Kia Niro

The 2022 Kia Niro is available in three versions. This particular review covers the hybrid model, while the plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions are covered separately. All of these models straddle the line between hatchbacks and subcompact SUVs, and they all benefit from a slightly elevated ride height and a large rear hatch for easier cargo loading. The base model Niro is estimated to return up to 50 mpg in combined driving, which is an admirable figure even if it's not quite as fuel-efficient as some rivals.

For 2022, the Kia Niro returns largely unchanged. There are a few standard features that are shuffled between trim levels, and last year's Touring trim is replaced with a new LXS Special Edition. As such, the Niro remains a strong choice among small hybrids, though we suggest checking out the Honda Insight and stalwart Toyota Prius since they remain our top hybrid picks. You can check out where the Niro shines and where it could use some improvement in the Expert Rating below.

Which Niro does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Kia Niro is a hatchback/small SUV available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, LXS Special Edition, Touring Special Edition and EX Premium. Every Niro comes with a four-cylinder hybrid electric powertrain that's good for 139 horsepower. That power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Feature highlights for the Niro include:

LX The entry-level Niro comes with the basics and a few handy convenience features that include:

• 16-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers
• Two USB inputs
• Cloth upholstery
• 60/40-split folding rear seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with wireless connectivity
• Six-speaker audio system
• Keyless entry

LXS More comprehensively equipped thanks to:

• Uniquely styled 16-inch wheels
• Rear-seat center armrest
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Additional underfloor trunk storage
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the Niro back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Automatic high beams

LXS Special Edition Includes a few extra features to dress up the interior, such as:

• Sunroof
• Cloth and leather combination upholstery
• LED interior lights
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

Touring Special Edition The Touring Special Edition deletes the rear parking sensors but adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Foglights
• Power-folding, heated mirrors
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Air vents for rear passengers
• 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen (deletes wireless capabilities for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
• Eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Satellite radio
• Wireless charging pad
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)

EX Premium The range-topping EX Premium comes fully loaded with:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Rear parking sensors
• Cargo cover (optional on all other models)