DecodedCars2019 Kia Niro
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV Hybrid, PHEV 4dr SUV Hybrid
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 104 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 50 combined · 52 city / 49 hwy
- EV range
- 239 mi · 2.25 h on 240 V
- Length
- 171.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,166–3,450 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 67% better than the average 2019 small station wagon (30 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 104 hp, versus about 200 hp for similar 2019 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 (4dr SUV Hybrid).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 50 MPG combined (52 city / 49 highway), 67% better than the 2019 small station wagon average of 30 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 239 miles and takes about 2.25 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2019
- New all-electric version
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Niro →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hwasung, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Niro configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 |
| PHEV 4dr SUV Hybrid | 171.7 in | 70.9 in | 60.6 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,450 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 Electric EV | 150 kW IPMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 239 mi · 30.0071 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Niro FE Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 52 / 49 / 50 | +67% | $1,350 | 177 |
| Niro Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 46 / 49 | +63% | $1,350 | 183 |
| Niro Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 48 / 44 / 46 | +53% | $1,450 | 90 |
| Niro Touring Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 46 / 40 / 43 | +43% | $1,550 | 207 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.1% |
Similar 2019 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Niro (this car) | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Honda HR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 238 mi | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Kia Soul | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Nissan Rogue Sport | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2019 Kia Niro is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Kia Niro buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 23,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 239 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 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 |
| 2018 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 73 |
| 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 →