The Kia Niro has been one of those models that rarely leave the best-seller lists within the electrified vehicle category. Its balance between compact size, mechanical efficiency, and affordable price made it a popular choice for both urban drivers and those looking for a functional SUV for everyday use.

Now, the South Korean brand has decided to give it a thorough update to prevent the passage of time from diminishing its prominence in the face of increasingly aggressive competition.

This isn't a completely new generation, but rather a comprehensive overhaul that affects the exterior design, the interior, and the technology. The goal is clear: to reinforce its visual appeal, align it with the brand's latest identity, and maintain the virtues that led it to become one of the most recognized hybrids in the European market.

An exterior design that brings it closer to the new Kias

The most obvious change is in the bodywork. KIA has applied its "Opposites United" design language to the Niro, a language present in its most recent releases. The front end abandons the smooth, conservative lines of the previous version in favor of a more structured appearance, with a low grille integrated into the bumper and vertically oriented headlights. A thin trim strip runs the width of the vehicle and connects the headlights, creating a more recognizable light signature. This feature not only modernizes its image but also visually aligns it with the brand's electric models, such as the EV3 and EV9, reinforcing its place within the brand's new aesthetic phase. On the sides, the prominence of the black cladding has been reduced. In previous generations, this visual element strongly defined the wheel arches and lower body. Now it is still present, but more discreetly.providing an elegant contrast without overwhelming the overall look.

The rear has also undergone a notable transformation. The LED taillights adopted a boomerang-shaped silhouette,and the tailgate features a cleaner design with fewer decorative lines and a distinctly minimalist approach. Furthermore, the rear pillar abandons its differentiated finish and is now integrated into the body color, contributing to a more homogeneous visual appearance.

Digital interior, but with physical controls

Inside, the Niro follows the same path as other recent Kia models. The dashboard is dominated by a large horizontal panel that integrates two 12.3-inch screens: one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the multimedia system.

The steering wheel, now a two-spoke design, reinforces the feeling of modernity, while the overall arrangement of the elements conveys greater order and visual clarity.

Despite this digitization, the brand has decided to retain something many drivers still value: physical buttons. The climate control system has its own independent module, located in the center of the dashboard, and on the center console, next to the gear selector, several traditional controls for common functions remain. This combination of touch technology and conventional controls aims to facilitate driving and reduce distractions behind the wheel. As for interior space, no significant changes are expected. The model retains the same proportions and adequate room for both front and rear passengers, as well as a trunk large enough for moderate family or business use. Electrified powertrains for all types of drivers. The powertrain will continue to be one of the Niro's strongest selling points. The offering includes three types of propulsion:

This diversity allows the model to adapt both to those looking to reduce fuel consumption without changing their habits, and to drivers interested in almost entirely electric mobility for daily commutes.

For now, Kia has only released official images of the updated model and confirmed that it will arrive at dealerships within a few months. Although there is no exact date, everything points to the commercial launch taking place next summer or shortly thereafter.