DecodedCars2018 Kia Niro
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV Hybrid
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 50 combined · 52 city / 49 hwy
- Length
- 171.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,166 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 68% better than the average 2018 small station wagon (29.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Kia Niro is a small station wagon offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,166 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 50 MPG combined (52 city / 49 highway), 68% better than the 2018 small station wagon average of 29.7 MPG, for an estimated $1,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2018
- New plug-in hybrid version
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Niro →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV Hybrid | 171.7 in | 70.9 in | 60.6 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,166 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niro FE Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 52 / 49 / 50 | +68% | $1,350 | 177 |
| Niro Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 46 / 49 | +65% | $1,350 | 183 |
| Niro Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 48 / 44 / 46 | +55% | $1,450 | 90 |
| Niro Touring Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 46 / 40 / 43 | +45% | $1,550 | 207 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Kia Niro.
Similar 2018 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Niro (this car) | 50 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Honda HR-V | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 238 mi | Not rated | 5 |
| 2018 Kia Soul | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Fiat 500 L | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Internal › Clutches/Bands › Actuators/Solenoids · Jul 31, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V534000 · 121,411 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
- Risk
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Nov 11, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V836000 · 27,030 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.
- Risk
- Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC256. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 18V-666. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 25, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V666000 · 27,030 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
- Risk
- The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.
Not every 2018 Kia Niro is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Kia Niro buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 25 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 21 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Niro. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Niro years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Niro | 50 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 1 | 20 |
| 2024 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2023 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 4 | 65 |
| 2022 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 75 |
| 2021 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 12 |
| 2020 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 63 |
| 2019 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 101 |
| 2017 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 101 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →