Efficiency is one of the primary factors to consider when you’re shopping for a hybrid car. Hybridization is becoming an increasingly popular option for many consumers because of the immense cost savings without having to sacrifice performance or utility. Thanks to this demand, together with the realization that a full electric transition is basically unattainable within the next decade, brands are making a concerted effort to invest more in gasoline-electric hybrid technologies. Of course, they’re placing a much bigger focus on the electrification aspect, as many companies have already reached the peak of their engine development programs.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.6L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
139 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
195 lb-ft
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
53/54/53 mpg
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Kia
- Model
-
Niro
If fuel economy is a primary priority for you when looking for a gasoline-electric hybrid compact SUV, we can’t deny that the Kia Niro is the best option for you to consider. The Niro is essentially an elevated hatchback that more suits the crossover segment, but it still excels at offering impressive practicality and versatility. Granted, it’s not the most practical or thrilling option, but if your priority is to lower your monthly gasoline bill, there’s not going to be a better option than this quirky little crossover.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Kia and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, CarEdge, iSeeCars, and J.D. Power.
The Kia Niro Hybrid – 53 MPG Combined
It Wins The Efficiency Game With Incredible Savings
According to the EPA, the Kia Niro Hybrid is the most cost-effective Korean SUV that you can consider if you’re looking to save big time on your monthly fuel bill. The EPA estimates that the base LX trim will consume 53/54/53 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle, making it one of the most efficient hybrids you can consider in the entire new vehicle market. The 11.1-gallon tank and compact 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack also let you cover an impressive 588-mile range in between refuels, adding to its prospects as a long-distance traveler.
The EPA also indicates that you can expect to enjoy $4,000 worth of fuel savings over five years. You can also expect to spend $850 to refuel it, $1.48 to drive 25 miles, and $35 to fill the tank up.
Kia Niro Hybrid Fuel Efficiency Specs
|
FE |
Hybrid |
|
|
City |
53 MPG |
53 MPG |
|
Highway |
54 MPG |
45 MPG |
|
Combined |
53 MPG |
49 MPG |
|
Range |
588 Miles |
544 Miles |
|
Five-Year Savings |
$4,000 |
$3,500 |
|
Average Fuel Cost |
$900 |
$950 |
|
Cost To Drive 25 Miles |
$1.48 |
$1.60 |
|
Cost To Fill Tank (11.1 Gallons) |
$35 |
$35 |
Kia fits the Touring models with a larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels, which negatively affects its EPA-estimated efficiency and range figures. The result is a 53/45/49 MPG estimate, a 544-mile range claim, and $3,500 worth of fuel savings over five years. All things considered, these are still really impressive and competitive results when compared to its main rivals. This model will cost you around $950 to refuel and $1.60 to cover 25 miles. For reference, the rest of the range comes fitted with a set of 16-inch alloy aerodynamic wheels.
Attractively Low Running Costs Add To The Package
According to Edmunds, you can expect to spend $42,221 on the base Kia Niro LX trim, making it the cheapest new hybrid crossover that you can own in 2025. This figure includes $6,735 on insurance, $4,363 on maintenance, $670 on repairs, $3,470 on taxes, $5,384 on financing, $14,657 on depreciation, and $6,942 on fuel.
Kia Niro True Ownership Cost
CarEdge indicates that the Kia Niro will cost $38,546 to own over five years and 60,000 miles, with $15,851 going towards depreciation, $9,790 to insurance, $4,360 to fuel, $5,895 to interest, and $2,650 to maintenance.
It’s Not The Most Thrilling Crossover To Drive
139 Horsepower Doesn’t Get You Where You Need To Be Quickly
When considering a new Kia Niro Hybrid, you can expect amazing fuel consumption returns, but not the most amazing performance figures. The model features a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with one full parallel permanent-magnet motor fitted between a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All this gets you is a combined 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque sent to the front wheels, resulting in a claimed 8.9-second 0-60 MPH time and 101 MPH top speed. The ICE is a fairly simple powertrain that features a 16-valve dual overhead cam configuration with variable valve timing and a relatively high 14.0:1 compression ratio.
2025 Kia Niro Hybrid Performance Specifications
| Setup | 1.6-liter Four-Cylinder with Single Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Six-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Horsepower | 139 HP |
| Torque | 195 LB-FT |
| Battery | 11.1 kWh |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.9 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 101 MPH |
| Fuel Economy | 53 MPG Combined |
This is the exact same configuration that the brand applied to the first-generation model, which launched back in 2017. It’s a fairly reliable powertrain thanks to its high-pressure die-cast aluminum casting. J.D. Power backs the Niro Hybrid with an impressive 77/100 consumer-verified overall score, which includes. 77/100 for quality and reliability, 75/100 for the driving experience, 82/100 for resale, and 74/100 for the dealership experience. iSeeCars awards the same model 8.0/10 for retained value, indicating that it will lose $12,714 or 47.1 percent of its value after five years and 60,000 miles.
How Much A 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid Costs
Kia offers the Niro Hybrid in five different trims, starting with the LX, which it prices at $26,990. Following this are the $29,790 EX, $32,090 EX Touring, $32,990 SX, and the flagship $35,390 SX Touring. As standard, all models come fitted with dual-zone climate control, manually adjustable front seats, woven cloth upholstery, and black metallic accent trims.
2025 Kia Niro Hybrid Pricing
| LX | $26,990 |
| EX | $29,790 |
| EX Touring | $32,090 |
| SX | $32,990 |
| SX Touring | $35,390 |
You also get an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a six-speaker audio system. The more premium trims include:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- An electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- SynTex and cloth combination or full SynTex upholstery
- Gloss black interior accents
- LED interior lighting
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Higher trims also enjoy a wireless smartphone charger, access to the Kia Connect App, and voice recognition.
The Kia Niro Hybrid’s Spacious Interior
The Kia Niro may be a compact crossover, but it still offers some impressive interior dimensions, making it a relatively practical option for smaller families. Key dimensions include a 40.5-inch headroom space in the front and 39.6 inches at the rear. The front row gets 41.5 inches of legroom, while the rear bench has to make do with 39.8 inches. Where interior practicality is concerned, the Kia Niro Hybrid features enough seating for five people, including the driver. It also gets all-electric windows, a 60/40 split rear bench, and several storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin.
2025 Kia Niro Hybrid Interior Dimensions
| Front | Rear | |
| Headroom | 40.5 Inches | 39.6 Inches |
| Legroom | 41.5 Inches | 39.8 Inches |
| Hiproom | 53.3 Inches | 50.3 Inches |
| Shoulder Room | 56.3 Inches | 55.4 Inches |
Kia also offers an abundance of optional storage solutions via a comprehensive accessories catalog, consisting of a cargo cover, mat, and net. The brand has spread the range out across five distinctive trims, so optional extras for each example are far and few, apart from a handful of packages and cosmetic alterations that you may select should you have specific niche requirements. All derivatives except for the LX feature a smart key system with a push start function. With the rear bench in place, you can enjoy 22.8 cubic-feet of cargo space, which extends to 63.7 cubic feet when you fold the rear bench down. Despite being a crossover, Kia declares that this hybrid crossover is not fit for towing.
The Kia Niro Hybrid’s Impressive Safety Standards
While not directly related to the vehicle’s efficiency, we have to note that the Kia Niro Hybrid also benefits from being an incredibly safe crossover option, resulting in it earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The entire range features a host of standard advanced driver assistance features, including blind-spot, forward, and rear collision warning systems, lane departure warning and keep and follow assist, intelligent speed limit assist, and a safe exit warning function.
More premium derivatives also include avoidance systems, rear park distance warning, and adaptive cruise control with highway driving assist. Active and passive safety systems consist of airbags covering the driver’s and passenger’s front and knees, sides, and curtains. There’s also a rollover sensor, ABS, traction, and electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, and downhill brake control.