Kia Niro SUV - Interior & comfort

The Niro is now slightly nicer inside, with a design inspired by the Kia EV6 that feels more modern and even avant-garde – the two-spoke steering wheel and heavily sloping door inserts that rise up to meet the windscreen pillars are smart touches. But, the main news is the technology upgrades, which are numerous and help set the Niro apart from its many rivals.

Kia Niro dashboard

Kia and sister brand Hyundai are making some of the most daring and intelligently designed cars on sale, and the Niro now gets this treatment. Its dashboard forms a triangle, sweeping across the car and comprising a pair of 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and driver’s instruments. They both feature impressively sharp graphics, and Kia’s menus prove intuitive to navigate, making it one of the better systems in its class.

Below this sit some air vents and a touch-sensitive control panel, flanked by two rotary dials. This is a ‘multi-mode’ panel that can switch from controlling the climate controls, to media, and is better to use than VW’s touch-sensitive tech. We’re also glad there’s the option to make adjustments without needing to prod the touchscreen. One small niggle is the gloss black material used for the centre console, which looks a bit cheap and easy to scuff. 

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Equipment

No matter which version of Niro you choose, all come in ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’ trim levels. Even the entry-level ‘2’ grade includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a rear-view camera and an eight-inch touchscreen display. The Niro EV ‘2’ also gets a 10.25-inch driver’s display and 17-inch alloys.

Upgrade to ‘3’ trim and the Hybrid and PHEV receive the 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, faux-leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels. Convenience features also get a boost, to include front parking sensors, keyless entry and start, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The EV version adds a Vehicle-to-Device (V2D) function, which can turn the Niro into a mobile power bank, with the ability to power electronic devices from its charge port.

The ‘4’ trim adds even more high-tech features, including the twin 10.25-inch dashboard displays, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a powered sunroof and a Harman Kardon sound system. Convenience and comfort are improved upon too; a powered tailgate makes it easier to load items into the boot, and there’s a memory driver’s seat.

Options

Kia tends to steer buyers towards the most suitable of its trim levels, rather than offering lots of optional extras, and that’s the case here. In fact, one of the few things that can be altered is the paint colour, and whether or not to opt for the striking contrasting C-pillar on the ‘4’ trim for £150. Grey vegan leather (instead of black) is also offered in the Niro EV, along with a heat pump – a more efficient way of heating the car to help improve efficiency.