Kia Trims The Niro Lineup For 2027, But Gives It A Serious Style And Tech Boost

Kia's budget-friendly Niro is getting a mid-cycle refresh for 2027, and it's arriving stateside this summer after first showing up overseas back in January. The update brings a sharper face, a more modern cabin, and some meaningful safety upgrades — but there's a catch for anyone who wanted to plug in.

For 2027, the Niro drops its electric variant entirely, leaving hybrid power as the sole option. Kia isn't hiding from the change, framing the revised crossover as having a 'more confident and contemporary appearance' rather than dwelling on the loss of the EV model.

Up front, the Niro gets a new fascia with sleeker Star Map headlights, a reworked grille, and a redesigned bumper. Around back, a cleaner liftgate design pairs with taillights that now feature a 3D-inspired look, while the license plate has been relocated down to the bumper. Buyers can also pick from two new colors, Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige, if they want something beyond the usual palette.

Inside is where the bigger changes show up. A new steering wheel and curved panoramic display headline the cabin overhaul, with upper trims pairing a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a matching 12.3-inch touchscreen. Base models make do with a smaller, simpler cluster, but every version equipped with Kia's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit gains quick-access controls and over-the-air update support.

Power still comes from the familiar 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid setup, good for 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels. That's enough for a 0-62 mph run in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 109 mph — not blistering, but Kia says suspension tuning, ride comfort, and cabin quietness have all been dialed in for a smoother, more composed drive. Official EPA numbers haven't dropped yet, but expect them to land close to last year's 53 city / 54 highway / 53 combined mpg rating.

Safety tech also gets a notable bump. The standard Forward Collision Avoidance system now includes Junction Turning, Cyclist Detection, and Direct Oncoming detection, while Lane Following Assist 2 adds a Hands-on-Detection sensor to keep tabs on driver attention. Highway Drive Assist 2 becomes available for the first time, and the top-spec SX Touring adds a Blind-Spot View Monitor along with a 360-degree Surround View Monitor.

Kia is also shuffling the trim lineup, slotting a new S variant between the LX and EX to join the existing EX, SX, and SX Touring grades. Pricing and full details are still under wraps, but with the EV variant gone, the refreshed Niro will need to lean on its updated looks, tech, and hybrid efficiency to keep buyers interested when it lands this summer.