Kia on Tuesday unveiled an updated design for its Niro crossover in South Korea, giving the long-running eco-focused model a sharper exterior and a more digitalized interior, while raising questions about the long-term position of the fully electric Niro EV in the brand’s expanding electric vehicle lineup.
The Kia Niro, first introduced in 2016, has undergone several incremental updates over the years. The second-generation model, launched in 2022, has been offered with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The latest facelift brings the Niro closer in appearance to Kia’s newer electric models such as the Kia EV3, Kia EV5, and Kia EV9.
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The refreshed Niro adopts Kia’s “Opposites United” design language, featuring a more compact front fascia and the brand’s Starmap Signature Lighting daytime running lights, similar to those used on recent EV launches. New wheel arch cladding, revised lower door garnish and newly designed 18-inch wheels give the crossover a more rugged stance, while slimmer rear LED lamps are intended to create what Kia described as a dynamic, three-dimensional visual effect.
Inside, the Niro now mirrors Kia’s latest EV interiors, with a redesigned dashboard housing a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment display. The steering wheel and center dash have also been updated to improve usability and functionality, the company said.
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Kia said it will disclose further details on pricing, specifications and powertrain options for the updated Niro in March. In the United States, the 2025 Kia Niro EV is currently priced from $39,600 and offers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 253 miles. As Kia rolls out a growing number of dedicated electric models, it has yet to clarify whether the electric version of the Niro will remain a core part of its future lineup.
