Kia Niro vs. Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Niro and Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Niro and the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid.
When we compare the Kia Niro's and the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Niro's and the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro is a better car than the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Niro ranges from $26,653 to $37,088 while a used 2024 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is priced between $29,999 to $41,857. For a new model, the Kia Niro's price is between $28,375 and $37,092, with the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid priced between $34,799 and $42,564.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Niro loses 40.4 percent of its value and the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro retains 1.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Niro is 7.4 out of 10 while the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid's quality rating is 7.5 out of 10. This results in the Kia Niro being ranked 4 out of 5 Best Hybrid Subcompact SUVs and the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid being ranked 3 out of 5. Out of 27 Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs, the Kia Niro is ranked 10 and the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is ranked 9. The Kia Niro is also ranked 13 out of 32 Best Hybrid SUVs while the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is ranked 12 out of 32.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Niro is 5.6 out of 10. For the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid the reliability rating is 7.1 out of 10. This gives the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid an advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Niro.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Niro’s base engine makes 139 horsepower, and the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid base engine makes 180 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are hybrid SUVs, the Kia Niro has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more cargo space. The Kia Niro and Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid are comparable in regards to front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Kia Niro has an average safety rating of 4.28 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,375 - $37,092
Starting MSRP:
$26,940
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$34,243
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$26,940 - $41,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$34,799 - $42,564
Starting MSRP:
$34,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$34,243
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$26,940 - $41,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,557
Price Range:
$26,653 - $37,088
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$37,402
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$31,557 - $43,791
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
223
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
7,188
# Good or Great Deals:
44
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$36,857
Price Range:
$29,999 - $41,857
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$37,402
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$31,557 - $43,791
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
43
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,313
# Good or Great Deals:
9
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,293
Depreciation %:
41.9%
Resale Value $:
$15,647
Residual Value %:
58.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
42.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
41.3% - 43.4%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$14,908
Depreciation %:
43.4%
Resale Value $:
$19,482
Residual Value %:
56.6%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
42.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
41.3% - 43.4%
Kia Niro Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
5.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
8.6 / 10
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
1.7 - 3.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
1.7 - 3.3
Kia Niro Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 27Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 27Ranking
32 out of / 32Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 16Ranking
24 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 27Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Plug-In Hybrid
Kia Niro Trim Levels
EX, EX Touring, LX, SX, SX Touring
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Trim Levels
EX, SX Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.28 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
139 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
195 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.045 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
195 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
53 / 45 / 49
Range (city/hwy):
588 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
127.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Cargo Space:
19.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3071 lbs
Width:
71.8 inches
Height:
60.8 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3336 lbs
Width:
71.8 inches
Height:
60.8 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Gray
Graphite Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Runway Red
White
Snow White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Gray
Graphite Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Runway Red
White
Snow White Pearl
Blue
Mineral Blue
Green
Cityscape Green
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
