2024 Kia Niro Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
More hatchback than small SUV, the futuristic-looking Niro is Kia's most affordable hybrid. Besides the standard hybrid, it's also available as a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric model. A 2023 redesign made considerable improvements to the small hatchback, so it receives few changes for the new year. Competitors to the 2024 Kia Niro include the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Hyundai Kona .
What's New
The second-generation Niro debuted for 2023 with fresh styling, updated powertrains and tech, and more space. For 2024, the Niro gains a dual-level cargo floor on all but the LX trim. Also, the Fire Orange Metallic exterior paint option is no longer available.
What We Think
The Niro has a lot of appeal as a cost-conscious, fuel-saving runabout. We love that you can get it only as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV, and the second-generation model improved space and packaging in ways that make the crossover a better daily companion that it has ever been. Although ride refinement diminishes at the vehicle's limit, handling is playful in most settings.
Second-row seats that don't fold flat diminish the Niro's practicality. We're also bummed there's no such thing as a Niro AWD, especially since Kia wants us to think this is a subcompact SUV. But the redesigned exterior is a marked improvement over the froggy-looking baby ute styling the Niro previously wore.
Performance and MPGs
Niro powertrains are available in three flavors for 2024. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid feature a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor. Combined output for the standard hybrid measures 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and all 2024 Niros (including the EV) are front-wheel drive. The EPA rates the hybrid's fuel economy at up to 53/54 mpg, although Touring trims get 53/45 mpg. Range should continue to come in at 544-588 miles depending on trim. Launches to 60 mph can happen in 9.1 seconds, according to our tests.
Power grows with the plug-in hybrid, which produces a combined 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The bump in output facilitates sprints to 60 mph in a quicker 7.3 seconds. The Niro PHEV comes with a 11.1-kWh battery that enables 34 miles of all-electric range or 510 miles of combined range, and combined city/highway fuel economy is rated at 108 mpg-e.
Kia also offers an all-electric Niro—read more about it here.
Which Niro Is Right for Me?
We have a little experience answering this question. In a hybrid vs. PHEV vs. EV test, we weighed the pros and cons of each Niro powertrain, noting the hybrid's quickness around town but lack of adequate passing power on the highway. The plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, feels like an electric car when the battery is charged, but when depleted, it carries around 300 pounds of extra weight over the traditional hybrid, making it more suitable for those who are committing to plugging in. See how specs between the three Niros compare here.
Safety Ratings and Features
NHTSA gives the 2024 Niro standard hybrid its highest grade, a five-star overall safety rating. PHEV and electric variants have not been rated, however, and weren't rated for 2023 either.
The Niro's standard suite of Kia driver assistance technology is called Drive Wise and covers all the important bases. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control are included. Automatic high-beams are not a part of Drive Wise but are nonetheless standard on every Niro.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Front legroom is equal across 2024 Niros, but rear passengers give up a little legroom in the EV. Surprisingly, there's no cargo space penalty for going with the all-electric model, but the same can't be said about the plug-in hybrid.
Technology
With standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a half dozen speakers, and automatic headlights, the LX hybrid base model is decently equipped. Move up to the EX model to unlock the 10.3-inch central screen, wireless phone charger, power driver's seat, and heated front seats. Power folding side mirrors and LED interior lighting is standard on the EX Touring, and the SX gets standard ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power liftgate, and Harman Kardon eight-speaker premium audio.
Trim Levels
The 2024 Kia Niro hyrbid is available in five trims this year: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring. Pricing starts at around $28,100 for the base model and grows to around $36,500 for the SX Touring before options.
The 2024 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is available in two trims this year: EX and SX Touring. Niro PHEV models start at around $35,600 and the SX Touring starts at around $41,300.
Finally, the 2024 Kia Niro EV is also available in two trims: Wind and Wave. Base model pricing starts at around $40,900 and grows to around $45,900 for the top trim.
