2027 Kia Niro Hybrid Refresh: Better Looks and Tech, But EV and PHEV Axed

Kia’s subcompact Niro crossover is getting a 2027 refresh that sharpens its styling, upgrades its tech, and refines its ride—while dropping both the fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The updated Niro keeps the same hybrid setup: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 139 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Kia has given the Niro a fresh front end with its signature Star Map lighting, a revised bumper and grille, and a new rear with angular taillights and a revised liftgate. Inside, the cabin gets a more squared-off screen setup, replacing the outgoing model’s awkwardly shaped bezels. Every trim now comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, up from the current car’s 8-inch display. The base 4-inch digital instrument cluster shrinks slightly to 3.7 inches, but a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is now optional. Kia also redesigned the steering wheel, tweaked the dashboard and center console, and swapped the old dial shifter for a traditional gear lever. On the safety front, the Niro gains a junction-turning feature, cyclist detection, and direct-oncoming functionality for its forward collision avoidance system. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic braking, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering are all standard, while the top SX Touring trim adds a 360-degree camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. Kia hasn’t revealed pricing or EPA fuel economy ratings yet, but sales are expected to start this summer. The base price is likely to rise slightly from the current Niro Hybrid’s starting price of $28,885 (including destination). The move to drop EV and PHEV variants comes as Kia reports record-breaking sales in the first half of 2026, with hybrid sales up 115% and the Niro itself trending upward. The refreshed Niro now faces stiffer competition from the Honda Civic Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid—though the latter two offer standard all-wheel drive, a feature the Niro still lacks.