Kia Niro
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that won’t break the bank at the petrol pump? The Kia Niro might be exactly what you need. This clever crossover combines the practicality of an SUV with the efficiency of a hybrid, creating a package that’s perfect for modern families who want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing convenience. It’s the car for people who need space and versatility but don’t want to feel guilty about fuel consumption.

The Niro stands out in the increasingly crowded family SUV market with its distinctive styling and impressive fuel economy. While rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Toyota C-HR focus on conventional engines, the Niro puts electrification at its heart. The second generation model feels more mature and refined than its predecessor, with improved build quality and a more sophisticated interior that genuinely competes with premium alternatives.

Driving the Niro reveals a well balanced approach to family motoring. The hybrid system works seamlessly in the background, switching between electric and petrol power without fuss. It’s comfortable on longer journeys yet nimble enough for city driving and school runs. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it excels at being practical, efficient, and reliable. The higher purchase price compared to conventional SUVs is offset by excellent fuel economy and strong residual values.

What's the Kia Niro Like to Drive?

The Kia Niro is designed for efficiency rather than excitement, and that philosophy shows in its powertrain choices. The standard hybrid combines a 1.6 litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 139 horsepower, while the plug in hybrid version ups that to 180 horsepower. Both systems prioritise smooth, quiet operation over outright performance. The regular hybrid reaches 60 mph in around 10 seconds, which feels perfectly adequate for real world driving situations.

Where the Niro truly excels is in its refined driving experience. The compact SUV feels solid and well planted on the road, with light steering that makes parking effortless. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and control, soaking up bumps and potholes while keeping body roll in check through corners. The hybrid system is impressively smooth, transitioning between electric and petrol power almost imperceptibly. It’s a car that makes every journey feel relaxed and unstressed, exactly what busy families need.

How Comfortable Is the Kia Niro?

Step inside the Niro and you’ll find one of the most improved cabins in the Kia range. The dashboard feels modern and well constructed, with a large touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage. Materials throughout feel solid and durable, with soft touch plastics on key surfaces and attractive trim details. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a peaceful environment for passengers.

The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making smartphone integration effortless. Climate control is intuitive to use, and there are plenty of storage cubbies throughout the cabin for phones, drinks, and other family essentials. Higher specification models add features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio systems. The overall ambience feels upmarket and sophisticated, putting the Niro on par with more expensive European rivals in terms of perceived quality.

The Kia Niro is a compelling choice for families who prioritise efficiency and practicality over driving excitement. It successfully combines SUV versatility with hybrid technology, creating a package that makes sense for modern life. The interior quality has improved dramatically, the ride is comfortable, and the fuel economy is genuinely impressive in real world conditions.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Kia Niro Expensive to Run?

This is where the Niro truly shines, offering some of the best running costs in its class. The hybrid system delivers real world fuel economy of 55 to 60 mpg, significantly better than conventional petrol SUVs. The plug in hybrid version can achieve over 200 mpg if you regularly charge the battery and do mostly short trips. Insurance groups are reasonable for a family SUV, typically falling in groups 15 to 20 depending on the specification level.

The initial purchase price reflects the Niro’s hybrid technology, with prices starting around £28,000 for the basic hybrid model. However, the excellent fuel economy means lower monthly fuel bills, and Kia’s impressive seven year warranty provides peace of mind. Servicing costs are competitive, and the hybrid system is proven to be reliable in the long term. For families looking to reduce their motoring costs while maintaining practicality, the Niro makes strong financial sense, especially with car finance options available to spread the cost.

Kia Niro Practicality & Boot Space

For a compact SUV, the Niro offers impressive practicality that puts many larger rivals to shame. The 451 litre boot is genuinely spacious, easily accommodating a week’s shopping or several large suitcases for family holidays. The rear seats fold flat to create an even bigger load area when needed. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage spaces for the everyday items that families accumulate, from cup holders to door pockets and a useful centre console.

Rear seat space is generous for the class, with enough legroom for adults on longer journeys and comfortable accommodation for children and car seats. The high driving position gives excellent visibility, making the Niro feel safe and confidence inspiring in traffic. For families who need the space and versatility of an SUV but don’t want something huge, the Niro strikes an ideal balance. It’s significantly more practical than smaller used Kia cars like the Rio, while remaining easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

The Kia Niro stands out in the competitive family SUV market by offering genuine hybrid efficiency without compromising on practicality. It packages impressive fuel economy, generous interior space, and modern technology into an attractive and well built crossover. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it excels in the areas that matter most to busy families: comfort, reliability, and low running costs.

You choose the Niro because you want a sensible family car that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its efficient hybrid system, spacious cabin, and comprehensive warranty make it ideal for everything from school runs to family holidays. If you’re looking for a practical SUV that will keep fuel costs low and provide years of reliable service, the Kia Niro deserves serious consideration, especially for buyers seeking cars under £15,000 on the used market.