’s new corporate style and the interior with different 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard. In addition, this also affected the model’s “innards”: the refreshed crossover here will also be offered only with a HEV powertrain, which, judging by everything, carried over from the pre-facelift version unchanged.

The company noted that the hybrid system is based on a four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine (105 hp) working in tandem with a 44-hp electric motor, with a combined output of 141 hp and peak torque of 264 Nm. The engine is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and drive is front-wheel.

The hybrid compact crossover takes 10.7 seconds to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 175 km/h. The range of the updated Kia Niro intended for the American market has likely remained at the previous level, totaling 946 km (calculated under the EPA cycle).

It is worth noting that the plug-in hybrid version was already dropped from the US lineup in the pre-facelift Niro, as became known in February 2026. For reference, the combined output of that system was 183 hp (264 Nm), the range on electric power alone was 53 km, and the range in hybrid mode was 821 km.

Now the electric version is also leaving the American Kia Niro lineup. It was equipped with only one 204-hp electric motor (peak torque — 255 Nm) mounted on the front axle, as well as a traction battery with a capacity of 64.8 kWh, providing a range of 407 km on a single charge. This step can be explained by Kia’s decision to “clear the way” for its next-generation electric vehicles.

The company noted that the 2027 model year crossover has had its suspension retuned, cabin sound insulation improved, and the list of driver assistance systems revised. It is also known that the LX, EX, and SX trims in the model’s lineup will be joined by a new S version. Prices and the exact start date of sales will be announced later. It is known that the updated Kia Niro will appear on the American market before the end of summer 2026.

Note that, according to the brand’s official US website, the starting price of the pre-facelift Kia Niro Hybrid is $27,390 (equivalent to approximately 2.12 million rubles at the current exchange rate), while the top version costs at least $35,790 (about 2.77 million rubles).