2027 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro powertrain lineup has been pared down to its most essential and affordable: it’s a hybrid only. No more plug-in hybrid or full battery electric variants. For 2027, Kia freshens the face of its smallest crossover SUV to fall in line with larger offerings, which includes the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos that comes with available all-wheel drive (AWD). Exterior updates include vertical running lights, a broader and more vertical front fascia, and a new rear end with boomerang-like taillights and an integrated roof spoiler.

The 5-seater carries on with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid system in front-wheel drive (FWD) only. Inside, the dash stretches low and horizontal like other Kia models. Most models have dual 12.3-inch screens with wireless smartphone projection and a climate panel with knobs and haptic buttons. A mechanical gear shifter still eats up space in the center console but overall the Niro makes good use of its small footprint, with more rear legroom than many larger, compact SUVs.

Offered in five trims and with a starting price below $30,000, the Kia Niro is a relative bargain at the dealership and on the road, where the hybrid makes fewer stops at gas stations. It’s not as efficient as the Toyota Prius, and it lacks AWD, unlike the Subaru Crosstrek, but historically it has been priced right. Pricing has not been announced yet for 2027.

In addition to the 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2027 Niro comes with basic conveniences such as power windows and locks, keyless entry, four USB-C ports, cloth upholstery, and manual seats. Step up to the new S trim for heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and adaptive cruise control. Every Niro rolls on 16-inch wheels, though 18-inchers are available on the top tier SX Touring, but you’ll lose a few mpg.

Native navigation, a surround-view camera system, and more advanced driver-assist systems are available.

Before buying a 2027 Kia Niro, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The hybrid system carries over with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor that combine to make 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed dual-clutch automatic sends power to the front wheels only.

Kia said it refined the suspension tuning and ride comfort, while isolating the cabin to make it quieter. (We’ll update this preview to a review of how it drives once we get seat time.)

Regenerative braking paddles offer four levels of regen to let drivers recapture energy or coast like a typical gas car. The EPA rates it at 53 mpg city, 46 highway, 50 combined.

The Niro adopts the low, wide, horizontal dash of other Kia SUVs though it’s not as open and airy as the new Kia EV3 small electric SUV.  The base trim has a 4-inch digital cluster, while the rest of the lineup has a 12.3-inch cluster that merges with the touchscreen.

The cabin as a whole is one of the roomiest in the small SUV class. It has five seats but fits four adults in comfort. Rear legroom measures out to 39.8 inches, which not only outsizes the Toyota Corolla Cross but it’s also larger than the best-selling Toyota RAV4’s 37.4 inches of legroom. Cargo room is also a big advantage for the Niro, with 22.8 cubic feet behind the second row of seats, which is good for four carry-ons. Fold the seats down and it expands to 63.7 cubes. Dogs appreciate it as much as their drivers.