The Kia Niro was all-new for the 2023 model year, entering its second generation in the U.S. It sits in the subcompact crossover segment and its primary competitor is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, in this competitive class, those who might not care about a hybrid powertrain may cross-shop the Hyundai Kona, the Chevrolet Trax, the Mazda CX-30, and the Buick Envista. The 2027 Kia Niro has five trims: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Touring.
2027 Kia Niro Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Kia Niro
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Kia Niro
The Kia Niro gets a mid-cycle refresh for the 2027 model year. This includes new front and rear fascias, updated lighting signatures, more technology, a larger infotainment screen, an available panoramic dual-screen display, and a new two-tone steering wheel. There are also two new paint colors: Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige. Kia has also added a new S trim level that sits between the base LX and mid-level EX trims, and the Niro is now only available with a hybrid powertrain, as the plug-in hybrid and the EV were discontinued in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
Design
While the Kia Niro is a subcompact crossover, it has more of a wagon vibe due to its long, lean lines. The redesigned front fascia now incorporates Kia’s “Star Map” lighting signature with distinct vertical and horizontal lines, while LED daytime running lights are standard on all trims. Standard wheels are 16-inch alloys, while 18-inch wheels are available on the SX Touring.
Powertrain
The 2027 Kia Niro is available with a single hybrid powertrain. It's equipped with a 1.6-liter engine paired with an electric motor for a total system output of 139 horsepower. The transmission is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Niro is front-wheel drive only, and gets an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway.
Interior
The interior of the Kia Niro gets a modern upgrade for 2027 with a redesigned dashboard that features a curved display. A two-tone synthetic leather steering wheel is standard, as are cloth seating surfaces. Cloth-and-leather seat trim is standard on S and EX trims, and SX and SX Touring trims upgrade to perforated vegan leather. The Niro is a five-passenger vehicle, though four passengers will be more comfortable. It offers 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a maximum cargo volume of 61.4 cubic feet. There's a standard power moonroof with sunshade starting at the SX trim.
Technology
The 2027 Niro is equipped with standard tech features such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, four USB-C charge ports, a 4-inch digital driver display, and a six-speaker audio system. Available features on higher trim levels include a 12.3-inch driver display, a smart key, a wireless phone charger, a smart power liftgate, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
