Kia’s budget-friendly Niro gets a premium facelift for 2027 and ditches the EV

Kia has given its affordable Niro crossover a head-to-toe refresh for 2027, trading electric power for a hybrid-only lineup and dialing up the style and tech.

The updated model lands in U.S. showrooms this summer with sharper looks, a modernized cabin, and a raft of new driver-assistance features.

Gone is the EV variant; the 2027 Niro runs exclusively on a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid that cranks out 139 HP (104 kW / 141 PS) and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque, bolted to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.

Kia quotes a 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) run in 10.7 seconds and a 109 mph (175 km/h) top speed, while fuel economy figures are still under wraps—though last year’s hybrid returned 53 MPG city, 54 MPG highway, and 53 MPG combined.

The exterior gets a confidence-boosting makeover: a new front bumper, a revised grille, and Kia’s Star Map LED headlights that give the nose a classier air.

At the rear, a cleaner liftgate, relocated license plate, and 3D-style taillights complete the freshened look.

Inside, the cabin steps up with a panoramic curved display, a new steering wheel, and higher-end trims pairing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Entry-level trims stick with a smaller cluster. Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit adds quick controls and over-the-air updates.

The hybrid powertrain is carryover, but Kia says suspension tuning, ride comfort, and cabin quietness have all been dialed up for a smoother, more composed drive.

Safety tech gets a serious upgrade: Forward Collision Avoidance now includes Junction Turning, Cyclist Detection, and Direct Oncoming functions, while Lane Following Assist 2 adds a Hands-on-Detection sensor to watch driver engagement.

Highway Drive Assist 2 is newly optional, and the top SX Touring trim adds Blind-Spot View Monitor and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor.

Trim levels expand with a new S grade that slots between LX and EX; pricing and further details will drop closer to launch.