Four years after its initial debut, the Kia Niro has received a bold mid-life upgrade to reclaim its position amidst fierce competition from rivals.
Abandoning its previously controversial design, the 2026 Kia Niro embraces a more neutral and contemporary aesthetic. The most striking change is at the front, featuring elevated headlights seamlessly integrated into the slender “tiger nose” grille, complemented by Kia’s signature Star Map daytime running lights.
Notably, Kia has removed the contrasting C-pillar, a divisive design element, opting instead for a sleek, cohesive profile from front to rear. The redesigned taillights are more compact, no longer extending to the roofline, while the new rear bumper and silver diffuser enhance the SUV’s stability and sophistication.
Inside, Kia has overhauled the cabin, transitioning from an angled dashboard to a modern horizontal layout. The centerpiece is a large curved display housing dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, positioned behind a new two-spoke steering wheel. However, unlike recent Kia models, the Niro retains a touch-sensitive climate control panel instead of physical dials, blending audio and temperature adjustments. Practical elements like the asymmetrical center console and rotary gear selector from the previous model remain, ensuring user-friendliness.
Under the hood, while full specifications are pending, the Niro is expected to continue offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The Hybrid variant likely pairs a 1.6L Smartstream engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 141 horsepower. The PHEV is anticipated to feature an upgraded battery, extending its all-electric range to better compete with Chinese hybrid rivals, which currently lead in pricing and battery technology.
The future of the all-electric Niro (BEV) is uncertain. With Kia’s recent launch of the EV2 as an affordable electric option, the Niro EV appears less competitive in terms of charging technology and range.
The Niro EV faces significant uncertainty. Kia’s revamped electric lineup, headlined by the EV2, positions the Niro EV as less appealing due to its inferior range and charging capabilities. Maintaining a BEV with lower specifications within the same product range seems strategically questionable.
Kia is set to unveil detailed specifications and configurations of the 2026 Niro in South Korea this March.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
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