DecodedCars2025 Kia Niro
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- EV, Hybrid, PHEV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 150 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 53 combined · 53 city / 54 hwy
- EV range
- 253 mi · 2.8 h on 240 V
- Length
- 174 in
- Curb weight
- 3,217–3,717 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 53 MPG combined — 83% better than the average 2025 small SUV (29 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 150 hp, versus about 203 hp for similar 2025 models.
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a small SUV.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Kia Niro is a small SUV offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,717 lb (EV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 53 MPG combined (53 city / 54 highway), 83% better than the 2025 small SUV average of 29 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 253 miles and takes about 2.8 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2025
- New plug-in hybrid version
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 Niro →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hwasung, Gyeonggi Province
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV | 174 in | 71.7 in | 61.8 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,717 lb | 56/44 |
| Hybrid | 174 in | 71.7 in | 61.8 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,217 lb | 60/40 |
| PHEV | 174 in | 71.7 in | 61.8 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,466 lb | 57/43 |
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 PMSM (IPM) | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 253 mi · 30 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Niro FE Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 / 54 / 53 | +83% | $1,250 | 167 |
| Niro Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 / 45 / 49 | +69% | $1,350 | 181 |
| Niro Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 / 47 / 48 | +66% | $1,400 | 71 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2025 Kia Niro.
Similar 2025 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Niro (this car) | 53 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 19 |
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2025 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Seats · Jan 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V024000 · 80,255 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
- Risk
- Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC332.
Not every 2025 Kia Niro is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Kia Niro buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 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 253 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →