Kia may have a new Seltos Hybrid on the way later this summer, but the fate of the company’s original subcompact hybrid, the Niro, has been hanging in the balance ever since the demise of its plug-in hybrid variant last year. This week, the company finally confirmed that it is, indeed, living on for now.
Meet the 2027 Niro, complete with updated styling inside and out that mirrors the refresh already received by other markets last year. On the outside, the company’s “Opposites United” design motif gets a massage with new vertical DRLs, a more upright nose, and new lines sculpted into the hood. Its side profile remains largely unchanged aside from new wheel designs and wheel arch cladding, but the signature Aero Blade C-pillar treatment appears to have gone body color-only. In fact, Kia doesn’t even mention the Aero Blade in its press release, so it is safe to say the two-tone look won’t be returning.
The Niro’s tailgate has been completely redone, with the license plate now mounted on the bumper, giving the trunk a cleaner look. The cool boomerang-style taillights go three-dimensional with the company’s latest multi-level LED strips, and overall, the look is more mature.
What you won’t find back there any longer is a tailgate that doesn’t include an “HEV” badge. Just like the PHEV, Kia is sending the all-electric variant off to automotive heaven to make room for the new, more modern EV3. RIP.
That hybrid powertrain carries over unchanged. Combining a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric motor, the Niro will continue to be one of the most efficient vehicles on the market. It remains front-wheel drive only.
The EPA has not released fuel economy figures for the 2027 model, but previous years were rated at up to 53 mpg combined. Its more rugged counterpart, the Seltos Hybrid, uses a new setup with two electric motors and optional e-AWD, which might give it the edge for buyers in more volatile climates.
Inside, this refresh puts the Niro in the same ranks as Kia models like the Carnival, EV6, K5, Sportage, and Sorento. These vehicles, in their current generations, were all launched during the same era for Kia interior design, meaning their refreshes incorporate a mix of old and new elements.
For example, the Niro now gets the ccNC infotainment system with wireless phone projection and sharper dual 12.3-inch screens, but it retains the row of touch-capacitive controls below the main screen that can switch between climate and media usage.
Models that were launched more recently, such as the EV9, K4, and second-generation Seltos, include a smaller screen between the two 12.3-inch units that strictly handles climate control. You won’t find that here.
Pricing for the 2027 Niro isn’t available yet, but don’t expect it to rise much above $28,885, which gets you into a 2026 model today. Sales commence before the end of this year.
