The automotive world has many dramatic and interesting vehicles that fill niches. But most Americans need something simple, practical, and flexible. They need basic transportation that’s pleasant to use, won’t overstretch their budget and, maybe, includes a few stylish touches and user-friendly technologies that make it feel current.
For their consideration, we submit the Kia Niro. For the good of your budget, it costs less than the average car, comes with a 10-year powertrain warranty to ward off repair expenses for a decade, and comes as a fuel-sipping hybrid, an even more efficient plug-in hybrid, and an electric vehicle (EV).
It has a bit of style in the form of contrast-color “aero-blades” that Kia claims are there to reduce wind noise. We suspect their real purpose is to make an otherwise ho-hum car look cool. It has the storage space of a small SUV. And its cabin is surprisingly sharp, with a pair of screens mounted to look like one widescreen and the option of cool aluminum-look pedals.
If it came in all-wheel drive (AWD), we could call it the pocket-size Swiss army knife of vehicles. Sadly, it’s still limited to front-wheel drive (FWD), but that will comfortably meet buyers’ needs in most states.
The Niro will see almost no changes for the 2025 model year. In a press release, Kia announces new rear-seat seatbelt pre tensioners, and says the Cold Weather Package is now standard on PHEV SX Touring trims. That’s it for changes.
The company has also announced pricing on every Niro but the electric one.
2025 Kia Niro Pricing:
With little change, prices stay almost identical for the new model year. All prices include a $1,375 destination charge.
| Model | 2024 MSRP + Destination Charge | MSRP + Destination Charge | Price Change |
| Niro Hybrid LX | $28,315 | $28,365 | $50 |
| Niro Hybrid EX | $31,015 | $31,165 | $150 |
| Niro Hybrid EX Touring | $33,315 | $33,465 | $150 |
| Niro Hybrid SX | $34,415 | $34,365 | -$50 |
| Niro Hybrid SX Touring | $36,715 | $36,765 | $50 |
| Niro Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) EX | $35,765 | $35,865 | $100 |
| Niro PHEV SX Touring | $41,515 | $42,165 | $650 |
