The second-generation Kia Niro is a five-seat family SUV offered as a self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, both automatic and front-wheel drive. This page explains what the Niro is good at, and how to choose between the Pure, Evolve, 2, Aspire and 4 trims.
The Kia Niro is a five-seat family SUV built around efficiency. At 4.42 metres long it's a compact, easy-to-place car, and every version pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an automatic gearbox driving the front wheels.
It sits below the Sportage in Kia's SUV line-up, aimed at drivers who want low fuel bills and a hatchback-sized footprint rather than bulk or off-road ability. The current Niro has been on sale in this second-generation form since 2022.
The choice is simple: one body style, two powertrains - Hybrid (self-charging) or Plug-in hybrid - and five trims, Pure, Evolve, 2, Aspire and 4.
Kia Niro key facts
| Body style | SUV |
|---|---|
| Powertrains | Hybrid (self-charging), Plug-in hybrid (136–168 bhp) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Boot | 348–451 litres, up to 1,445 litres seats folded |
| Economy (WLTP) | 58.9–60.1 mpg |
| Braked towing | up to 1,300 kg |
| Manufacturer warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Euro NCAP | 4 stars |
Manufacturer data for the versions we currently offer. Last updated 5 October 2026.
The Niro is a family SUV designed to be cheap to run and undemanding to live with, and reviewers consistently describe it that way: comfortable, easy, efficient, not especially exciting to drive.
The second-generation car swapped the original's plain looks for sharper, more angular styling, and road testers generally rate the cabin materials and the twin-screen dashboard as a clear step up. Space is good for four adults.
Practicality depends on which version you pick. The hybrid carries 451 litres behind the rear seats; the plug-in hybrid gives up some of that to its larger battery, at 348 litres. Every Niro is covered by Kia's 7-year / 100,000-mile warranty.
Because the standard kit list is generous and the running costs are low. Every Niro, whatever the trim, has adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, built-in navigation, a digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and air conditioning.
Safety assistance is standard across the range too: autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, active lane-change assist and traffic sign recognition. Euro NCAP awarded the Niro four stars, with 91% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupants.
For a lease specifically, the servicing interval matters - every 12 months or 10,000 miles - so it's worth being honest about your annual mileage before you sign. Roof rails are standard, braked towing runs up to 1,300 kg depending on version, and the turning circle is 10.6 metres, which helps in car parks.
Pick the Hybrid if you can't charge at home, and the Plug-in hybrid if you can. Both use the same 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive.
Never needs plugging in. The 1.32 kWh battery tops itself up as you drive, giving 136 bhp, 0-62 mph in 11.1-11.4 seconds and WLTP economy of 58.9-60.1 mpg with CO2 from 102 g/km. It's the choice if you park on the street.
Charge it and it runs on electricity for shorter journeys, then behaves like a hybrid once the 11.1 kWh battery is depleted. Power rises to 168 bhp and 0-62 mph drops to 9.6-10.1 seconds. A 3.3 kW home supply fills it in 2.9 hours on the best version.
| Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot | 451 litres | 348 litres |
| Power | 136 bhp | 168 bhp |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Battery | 1.32 kWh | 11.1 kWh |
| 0–62 mph | 11.1–11.4 s | 9.6–10.1 s |
| Braked towing | 1110 kg | 1010–1300 kg |
| Economy (WLTP) | 58.9–60.1 mpg | – |
Three trims come with the hybrid - Pure, Evolve and Aspire - while the plug-in hybrid is offered as 2 or 4. All five are well equipped; the differences are wheels, lighting, seats and convenience kit.
The entry hybrid, on 16-inch alloy wheels with cloth upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an artificial leather steering wheel, a reversing camera and rain-sensing wipers. The Pure is currently available from £359.63 a month.
Adds 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, part leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, wireless phone charging, front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, privacy glass and power-folding mirrors. The Evolve is currently available from £386.63 a month. Against the Pure, that is currently £27.00/mo more expensive.
The entry plug-in hybrid, with 168 bhp, 16-inch alloys and cloth upholstery. Over the Pure it gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control, so the kit list is close to the entry hybrid's - the powertrain is the reason to choose it. The 2 is currently available from £415.27 a month.
Takes the Evolve and adds a tilting and sliding electric sunroof, artificial leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display, electric seat memory, a powered tailgate, remote smart parking assist and a Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system. The Aspire is currently available from £409.99 a month. Against the Evolve, that is currently £23.36/mo more expensive.
The fully equipped plug-in hybrid. Over the 2 it brings 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, the electric sunroof, artificial leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, head-up display, powered tailgate, wireless charging and self-steering parking. The 4 is currently available from £489.42 a month. Against the 2, that is currently £74.15/mo more expensive.
Seven paint colours are offered across the range, from Cityscape green and Mineral Blue to White pearl. If you're weighing up spec against term and mileage, our guide to choosing your car is a sensible place to start.
If you're cross-shopping, the Hyundai Tucson is the obvious in-family alternative, while the JAECOO 8, KGM Actyon and KGM Torres offer more size for the money. More options sit on our Kia leasing page.
KGM Torres
Hyundai TucsonSpecifications from Kia's UK data and Euro NCAP; equipment and availability vary by version, so check the individual deal. First Vehicle Leasing has arranged vehicle leases for over 25 years.
Page updated 5 October 2026 by First Vehicle Leasing. Prices and availability shown on this page are live and change as deals are refreshed.
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