2024 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is a unique vehicle in this pivotal moment in the evolution of the automobile. Its three available powertrains offer a sort of scaled commitment to the electrified future: minimal (hybrid), moderate (plug-in) and maximum (electric). Freshly redesigned for 2023, the Niro Hybrid enters 2024 essentially unchanged with the exception of a new dual-level cargo floor on all but the base LX trim and Fire Orange Metallic no longer being on the color roster.

Specs and MPG
With 139 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, the least electrified Niro puts up impressive efficiency numbers: an EPA-rated 53/54/53 mpg city/highway/combined for the LX, EX and SX trim levels. With their larger wheels and wider tires, the EX Touring and SX Touring lose 9 mpg on the highway and 4 mpg in the combined test for ratings of 53/45/49 mpg. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only available transmission, and despite the SUV-ish looks, all Niros are front-wheel drive.

Loads of Safety Tech Standard, More Available
All Niro hybrids come with an extensive list of standard safety features. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane departure steering assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the board. Trims above the base LX come with an upgraded forward collision warning system that can recognize cyclists and provides oversight during turns, as well as adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors. The SX and SX Touring can be had with front parking sensors.

Trim Levels and Pricing
On sale now, the 2024 Kia Niro hybrid is offered in five trim levels. Full pricing (including $1,325 destination) is as follows. (Kia will release pricing and details on the 2024 Niro PHEV and EV later.)

• LX: $28,165
• EX: $30,865
• EX Touring: $33,165
• SX: $34,265
• SX Touring: $36,565

The base LX is available in just five colors — well, four grayscales (black, white, two grays) and red. It has a charcoal cloth interior and is the only Niro hybrid that requires the driver to insert a key to start it. It comes with 16-inch wheels, manually adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, six speakers, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Niro hybrid EX buyers can choose from two additional paint colors, as well as charcoal interiors with seats upholstered in a blend of cloth and synthetic leather. In addition to the added safety gear, the EX includes keyless entry and starting, remote starting, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear-seat air-conditioning vents, wireless phone charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation, satellite radio and voice recognition. The EX Touring trim level adds a moonroof, metal pedals, 18-inch wheels, and dressier chrome-look interior and exterior trim.

The SX includes perforated synthetic leather seating, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a seven-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Step up to the SX Touring and you’ll get everything from the EX Touring and all of the SX upgrades, plus LED headlights.