02:33 06-02-2026
Kia ends Niro plug-in hybrid sales in the United States
Kia confirms the Niro plug-in hybrid will not have a 2026 model year in the US, citing poor sales and market shifts toward electric vehicles.
Kia has officially confirmed it will discontinue sales of the Niro crossover with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the United States market. The model will not receive a 2026 model year version due to changing market conditions, as the company informed Kelley Blue Book.
The Kia Niro was offered in the U.S. with three powertrain options: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. Despite this variety, the model posted weak results, with 31,182 units sold across all versions in 2025. According to Kia, the PHEV variant had the smallest share of sales, with a starting price of $35,935.
The first-generation Niro Plug-in Hybrid debuted in 2018. The second generation launched in 2023, featuring an expanded interior and an increased electric-only range from 42 to 53 km. Despite a recent model refresh in South Korea, there are currently no plans to reintroduce the PHEV version to the U.S. market.
This move aligns with a broader industry trend, as several automakers are reevaluating their electrified lineups. In this context, hybrids are increasingly giving way to urban electric vehicles, which are seen as more promising under current market conditions.