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Kia Niro

4/5 Safety rating
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$17,956
Avg. listing price
Shop the 2021 Kia Niro
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX FWD
    Avg. price
    $15,639
    MPG
    53 City / 48 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • LXS FWD
    Avg. price
    $18,173
    Range
    26 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • Touring FWD
    Avg. price
    $17,418
    Range
    239 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • Touring SE FWD
    Avg. price
    $19,742
    MPG
    46 City / 40 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • EX Premium FWD
    Avg. price
    $19,887
    MPG
    51 City / 46 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs

Notable features

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto now standard
  • Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric versions offered
  • Five-seat hatchback body style
  • Automatic emergency braking available

The good & the bad

The good

  • Fuel economy
  • Outward visibility
  • Excellent rear headroom and legroom
  • Low cargo load-in height

The bad

  • All-wheel drive not offered
  • Interior plastic
  • Wireless smartphone connectivity not offered with larger touchscreen
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Kia Niro review

Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article

What Is the 2021 Kia Niro?

A four-door hatchback that seats five, the Kia Niro is available with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric drivetrain, all with front-wheel drive. Competitors include the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Hyundai Kona EV.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Niro?

A rear-seat reminder is now standard, and models with the 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system now have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Kia Niro Are Most Important?

  • Choice of fuel-efficient drivetrains
  • Power sunroof available 
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning standard
  • Heated and ventilated front seats available
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen available  
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo available 
  • Wireless device charging available 
  • Available automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control 

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Niro?

If you’re in the market for a spacious, fuel-efficient small hatchback with seating for five, the Niro is worth a look. EPA-estimated gas mileage of up to 50 mpg combined for the hybrid version makes it a frugal choice, while the available electric version lets you skip the gas pump altogether.

2021 Kia Niro review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Niro?

A four-door hatchback that seats five, the Kia Niro is available with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric drivetrain, all with front-wheel drive. Competitors include the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Hyundai Kona EV.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Niro?

A rear-seat reminder is now standard, and models with the 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system now have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Kia Niro Are Most Important?

  • Choice of fuel-efficient drivetrains
  • Power sunroof available 
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning standard
  • Heated and ventilated front seats available
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen available  
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo available 
  • Wireless device charging available 
  • Available automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control 

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Niro?

If you’re in the market for a spacious, fuel-efficient small hatchback with seating for five, the Niro is worth a look. EPA-estimated gas mileage of up to 50 mpg combined for the hybrid version makes it a frugal choice, while the available electric version lets you skip the gas pump altogether.

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Kia Niro base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
Combined side rating front seat
Combined side rating rear seat
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
Overall side crash rating
Rollover rating
Side barrier rating
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
12.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
12.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Battery
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Dealer certification
135 Point Inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    3.3
    Kia Niro
    Starts at
    $24,690
    2021 Kia Niro
    MPG
    53 City / 48 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Warranty
    -
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2022
    5.0
    Kia Niro
    Starts at
    $24,690
    2022 Kia Niro
    Range
    26 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Warranty
    -
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.8
    Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
    Starts at
    $23,600
    2022 Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
    MPG
    58 City / 60 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Warranty
    60 month/60,000 miles (FLT)
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.8
    Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
    Starts at
    $28,500
    2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
    Range
    26 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Warranty
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2025
    Hyundai KONA EV
    Starts at
    $32,975
    2025 Hyundai KONA EV
    Range
    230 - 261 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Warranty
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Engine
    Electric
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.2
    Hyundai ELANTRA HEV
    Starts at
    $24,550
    2023 Hyundai ELANTRA HEV
    MPG
    53 City / 56 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Warranty
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Engine
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
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    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

66% of drivers recommend this car
Based on 3 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
3.7
Interior
4.3
Performance
3.3
Value
3.3
Exterior
3.7
Reliability
3.7

Most recent

  • By Niro in Florida
    Owns this car
    May 21, 2024

    I bought the 2021 Niro Touring SE in Solar Orange about a

    I bought the 2021 Niro Touring SE in Solar Orange about a month ago. So far I am absolutely LOVING it. I have already driven on 4 mini-road trips (2-3 hours highway each way) and average ~42 MPG. I am averaging closer to 48mpg in the city. It is so comfortable, has tons of safety features, just enough storage space and very roomy for passengers. I personally love the bright orange paint color, it stands out and the black leather interior has matching orange accents for a sporty and fun look. I just smile every time I get in it. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but in "sport mode" it really gets up to speed quickly and I don't feel unsafe competing for space on the highway or boosting my speed quickly to out of a bad situation. I love this car so much so far, feel I got a great deal compared to cars of similar age/mileage, and am absolutely loving the 40+ mpg with all the driving I do. Would highly recommend to anyone considering a Niro :-)
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By I want to buy from San Bernardino California
    Owns this car
    October 16, 2023

    I want to buy

    I want to know if the Kia Niro CL is available at a basic level with no extras included that will be added to the listed price. what is the price saversge price starting at 2021. I read about many problems with the 3018 and 2020 models - are there any issues with the 2021
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    1.0
    Interior
    3.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    1.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    0 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Ileen from carnegie pa
    Owns this car
    May 25, 2021

    Reliable - sporty - great mileage.

    traded in my 2018 for the 2021 version. If I didnt like it, I would not have gotten the same model. Great company & salesman.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    4.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Latest Niro stories

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Kia dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Kia Niro?

The 2021 Kia Niro is available in 5 trim levels:

  • EX Premium (1 style)
  • LX (1 style)
  • LXS (1 style)
  • Touring (1 style)
  • Touring SE (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Niro?

The 2021 Kia Niro offers up to 53 MPG in city driving and 48 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Kia Niro?

The 2021 Kia Niro compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Kia Niro reliable?

The 2021 Kia Niro has an average reliability rating of 3.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Kia Niro owners.

Is the 2021 Kia Niro a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Kia Niro. 66.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.3 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.7
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 3.3
  • Value: 3.3
  • Exterior: 3.7
  • Reliability: 3.7

Kia Niro history

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