Kia markets the all-new Niro in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring. Each is supplied with a hybrid powertrain made up of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor that generate a total system output of 139 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Part of the Niro’s redesign is an improved six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive Niro is a class leader in fuel economy, achieving an EPA-rated 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway with the LX, EX, and SX (the EX Touring and SX Touring return 53 city/45 highway).
The base LX treats its occupants well with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, heated front and rear glass, tinted rear windows, remote keyless entry, five USB charging ports (four Type-A and one Type-C), a 12-volt power outlet, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a 60/40-split rear seatback with a folding center armrest and cupholders. The EX adds remote start, roof rails, side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, rain-sensing wipers, proximity entry (Smart Key), push-button ignition, a wireless phone charger, rear AC vents, ambient interior lighting, combination vegan leather and cloth upholstery, and heated front seats with driver’s power adjustments. The EX Touring is enhanced with power-folding side mirrors, a sunroof, LED fog lights, LED interior lighting, and alloy pedals. The sportier SX gains sound-absorbing front glass, a power liftgate, Digital Key, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ventilated front seats, perforated upholstery, position memory for the driver’s seat, and a heated steering wheel. At the top, the SX Touring is furnished with LED projector headlights.
The all-new Niro is provided with several advanced safety systems through the comprehensive Drive Wise suite. The LX receives forward collision-avoidance assist with car and pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The EX and EX-Touring are sweetened with an advanced forward collision system that includes cyclist and junction turning detection, plus navigation-based adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, highway driving assist, and rear parking sensors. The SX and SX Touring also receive front parking sensors.
The redesigned Niro uses the latest Kia infotainment platform. The LX is the only trim with an 8-inch touchscreen; its other features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and a six-speaker sound system. The EX and higher trims are improved with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Navigation, voice recognition, and SiriusXM satellite radio are also added at this level. The SX and SX Touring are elevated with a seven-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.