DecodedCars2026 Kia Niro
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- EV, Hybrid, PHEV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- 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
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 53 MPG combined — 75% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 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
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a small SUV.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 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), 75% better than the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 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.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Niro — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Niro →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hwasung, Gyeonggi Province
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2026 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 | +75% | $1,250 | 167 |
| Niro Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 / 45 / 49 | +62% | $1,350 | 181 |
| Niro Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 / 47 / 48 | +59% | $1,400 | 71 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Kia Niro.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Niro (this car) | 53 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 43 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Kia Seltos | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Kia Niro.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Kia Niro is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Niro years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Niro | 50 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 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 | Not rated | 3 | 63 |
| 2019 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 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 →