After a complete design refresh for 2023, the 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid returns with its HabaNiro concept car styling cues. And why not? After all, as Paris Hilton would have said (probably), “It’s hot.”
The Niro is also available as a versatile plug-in hybrid and a pure electric car with an EPA-estimated range of up to 253 miles between charges. While the designs for each are largely the same, we’ll focus on the specifics of the Niro Hybrid here.
The first thing you may notice when walking up to the Niro is what Kia calls an “Aero Blade” on each side of the car behind the rear window. In the upper trims, they’re available painted in a contrast black. Aside from adding visual flair, the blades aid aerodynamics and even damp wind noise. Call it Henry’s choice, but you can choose only Graphite Gray or Steel Gray among nonpremium body colors.
Kia continues its “Opposites United” design language inside, too, where you’ll find eco-conscious materials and contrast-color upholstery above and below the beltline, giving the car an airier and more upscale look. But its spaciousness is not just a trick of the eye. The Niro fits 105.1 cubic feet of passenger volume into its compact SUV footprint and up to 63.7 feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
Despite its dynamic appearance, the Niro Hybrid won’t blow you away with performance specs, sporting 139 combined horsepower from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder powertrain. But that isn’t what the Niro Hybrid is about anyway, squeezing out 53 mpg in combined city and highway driving, which is all-around satisfactory in and out of town.
Five Trims Available
Kia builds the 2024 Niro in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring.
The base LX comes with dual-zone automatic climate control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility, which are features not always available in an entry-level model. An 8-inch touchscreen display and 6-speaker audio system handle infotainment, although it’s worth noting that Kia recommends using the smartphone’s voice commands for safer driving. Speaking of — the Kia Drive Wise safety suite supplies forward collision avoidance assist with car and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, driver attention monitoring, and more. It rides on 16-inch alloy wheels. The LX starts at $26,840. Kia also charges a mandatory $1,325 destination fee on all Niro Hybrid models.
The EX adds a bit of a price bump but more creature comforts like a vegan-leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, heated front seats, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar adjustment. SynTex vegan leather now trims the cloth seats in charcoal or light gray colors. Rain-sensing wipers guard the windshield, and the infotainment screen expands to 10.25 inches. Rear seat passengers will appreciate the air vents that appear at the EX level. Two more exterior paint colors, Cityscape Green and Mineral Blue, become available. The Niro Hybrid EX starts at $29,540.
Move up to the EX Touring, and LED fog lights and power-folding side mirrors with LED turn indicators will come standard. The EX Touring rides on larger 18-inch alloy wheels, which offer a higher ride height and sportier looks but come with a mileage penalty, earning only 45 mpg on the highway, dropping its combined rating to 49 mpg. Gloss black exterior molding adds a more sophisticated look. Inside, LED lighting makes an appearance, as well as more of the natural variety via a standard power sunroof. The alloy sport pedals look great; this is the lowest trim to carry them. The EX Touring starts at $31,840.
The SX trim starts to add near-luxury amenities like heated and ventilated SynTex front seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 7-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. A smart power tailgate opens automatically if you stand behind it with the key on your person. It’s not hands-free, but a Digital Key lets you use your smartphone to lock and unlock. The driver’s seat includes a memory function at this level. You must move up to at least the SX level to get the contrast-black aero blades, but only with the Cityscape Green and Mineral Blue colors. The SX starts at $32,940.
The top-of-the-line SX Touring adds LED projector headlights and regains the gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels and alloy sport pedals. It carries an MSRP of $35,240.
The best value in the Niro lineup is probably the EX Touring. But we’d be tempted to spend on the SX, at least, to access the available two-tone paint schemes.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Trims and Prices:
2024 Kia Niro LX: $26,840
- 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain with 139 hp and 195 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- LED daytime running lights and taillights
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Electronic parking brake with automatic hold
2024 Kia Niro EX: $29,540
- 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain with 139 hp and 195 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Roof rails
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rear A/C vents
2024 Kia Niro EX Touring: $31,840
- 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain with 139 hp and 195 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Sunroof
- Roof rails
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black with machined finish
- Exterior body cladding and trim, gloss black
- LED fog lights
- Power-folding side-view mirrors
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
2024 Kia Niro SX: $32,940
- 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain with 139 hp and 195 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Sunroof
- Smart power tailgate
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Roof rails
- Exterior body cladding and trim, gloss black
- Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated steering wheel
- LED fog lights
- LED interior lighting
2024 Kia Niro SX Touring: $35,240
- 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain with 139 hp and 195 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Sunroof
- Smart power tailgate
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Roof rails
- LED projector headlights and fog lights
- Exterior body cladding and trim, gloss black
- 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black with machined finish
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated steering wheel
- LED interior lighting
Ready to buy a Kia Niro Hybrid? Shop for one on sale now near you.
