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Used Car Expert Rating

Kia Niro (2016 to 2022)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

66
%
B

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
D

Safety Rating:

46
%
E

Eco Rating:

71
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

81
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

66
%
B

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
D

Safety Rating:

46
%
E

Eco Rating:

71
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

81
%
A

Summary


The Kia Niro was a small hybrid crossover/SUV that sat between the smaller Stonic and larger Sportage in the Kia family. It was launched in the summer of 2016, facelifted in the middle of 2019, and replaced in 2022.

The Niro was initially launched as a regular hybrid in the summer of 2016, with a plug-in hybrid version joining the line-up in 2017. There was also fully-electric model called the Kia e-Niro, and we have a separate page for this model.

Being more car-like and less SUV-like than most crossover rivals, and squeezed into a narrow niche between the slightly-smaller Stonic and slightly-larger Sportage meant that the Niro had few direct rivals but a huge number of broadly comparable cars for a similar sort of price. The motoring media lined it up against hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius as well as more SUV-styled models like the Peugeot 3008.

The Kia Niro received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with the general consensus being that the plug-in hybrid model was better than the regular hybrid, and the electric e-Niro was significantly better again.

The Niro was praised for offering good levels of equipment and low running costs compared to similarly-priced rivals. However, it was criticised for an average driving experience and a lack of boot space, along with interior quality that falls behind the best cars in its class.

As of May 2024, the Kia Niro holds an overall Used Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, however its media review scores are poor and its safety rating has expired.

Key specifications


Body style: Small-medium SUV/crossover
Power: petrol-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £25,705

Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replaced: Summer 2022


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

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Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Discover EV

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Motors

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: August 2016
Date expired: January 2023
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 83%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 57%
Safety assist: 59%

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid 4X2 automatic

Overall score: 3.5 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 4.9 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 7.6 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 6 / 10

The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid was awarded a 3.5 star eco rating from Green NCAP in February 2021.

Green NCAP said: “In general, the implementation of the hybrid technology, and the strategy adopted by Kia, works well and results are good. Green NCAP’s test laboratory noted that the Niro started its petrol engine even when the battery was sufficiently charged, in order to warm the cabin or to provide additional torque when needed in the high-load tests.

“The Niro performs well in all three areas of assessment but its plug-in hybrid power system is most effective in improving energy efficiency. Overall, the Niro emerges from Green NCAP’s tests with a good 3½ star rating.”

This rating only applies to the plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Niro, rather than the regular hybrid version.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

As of December 2022, we don’t have enough reliability data on the latest iteration of the Kia Niro to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the second-generation Niro, we’ll publish the score here.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Niro has received

2022

  • DrivingElectric Awards – Best Used Hybrid Car

2021

  • Business Motoring Awards – Best Hybrid
  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Plug-In Hybrid
  • Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Best Used AFV

2020

  • Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Hybrid + Best Plug-in Hybrid
  • DieselCar & EcoCar Used Car Top 50 – Best Used Hybrid

2019

  • Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Best Used Car + Best Used SUV
  • Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Plug-in Hybrid

2018

  • Auto Express Driver Power survey – Best Small SUV
  • Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Hybrid

2017

  • Next Green Car Awards – Best Crossover

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Kia Niro, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën C4 Cactus | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Mazda CX-30 | MG HS | Mini Countryman | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | Skoda Karoq | Subaru XV | Vauxhall MokkaVolkswagen Tiguan


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The Kia Niro has received mixed media reviews, with priase for its value and low running costs but criticism for its driving experience.Kia Niro (2016 to 2022)