2018 Kia Niro review
Kia Niro highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Great on gas
- Small size makes it agile
- Ride comfort
Cons
- Small cargo area
- Highest trim is least fuel-efficient
- No all-wheel drive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
46 city, 40 highway, 43 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The hybrid Kia Niro is practical and great on gas
The 2018 Kia Niro is a hybrid SUV with stellar EPA-estimated fuel economy. For the 2018 model year, a plug-in hybrid version debuted, with up to 26 miles of electric-only range before it switches to hybrid mode. Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info. There is plenty of passenger space in the first and second rows, and opting for the fancier Niro Touring nets you extras such as leather seating surfaces, a sunroof, and a heated steering wheel.
The Niro’s small size makes it easy to maneuver, and its 139-horsepower gas-electric powertrain is peppier than you expect in a vehicle focused on stretching fuel economy. Fuel mileage varies from trim to trim. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. The most efficient is the FE trim with an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined, while the Touring dips to an EPA-estimated 43 mpg. The Niro looks and drives more like a tall hatchback than a sport-utility vehicle. All-wheel drive is not available, for example, and cargo space is more limited than what you find in many subcompact or compact SUVs.
All Kia Niro years
What is new for the 2018 Kia Niro?
- Niro trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning and CD Audio as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
- The LX trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
2018 Kia Niro trims
FE:
- 139-hp, 195-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- View our Kia Niro FE inventory
LX:
- Includes all features available on the FE
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Smart Key
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the LX
- Sunroofs
- Automated Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Parking Sensors
- View our Kia Niro Touring inventory
EX:
- Includes all features available on the Touring
- Leatherette & Cloth
- View our Kia Niro EX inventory
Kia Niro photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Kia Niro
What We Like
Fuel economy: The Niro is all about getting great fuel mileage, and its fuel economy estimates are very impressive. While your mpg will vary from trim to trim, no Niro would even be accused of being a gas hog. The entry-level Niro FE not only offers the best mileage figure, it comes standard with popular features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
Value: Saving money at the pump is a specialty of the Niro, sure. But its affordable price also positions it as a budget-friendly alternative to direct hybrid rivals, like the Prius, and small SUVs such as the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek.
Easy to drive: Thanks to its smooth suspension and nimble handling, the Niro never feels cumbersome when zipping through city streets or cruising down the highway. The hybrid powertrain provides reasonable pep when you need extra passing power too.
What Needs Improvement
Lack of all-wheel drive: Car shoppers who want extra grip provided by all-wheel drive might decide to steer clear of the front-wheel-drive Niro. It’s not an option on any of the Niro’s five trim levels.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.6 out of 5
11 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 8 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Kia Niro an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Niro 3rd out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia NiroKia Niro features and specs
EX 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Spoiler
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
139
Torque (ft-lbs)
195
Engine type
Hybrid
Fuel capacity
11.9
Wheelbase
106.3"
Overall length
171.5"
Width
71.1"
Height
60.4"
Leg room
F 41.7"/R 37.4"
Head room
F 40.1"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P205/60HR16
Rear tires
P205/60HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Kia Niro FAQ
The 2018 Kia Niro is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- EX : 51 MPG City and 46 MPG Highway
- FE : 52 MPG City and 49 MPG Highway
- LX : 51 MPG City and 46 MPG Highway
- Touring : 46 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
The Kia Niro received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Niro as 2 out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicle
The 2018 Kia Niro has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Kia Niro, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Kia Niro Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Kia Niro:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automated Cruise Control
- CD Audio
- Rear Spoiler
- Heated Steering Wheel
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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