Reviews of the Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid is a spacious SUV offered as either a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that allows you to travel using just the electric motor. As a result, this compact family SUV is cheap to run and great to drive around town.

Rivals to the Kia Niro Hybrid include the Peugeot 3008, Skoda Karoq, Vauxhall Mokka, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Audi Q3 and Lexus UX. 

Our Kia Niro Hybrid review covers:

• Sleek yet striking design with a stylish front bonnet and two-tone tiger nose grille
• Roomy, refined styled interior with next-gen technology and smart features
• 348-litre boot, which expands to 1,342 litres with the rear seats folded
• 1.6 petrol engine with hybrid technology
• Three trim levels, including 2, 3 and 4

The Kia Niro Hybrid has a sleek yet striking design with a stylish front bonnet framed around a two-tone tiger nose grille. The front design gives the Niro an extra-wide look that accommodates an integrated central charging point on PHEV models. At the rear, it boasts a simple, elegant design with boomerang-style motif tail lights, a rugged skid plate, and a lower bumper.

Inside, Kia offers a relaxing experience for you and your passengers. It has a roomy, refined styled interior with plenty of next-generation technology and smart features. Depending on the trim level you opt for, you can have an eco-friendly interior with PVC artificial leather or PU artificial leather, both vegan-friendly materials. 

As for boot space, the Kia Niro Hybrid offers up to 451 litres of capacity, with the PHEV version offering a slightly smaller 348 litres of capacity. Boot space in the Niro Hybrid is enough for a weekly shop or a family weekend away, but if you are after more space, rivals such as the Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Karoq might be better options.

The interior is excellently put together with textured recycled materials used throughout. You can easily manage your multimedia and temperature settings with the integrated multimode controls in the centre console.

The Niro Hybrid has a brand-new twin panoramic high-definition digital display panel that combines the infotainment functions and driver information cluster into a single, streamlined package. Plus, having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions makes pairing your phone simple.

Three trim levels are available, including 2, 3 and 4.

The entry-level 2 trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors, fabric seats and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition. This trim has a 4.2-inch driver's display and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.

The 3 model comes with18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heated steering wheel and faux leather heated seats with adjustable driver lumbar support. The 3 model also adds a wireless phone-charging pad, tinted rear windows and blind-spot warning.

The top-of-the-range 4 models add a head-up display, vegan-leather seat trim made from eucalyptus trees, a beefier Harman Kardon stereo, an electric sunroof and an extra safety kit including automatic emergency braking while parking.

Audi offers the A4 Avant with a wide range of TFSI and TDI engines from 150 PS to 204 PS and a choice of both front and four-wheel drive versions. Many of the engines are equipped with mild-hybrid technology, which can reduce fuel consumption by recapturing energy during routine operation.

Kia offers both the Niro Hybrid and Niro PHEV with the same 1.6-litre petrol engine and six-speed automatic gearbox. PHEV versions benefit from a more powerful electric motor with an 11.1 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, giving it an official electric-only range of up to 38 miles when fully charged. In comparison, the Hybrid model has a 1.32 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

The Kia Niro Hybrid handles well for a family SUV with plenty of grip, a predictable handling balance and progressive naturally weighted steering. It also has a firm suspension setup and slightly sharper steering that helps it feel more precise when driving down narrow country lanes and manoeuvring around the city centre.

Prices for the new Kia Niro Hybrid start from £27,905.00 OTR* or to lease from £259.27 per month.

Want to know more about leasing the Kia Niro Hybrid? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the largest car leasing providers in the UK. All of our car leasing deals include the manufacturer's warranty, road tax for the duration of the lease, breakdown cover, and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply).

Plus, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay, flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a Kia Niro Hybrid might be cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance.

*'On the road' price is correct at the time of publication and includes one year's road fund licence, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.