2027 Kia Niro Hybrid First Look: Better Tech, but Still No AWD

Since it debuted 10 years ago, the Kia Niro has been a budget-friendly hit for shoppers looking for an inexpensive hybrid compact crossover. In that time, it has improved in some meaningful ways, but it has also continued to show where it still needs work to become the ideal electrified starter SUV.

For the 2027 model year, Kia introduces new technology aimed at elevating the experience for money-conscious buyers while also adding its Star Map lighting signature to the refreshed Niro hybrid’s exterior. Even so, it still lacks a couple key features that would make it a truly standout compact hybrid crossover.

With the Soul now gone from Kia’s lineup, the South Korean brand needs the Niro to pick up the slack. Judging by the new features, Kia may have found the right mix of practicality, technology, and utility.

For 2027, however, the Niro will only use the same 1.6-liter I-4 hybrid powertrain from the 2026 model year, which produces 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It sends that combined power through Kia’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There won’t be an option for an all-electric or even the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants, as those were discontinued in 2026.

It didn’t break any speed records, but the 2026 hybrid model delivered 53/45/49 mpg city/highway/combined in regular trims. The FE trim was an absolute fuel sipper, with EPA ratings of 53/54/53 mpg city/highway/combined. We expect the 2027 model to return similar numbers as the previous standard hybrid powertrain.

Available Trims

It also appears that the FE will not return for the 2027 Kia Niro hybrid. Instead, the lineup will consist of the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Touring trims. Kia has not officially said where the new S trim fits, but in other models with similar naming structures, it typically lands between the base LX and the EX as we’ve described. It also appears that none of these trims will offer AWD as the Niro’s platform is the same as it was for the 2026 model year.

Updated Exterior

The new Niro also adopts Kia’s latest design language, called Opposites United, along with the brand’s Star Map signature lighting. The look works well with the existing bodywork and helps the Niro feel newer than its platform is. Beyond the styling updates, Kia says chassis revisions improve ride comfort and reduce cabin noise without dulling the Niro’s responsiveness.

A New 12.3-Inch Infotainment Screen Is Standard

Inside, the cabin is redesigned around a new standard 12.3-inch curved infotainment screen. It helps the interior feel more modern and upscale without looking like Kia simply stuck a larger display on the dash. We hope this new screen will help fix some of the frustrations we encountered with its controls from the 2026 model year version.

A 4.0-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, while a 12.3-inch unit is optional to match the infotainment screen and make the cabin feel even more immersive. Also new is a two-tone steering wheel that helps elevate the interior from basic budget transport to something that feels a little more premium.

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One of the key issues we had with the second-row seats appears to return, as well. For those looking for rear seats that fold flat to expand cargo room, Kia didn’t address that for the 2027 Niro. The seat backs still elevate the floor toward the front when stowed away.

A New Connected Car Experience

New technology for the 2027 Niro includes Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, which brings over-the-air updates to this budget-friendly hybrid crossover. It also adds Quick Controls, along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup.

On certain trims, available entertainment and data services allow the Niro to access streaming apps such as Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube, and also offer display-theme personalization through the Kia Connect Store. An available AI Assistant lets users control key vehicle functions with the prompt, “Hey, Kia ...”

New Standard Safety Features

Standard safety tech on the new Niro hybrid includes an expanded version of Kia’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, now with Junction Turning, Cyclist, and Direct Oncoming detection. It also comes with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and Smart Cruise Control 2 with Lane Following Assist 2. Available Highway Driving Assist 2 can maintain a set speed and distance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. The SX Touring trim also now offers a 360-degree surround-view monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor, which adds live video views around and alongside the Niro.

Kia has not yet announced pricing, availability, or full trim details, but we will learn more closer to the Niro’s on-sale date this summer.