2020 Kia Niro First Look

• Mid-cycle refresh includes exterior and interior enhancements
• Interior features optional paddle shifters and active regen braking control
• Lane-following and lane-keeping assist added
• Pricing will be announced in early 2020.
• Hybrid makes 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and 50 mpg combined
• PHEV makes 104 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque

The 2020 Kia Niro, the company’s popular hybrid compact crossover, returns for 2020 with only modest changes, which are largely cosmetic. These include new projector-type headlights and foglamps, a new diamond-pattern grille, and dual LED daytime running lights. As before, the Niro comes in three forms: a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and an EV. The EV receives no changes for 2020, the cosmetic enhancements applying only to the hybrid and the plug-in hybrid.

Hybrid, PHEV and EV availability

As before, the hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder combined with an electric motor between the engine and transmission. Total output is 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy of roughly 50 mpg combined, although the Touring model drops that figure a bit. The plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with a separate electric motor for 104 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque and a fuel economy rating of 46 mpg and an all-electric range of 26 miles. Kia’s Niro EV has a 64-kwH lithium-ion battery that makes 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque and boats 123 MPGe highway and 239 miles of range on a full charge.

The Niro maintains the sporty character we have enjoyed in previous models, with a nimble platform that makes it fun to drive when the road bends. Despite its relatively low horsepower and 3,000-pound weight, the Niro feels pretty quick, and the drive modes include a Sport setting that sharpens throttle response and firms up the steering. For 2020, Kia enhances that sporty vibe with optional paddle shifters, and adds regenerative braking control as well. We appreciate that Kia has avoided the trend toward CVTs in the Niro, and we’ve found that the transition between gasoline and electric power is seamless.

Crossover capability

A 4-door hatchback crossover, the Kia Niro has always had sort of a tall, rugged look, and the changes for 2020 enhance that. Aside from the changes to the lights mentioned above, for 2020 the sharp rear look is further strengthened with a wider and more pronounced faux rear skid plate. Kia also includes new 16- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs for 2020.

We greatly appreciated the 2019 Kia Niro’s cabin, with a clean and simple design and use of high-quality materials. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of rear-seat headroom and legroom for 6-footers. The Niro LX, just a bit more than the basic FE trim, includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, AM/FM SiriusXM audio and Bluetooth phone connectivity, among other things. For 2020, Kia has streamlined its display, with a restyled 7-inch instrumental cluster and 8-inch standard touchscreen display or optional navigation with a 10.25-inch screen and optional Harman Kardon premium audio system. Also included for 2020 is optional mood lighting with six different colors.

What kinds of driver assists does the 2020 Kia Niro offer?

The Niro has always been well equipped with driver assist technologies, including blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and smart cruise control. For 2020, the Niro adds Lane-Following and Lane-Keeping Assist as well as High-Beam Assist.

What’s the warranty on the 2020 Niro?

As with the 2019 models, the 2020 Kia Niro will include Kia’s excellent 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. One of its strongest competitors is the Toyota Prius, which boasts a better resale value, but we like the Kia’s looks and spunky character, and the 2019 model earned 4.4 stars out of a possible five from us.

How much does the 2020 Kia Niro cost?

Pricing is currently unavailable for the 2020 models, although we expect that prices will not jump considerably from the 2019 models, which ranged from $24,430 from the base Niro and $29,000 for the plug-in hybrid up to about $33,000 for a fully loaded base and a $37,000 for an EX premium plug-in.

Kia has yet to release information on the 2020 Niro EV but we don’t expect any significant changes over 2019, which was the EV’s first model year. The EV is also very limited, sold in only a dozen states.

Can’t wait for the updated Kia Niro? See what Niro models are available right now at a dealership near you.

More New and Redesigned Cars for 2020