Refreshed 2027 Kia Niro Gains New Tech Features, Loses EV Version
What Car Shoppers Need to Know
- Kia’s Niro compact hybrid hatchback is refreshed for 2027 with new tech and safety features along with updated styling.
- The Niro lineup has been pared down to only the traditional hybrid version; the Niro EV and Niro Plug-in Hybrid have been discontinued.
- Pricing and additional details will be released closer to the 2027 Niro’s on-sale date later in the summer.
The Kia Niro is a practical compact that splits the difference between a traditional compact hatchback and a subcompact SUV. It gets a smart refresh for 2027 that brings some desirable new features, but its lineup has been pared down to only the hybrid version — the Niro EV and PHEV have been discontinued.
Related: These SUVs Have the Best MPG for 2026
The Niro’s freshened exterior styling brings its looks more in line with the rest of Kia’s lineup, highlighted by the distinctive signature of its daytime running lights. The most noteworthy updates, however, are on the inside.
Fresh Dashboard Design, New Tech and Safety Features
The dashboard is revamped to include a panoramic curved display panel that integrates the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, like other current Kias. In place of the previous Niro’s 8-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreens, it pairs a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (a 4-inch digital cluster is standard).
The standard forward collision warning system has been expanded to include detection for cyclists and oncoming traffic, and the standard lane-centering steering feature now includes a hands-on detection sensor that monitors the driver’s engagement with the steering wheel. Newly available is Kia’s Highway Drive Assist 2, a lane-centering adaptive cruise control system. The top-line SX Touring trim gets a 360-degree surround-view camera display and Kia’s handy blind spot view monitor, which displays a live video-camera view of the left or right side of the car when the according turn signal is activated.
The Niro’s front-wheel-drive, 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain carries over unchanged; it continues to use a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and makes a combined 139 horsepower. Kia says its engineers refined the Niro’s suspension for ride comfort and took measures to improve its cabin quietness, however.
Likely Still a Solid Value
The discontinuation of the Niro EV is somewhat disappointing, as was the dropping of the Niro’s plug-in hybrid version after the 2025 model year, but it’s understandable. The Niro EV’s electric powertrain wasn’t as up to date in terms of charging speed or driving range as other current EVs, including Kia’s own EV6, a compact electric SUV with available all-wheel drive. And the 2026 Niro EV’s starting price is actually higher than the EV6, which saw significant price reductions for the 2026 model year.
Even with its reduced roster, however, the Niro remains a favorite of Cars.com editors. We named the current-generation Niro our Best Car of 2023 for its efficiency, affordability and likable personality; the refreshed 2027 Niro looks like it will continue those virtues while delivering welcome improvements.
Though it doesn’t offer AWD like traditional subcompact and compact SUVs do, the Niro’s tallish body height sets it apart from the average compact hatchback. The 2026 Niro is one of the most efficient cars you can buy under $35,000 — it’s EPA-rated at 49-53 mpg combined depending on the trim, which tops the 42-mpg combined rating of the AWD-only Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The 2027 Niro’s fuel-economy numbers haven’t been released yet, but they shouldn’t change much, if at all, from the 2026 model’s.
As long as Kia doesn’t raise the prices dramatically (and we don’t expect that the company will), the 2027 Niro will continue to be one of the more affordable fuel-efficient vehicles you can buy. We’ll know more details when Kia releases the 2027 Niro’s pricing closer to its on-sale date later in the summer.
Read More About the Kia Niro on Cars.com:
- How Much Is the 2026 Kia Niro?
- How Much Is the 2026 Kia Niro EV?
- Breaking Down the 2025 Kia Niro EV’s Crazy $159 Lease Deal
- Affordably Electrified: 2025 Kia Niro Starts at $28,365, PHEV at $35,865
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