In-depth reviews

Kia Niro owner reviews

Name: Kia Niro SUV
Brand: Kia

"The Kia Niro is a hybrid SUV that’s not quite as frugal as the Toyota Prius, but is practical, easy to drive and highly affordable"

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by Andy Goodwin

26 Jan 2021

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.0 out of 5

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75%of people would recommend this car to a friend.

Owner Rating

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Common Problems

Brakes (1 cases)
Other (2 cases)
Electrics (3 cases)
Electrics, Other (1 cases)
Brakes, Electrics (1 cases)

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Hybrid 3

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I have had my Niro for a month and a half and done about 1500 miles, so my experience is still limited. However, I have to say this is an amazing car that is very easy to drive - gliding and purring around town with ease. The many eco driving aids are very engaging and I quickly became hooked on the challenge of maximising fuel economy. The direct feedback on where the power is coming from is genuinely effective in evolving your driving style. The car is also very practical for family life with tons of space in the cabin. That said, the boot isn't very big, but it's absolutely fine for our needs and becomes much bigger when you drop the rear seat(s). I have a 3 trim level, with the bigger alloys, so I was expecting fuel economy of circa 52mpg, but have been very pleasantly surprised - regularly getting over 60 mpg on trips (my record is 67 mpg - which is a lot more than even Kia claims!). And I've only had the car since the cold winter weather began to set in, so I might be able to get even more when the spring and summer come. Oh and finally, people saying the car is slow need to learn how to drive an automatic - i.e. don't just mash the gas pedal! In fact, the car feels positively spritely up to around 60 mph. I haven't yet felt the need to slip the shifter into manual gear change mode, but if you really want to get a bit sporty, that would be worth a try! But it's not a car you want for the speed - its a car you might appreciate for more cerebral reasons.

Reliability

Don't know - too soon to say

Performance

5 out of 5

Close to being the perfect all-round family car. Feels very comfortable, drives smoothly and responsively. Quiet.

Running Cost

5 out of 5

So far it's amazingly frugal. Also cheap to insure.

Version

1.6 hybrid 5dr

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

My brakes failed, potentially very dangerously, six months after purchase. It took a week to have the vehicle repaired, and I was informed that it was a faulty brake servo pump. In addition the average fuel consumption of 42mpg is not that impressive even on long journeys. It could be that the brakes are a one off problem because Kia tells me that their tests are stringent, hence the seven year warranty.

Reliability

3 out of 5

Apart from the braking episode that could have presented a serious priblem, resulting in injury and damage to two vehicles and their occupants, and the low MPG the car has performed well.

Performance

3 out of 5

Apart from the two items mentioned the cars overall performance, comfort, and equipment levels are good. The braking problem is a niggling one, however, with the thought could it happen again, and will I be able to avoid an accident on that occasion? Until I know for certain I could not recommend this car to others

Running Cost

2 out of 5

I believed that a hybrid would lower running costs but in my case this has not happened

Version

1.6 Hybrid 5 door

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

I have now taken this car back twice for testing as I am unhappy with an average 40-45 MPG which seems ridiculous and is no better than a non-hybrid. No faults were found but I have been keeping a log. It perfoms well enough and is comfortable for long distances but as far as I am concerned it poor fuel performance lets it down. The data sheet claim of 70 MPG has never been reached.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

hybrid EX

Year of registration

2018

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

This car is great. Just to clarify it achieves the epa mpg even on winter tires and weather. I've achieved 5.0l per 100km and I could do better. I would prefer a ecu upgrade to keep it in EV mode a little more but I found out how to trick it - get up to speed and then just tap the brakes ever so slightly. Besides this it's very comfortable and economical.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Niro hybrid 2

Year of registration

2019

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Brilliant car have managed to get 70mpg after 4000 miles

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

First Edition

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Lots to love about this car, but a few frustrations 1. It is far, far too keen to switch to engine power, please rewrite the firmware to allow more electric only driving. 2. Your passenger is a little slow getting out, can you lock the car? NO! It bleeps insanely, instead if doing the sensible thing and locking the car once the passenger has close their door. 3. I can't leave the roof tilted open and lock the car, which would be good if parking the car in hot sun. 4. Land Keeping Assist System works great, just wish it would let me take my hands off the wheel for more than 15 secs, just because I don't have my hand on the wheel doesn't mean I'm not paying attention Again lots to love about this car, but i just wish it wasn't totally anal about things.

Reliability

Dunno, still too new

Performance

5 out of 5

Performance is excellent, sports mode will give you just what you need

Running Cost

Good but could be better with sensible firmware

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

First edition

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

I bought this car in November 2016 I chose the blue model series 1. And I must say what a good car it is, very smooth and Very quiet. Load of gadgets to play with. But I have got an electrical problem with the battery or some electrical fault disabling my entry to car and starting. At the moment it's undergoing tests at the Dealer and I'm waiting on findings from Kia. Kia has supplied a loan car. I've found that the dealer and Kia have been very helpful and positive. Would I buy this car again? Yes I would.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

nIRO 2

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Very quiet car. gearbox smooth change slightly sluggish in eco but brisk in sport mode. Ample room inside, definitely impressed. Shame no spare wheel.

Reliability

5 out of 5

100% so far

Performance

Brisk in sport

Running Cost

5 out of 5

best car for economy ive ever had

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Hybrid 3

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Very, very good car. Nice to drive and very comfortable (3 spec has heated and electrically adjustable seats). Economy fantastic and performance fine, even in ECO mode. Build quality excellent. Beware of pedestrians who don't hear the car when it switches to EV. Only gripe is the stupid 'jingles' played when starting and stopping the engine.

Performance

5 out of 5

Reported as lethargic, it isn't - you need to learn how to drive it.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Niro 2

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Comfortable spacious and oh so QUIET. Economy average in mixed driving 60 and 77mpg best. Handling is perfectly fine (we don't all drive like a Formula One driver) and performance is sedate UNTIL you put it in 'sports' mode, after which it goes very very well. The infotainment system is very easy and intuitive to use, even for an old technophobe like me. The ride over our potholed roads is solid and rattle free-but don't waste your money on the versions with 18" wheels

Reliability

5 out of 5

Utterly reliable so far

Performance

Sedate in economy, quite lively in sports mode

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Really cheap to run

Version

1.6 Hybrid - 2nd Trim level

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

I bought this Kia Niro for its reliable reputation and economical hybrid technology in a practical crossover format. In 2 months of use and 2800 km, I have had electrical problems, where the car won't start or the battery appears dead. Today, a roadside service boost was required to get it started , but after starting, the battery showed half charged and even switched to EV. Aside from the electrical problems, the Niro has been good, but not great for the price. The MPG is good, but gives 5.5 litres per 100km vs 3.8 claimed. Drive is comfortable and very quiet, with good handling on 16inch tires. Auto shifting is impressive - very smooth, but sluggish above 60 km/hr in normal mode. Sport mode is much more responsive - even passing at 130 km/hr on highways, but requires ~6 litres per 100 km. Luggage space with all seats used is another issue. Much less that the 400+ litres claimed. I suspect the inflated value assumes the bulky styrofoam spacer is removed. This spacer gives a flat floor, but should be more clever and flexible. (Kia should at least modify the compartments to store the emergency kit). I would give 4 stars except for the electrical issues - which I hope will be resolved soon.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

First Edition

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Amazing vehicle - totally recommended very economical and a pleasure to drive. Effortless gear change and extremely quiet and comfortable. Absolutely no adds-on needed vehicle comes fully equipped from the factory with all the bells and whistles. A.1.

Version

PHEV

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

The car suits us very well except for its reliability problems. It' been regularly back to the supplying dealer (6 times) for non-charging issues. It regularly displays yellow warning messages for some or all of its functions. It is going back again tomorrow for the same charging problem and a very annoying rattle in the back. I really wish they could fix it because otherwise it’s a nice car.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

PHEV

Year of registration

2018

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

Really good car. Really good build quality and lot of gadgets which makes drive comfortable and relaxing. I really like the smart cruise control and lane keep assist. I have done about 1500 miles to a tank of fuel and, if i don't have to do motorway miles, I don't have to use any petrol. However, therre have been issues. The car stopped charging twice so far for few days forcing me to use petrol only. It went to the dealer for checkup but they couldn't find anything wrongt and they have asked to leave the car for another week for thorough testing. If there is no charging issue, this car is brilliant.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

PHEV

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

I bought this car to replace an unreliable Ford Focus in a driving school role (disability). Overall we have been very happy with it over the first six months with excellent fuel consumption, you must remember to charge it whenever you can, easy to drive and good equipment. However we have had some considerable reliability issues. Firstly a hybrid failure found to be a loose cable at 900 miles and then two electrical failures resulting in apparent flat batterys whilst trying to start, these seem to be related to a brake fault? Car is presently in the garage for a least a week. We had one of the very first PHEV models in the country, maybe it has a few bugs however the dealers are really very busy and slow to resolve the issues. I had to phone around a number of dealers just to get one to have look within a couple of days having recovered it to my home address. Hopefully these issues will be resolved and the car will then return to good normal service.

Reliability

1 out of 5

Its been recovered three times in the six months I've owned it so far, not good.

Performance

Its never going to set the world on fire but thats fine, for what we want it delivers what it says on the tin!

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Excellent, very very cheap to run. Even when used a driving school vehicle I have managed 940 miles on a single tank of fuel!

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

First Edition 1.6 Hybrid HUV

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I have had the car a few weeks now and have completed many short trips plus several long hauls so far. I have to say I love this car, it's refined, quiet and smooth. Many reports state that its sluggish - I have not found this to be the case. It actually encourages you to drive more economically and carefully. With all the speed cameras around it functions very well and if you want a little more speed just flick the gear into sport. It's wide enough to fit three in the back with ample luggage space. The technology and safety features this car comes with are amazing - all cars should be built this way. If I have to nitpick it could do with a proper spare wheel and not the inflatable kit.

Version

PHEV

Year of registration

2018

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

If you want to buy the Kia Niro to use it in electric mode only, like I did for my 15 mile-a-day commute, then don't. The car uses the engine as soon as you switch on the heaters. So not only do you use your battery life, you also use your petrol. Why didn't Kia think about this and fit electric heaters or at least have an option of this? I know it would reduce the range but surely it should be a choice. Also the charge port locks but only when charging. So again, if you're like me and have an outdoor 13A socket, then the charge plug is able to be unlocked by anyone. Why isn't the port locked by the door locks and released only if you open the car? If I could send it back on this basis, I would. I researched the PHEV cars before committing to the Niro and never once found a mention of the heating needing the engine to be running to work.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Niro 2

Year of registration

2017

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I bought my Niro when it was 3 months old. It's an excellent car around town and for running around. I have just returned from France and drove 1,000 miles on the motorway at the legal 80 mph limit. The car coped well although on long inclines the gearbox kicked down automatically and you could hear the engine working hard. However running around the French town and in stop start traffic we managed 74mpg on one journey. It was a replacement for my Volvo C30 diesel and beats it for environmental credentials, load space etc. It has comfortable seating and a good driving position which is still comfortable after 7 hours behind the wheel. This was my wife's first drive of an automatic, larger car, and with the foot parking brake rather than a handbrake, she quickly got used to it and and finds it easy to drive. Overall it was a good choice for us as a second car alongside my Jaguar. We're very satisfied customers.

Reliability

5 out of 5

So far so good but only owned 3 weeks. Time will tell.

Performance

4 out of 5

As expected for a large car with small engine, excellent around town, a compromise on high speed driving, but no complaints does the job very well

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Very economical, but not had long enough to fully evaluate.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Not exciting but pleasant to drive. Not fast but economical. Not stunning looking but practical. Not as economical as prius but doesn't look like a ridiculous green warriors space ship... If you want a pleasant driving, economical and practical car that won't need membership to Greenpeace then this is a good option. Drive it gently and plan your braking to gain most regeneration and 70mpg is achievable! Also for company car tax, this is a pretty good option. I'm happy so far.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Hybrid 2

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Very pleased up to now, but still looking for the turbo you say is in the engine in your review, its the only place I can see it mentioned in any reviews I believe you are mistaken, very gentle and lethargic in ECO mode but much more lively with a flick of the gear lever into sport mode , very good economy