The Kia Niro II (SG2) is a small front-wheel-drive crossover built on Kia's third-generation K platform, an architecture developed to support multiple electrified powertrains.
U.S. sales began for the 2023 model year. The second-generation lineup initially included a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and the battery-electric Niro EV, all imported from South Korea and sold through Kia dealers.
In the U.S. market, the Niro sits between a hatchback and a subcompact SUV. Depending on the powertrain, its rivals include the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf and other efficient compact crossovers.
Highlights include an EPA-estimated 253-mile range for the Niro EV, up to 53 mpg combined for the Niro Hybrid, and a 33-mile EPA electric range for the now-discontinued Niro PHEV. Other notable features include Kia's “Opposites United” styling, available dual 10.25-inch displays, a multi-link rear suspension and a broad suite of driver-assistance systems.
What changed from the first generation
The SG2 Niro was a complete redesign of the first-generation DE model sold in the U.S. through the 2022 model year.
The main differences include:
- Exterior design: a more angular interpretation of Kia's “Opposites United” design language, with boomerang-shaped rear lighting and an available contrasting Aero Blade
- Platform and dimensions: Kia's third-generation K platform, a 107.1-inch wheelbase, and an overall length of 174.0 inches
- Powertrains: a 139-hp hybrid, a 180-hp plug-in hybrid offered through the 2025 model year, and a 201-hp Niro EV with a 64.8-kWh battery
- Suspension: MacPherson struts in front and an independent multi-link layout at the rear across the U.S. lineup
- Interior: a cleaner dashboard, available dual 10.25-inch screens, more rear-seat room and greater use of recycled or bio-based materials
- Safety and driver assistance: wider availability of adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot monitoring and parking-assistance features, depending on trim
- Packaging: 174.0 inches long, 71.9 inches wide and about 60.8 inches tall, with cargo capacity varying by powertrain and measurement method
Current status of the generation
As of July 2026, the U.S. powertrain lineup is in transition. The 2026 Niro Hybrid remains the mainstream new-car offering, while the 2026 Niro EV is limited to remaining Wind and Wave inventory. The plug-in hybrid was discontinued in the United States after the 2025 model year.
- 1.6-liter GDI Hybrid — 139 hp and 195 lb-ft, front-wheel drive, six-speed dual-clutch automatic
- 1.6-liter GDI Plug-in Hybrid — 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, front-wheel drive, six-speed dual-clutch automatic; sold for the 2023–2025 model years and now primarily a used-car option
- Niro EV — 201 hp and 188 lb-ft, front-wheel drive, 64.8-kWh battery and an EPA-estimated 253-mile range; offered for 2026 in Wind and Wave trims while inventory lasts
No gasoline-only, diesel or all-wheel-drive version of the SG2 Niro was offered in the United States. Kia has announced that the refreshed 2027 U.S.-market Niro will be hybrid-only.
United States market
The second-generation Niro is widely available on the U.S. used-car market through Autotrader, CarGurus and Cars.com. Inventory is strongest for the regular hybrid, while the PHEV and EV are less common and can vary significantly by region.
The Hybrid is the easiest version to find and generally has the broadest dealer support. The Niro EV often carries a substantially lower used price than its original MSRP, while the PHEV appeals to buyers who can charge at home but still need gasoline flexibility.
Typical U.S. asking-price ranges in mid-2026 are shown below. Used-car values vary by trim, mileage, accident history, battery condition, location and dealer fees. New-vehicle figures are manufacturer MSRPs before destination charges, taxes and registration.
| Version | Model years | Typical mileage | Typical U.S. asking range | Market note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6-liter GDI Hybrid | 2023–2025 | 10,000–60,000 miles | $19,000–$31,000 | Broadest used inventory |
| 1.6-liter GDI Plug-in Hybrid | 2023–2025 | 5,000–50,000 miles | $24,000–$34,000 | Discontinued after 2025 |
| Niro EV, 64.8 kWh | 2023–2025 | 5,000–45,000 miles | $20,000–$31,000 | Used values vary sharply by region |
| New 2026 models | 2026 | Delivery mileage | Hybrid: $27,390–$35,790; EV: $39,700–$44,700 | MSRP before destination; EV availability is limited |
Main U.S. versions and trims
Trim names differ by powertrain and model year. The combinations most relevant to U.S. buyers are:
- 2026 Niro Hybrid LX: 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear privacy glass and core collision-avoidance technology
- 2026 Niro Hybrid EX: adds a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, wireless phone charging, rain-sensing wipers and additional comfort features
- 2026 Niro Hybrid SX and SX Touring: higher-grade interior trim, available Harman Kardon audio, heated and ventilated front seats, a power liftgate and additional convenience equipment; SX Touring uses 18-inch wheels and carries a lower EPA combined rating than the 16-inch-wheel trims
- 2025 Niro PHEV EX and SX Touring: a 180-hp plug-in hybrid system with up to 33 miles of EPA-rated electric range; these trims are now found mainly as used or leftover vehicles
- 2026 Niro EV Wind and Wave: both use the 201-hp motor and 64.8-kWh battery; Wave adds more premium comfort, audio, parking and convenience equipment
The U.S. Niro is front-wheel drive only and does not offer an adaptive or air suspension. Models equipped with the 10.25-inch navigation system use wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the base 8-inch system supports wireless smartphone projection. Equipment can vary by model year, trim and option package.
Conclusions and current relevance
The second-generation Kia Niro is best suited to commuting, urban driving and small-family use. Its compact exterior dimensions make it easy to place in traffic and parking spaces, while the efficient powertrains and practical cabin give it more day-to-day versatility than a conventional compact hatchback.
For a new purchase in 2026, the regular Hybrid is the most straightforward choice because it remains in the active U.S. lineup and offers the widest trim selection. A used 2023–2025 Hybrid can deliver better value, while the PHEV makes the most sense for a driver with reliable home charging and a commute that fits within its electric range. The Niro EV can be attractively priced used, but charging speed, local infrastructure and the model's discontinued status should be considered.
The SG2 remains relevant because of its efficiency, usable interior and range of electrified powertrains on the used market. Before buying, check:
- the high-voltage battery's state of health on PHEV and EV models, using a qualified diagnostic inspection
- the underbody and battery enclosure for impact damage
- the vehicle-history report, recall status and documented maintenance
- the operation of the infotainment system, cameras and driver-assistance features
- the six-speed dual-clutch transmission for smooth engagement on Hybrid and PHEV versions, along with tire condition and alignment
The Kia Niro II (SG2) is no longer a three-powertrain new-car family in the United States, but it remains one of the more versatile electrified compact crossovers on the used market.
