2019 Kia Niro review
Kia Niro highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Great mileage
- Maneuverable, easy to drive
- Smooth suspension
Cons
- Smallish cargo area
- Highest trim is also the least efficient
- No all-wheel drive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
46 city, 40 highway, 43 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The Kia Niro is a small hybrid with impressive MPGs
The 2019 Kia Niro hybrid crossover/SUV features only small changes to available colors and trims. This means the Niro’s core attributes, including excellent estimated fuel economy and a budget-friendly price, also remain firmly intact. A new electric-powered version of the Niro is the most notable addition and serves to complement the existing hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations.
As for the Niro hybrid, it’s motivated by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor that sends 139 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite being classified as a SUV, the Niro is not offered with all-wheel drive. Its total cargo volume of around 19 cubic feet behind the foldable split second row is less than what you get in a typical small SUV. To its credit, the Niro FE trim gets an EPA-estimated highway score of more than 50 mpg. 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. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and single USB port.
All Kia Niro years
What is new for the 2019 Kia Niro?
- The Niro is available in a new trim called the S Touring.
- The EX trim now comes with Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
2019 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
- Smart Key
S Touring:
- Includes all features available on the LX
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Navigation System
- Harman Kardon Sound
- View our Kia Niro S Touring inventory
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the S Touring
- Sunroofs
- Automated Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- A/C Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
- Lane Departure Warning
- View our Kia Niro Touring inventory
EX:
- Includes all features available on the Touring
- No significant upgrades found on the EX
- View our Kia Niro EX inventory
Kia Niro photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Kia Niro
What We Like
Gas mileage: The Niro is a smart way to avoid hefty fuel bills. The 139-horsepower gas-electric powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated 52 mpg in the FE trim.
Ride comfort: In city or highway driving, the Niro exhibits driving manners closer aligned to an agile sedan or hatchback. The suspension does a fine job of filtering out most bumps in the road.
Agile: The Niro has light steering that makes it very capable when squeezing through traffic or snagging a curbside parking spot. For car shoppers who want an SUV-like shape but can live without the added bulk of a sport-ute, the Niro could strike a perfect balance.
What Needs Improvement
Front-wheel drive only: No matter the trim or option package, the Niro is not available with all-wheel drive. This helps in terms of fuel economy, though it could deter many car shoppers living in regions where rain, snow, or ice can turn roads slick and treacherous.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- 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
2019 Kia Niro FAQ
The 2019 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
- S 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 2019 Kia Niro has received an average 4.2 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Kia Niro, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Kia Niro Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Kia Niro:
- S Touring
- Rear Spoiler
- Power Seat(s)
- A/C Seat(s)
- Power Locks
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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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