09:38 01-05-2026

Kia Niro Facelift to Be Offered Only as Hybrid, EV and PHEV Dropped

Kia revamps its Niro crossover after facelift, offering it exclusively as a hybrid. The fully electric Niro EV and plug-in hybrid PHEV are dropped due to low demand and internal competition from the EV3.

Kia has decided to revamp its strategy for the updated Niro crossover. After the facelift, the model will be offered exclusively as a hybrid. The fully electric Niro EV and the plug-in hybrid PHEV will be dropped from the lineup.

Previously, the Niro was available in three flavors: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV. But in Europe, PHEV demand was tepid, and the electric version faced internal competition from the Kia EV3.

On paper, the EV3 matches or beats the Niro EV. The base model puts out 204 hp and offers up to 436 km of range, at a lower price than the Niro EV. The pricier EV3 variant packs an 81.4 kWh battery and delivers up to 605 km, with an all-wheel-drive version pushing 265 hp.

The facelifted Niro will feature redesigned front and rear ends, plus a new interior. More details on the European version will be released later.

The move to a single powertrain mirrors broader market trends, as automakers streamline their lineups and double down on city EVs, offering more competitive models in the segment.