“The car is easy to drive and is comfortable. You do need to familiarize yourself with its many tech features, AEB ,Adaptive cruise control, and others, but once you understand them, you will love them.”
2017 Kia Niro: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2017 is the Niro itself: this is Kia’s first U.S. model year for the all-new dedicated hybrid crossover. Every trim uses a 1.6-liter hybrid system and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
About the 2017 Kia Niro
1st gen (2017-2022), first year
Kia positioned the Niro as a smarter kind of crossover for people who wanted hybrid efficiency without the unusual look or driving feel of a traditional hybrid hatchback. Its value is the blend: strong fuel economy, useful cargo space, easy entry and exit, five-passenger practicality, and a cabin with familiar controls. The 6-speed dual-clutch automatic also gives it a more normal, gas-car feel than many CVT-based hybrid rivals.
The FE focuses on fuel economy and useful basics, including dual-zone climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen. The EX adds heated mixed-material seats and blind-spot monitoring, while the Touring brings leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, premium audio, and parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Niro launches with one hybrid setup across the range: a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, a 43-hp electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Structural
The five-seat crossover uses a dedicated Niro platform. Its hybrid battery sits under the rear seat to help preserve cargo room and provide a flat load floor.
Tech
Every trim has touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2017 Kia Niro specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Dl Clch Spt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Dl Clch Spt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Dl Clch Spt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Dl Clch Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 51 mpg | 52 mpg | 51 mpg | 46 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 46 mpg | 49 mpg | 46 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Torque | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.5 cu-ft | 54.5 cu-ft | 54.5 cu-ft | 54.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change for the 2017 Kia Niro?
The 2017 Niro is an entirely new model and Kia’s first dedicated hybrid crossover for the U.S. It combines a five-seat crossover body with a hybrid system and a battery mounted under the rear seat.
Is every 2017 Kia Niro a hybrid?
Yes. Every 2017 Kia Niro trim uses a 1.6-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Does every 2017 Kia Niro have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2017 Niro lineup through its touchscreen infotainment system.
How do the 2017 Kia Niro trims differ?
The FE emphasizes efficiency, while the LX adds conveniences such as keyless access and roof rails. The EX adds heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring, and the Touring leads the range with leather, ventilated front seats, navigation, premium audio, and parking sensors.
Where is the hybrid battery in the 2017 Kia Niro?
The hybrid battery is under the rear seat. This placement helps preserve cargo space and gives the Niro a flat load floor when carrying larger items.
2017 Kia Niro Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Kia Niro.
4.4
2017 Kia Niro
(430 reviews)
“I love my car! It's extremely spacious, comfortable, and doesn't look like your typical hybrid.”
“Kia Niro 2017 is an exceptional vehicle. I have loved it. I drive in Los Angeles and work from home, but only fill up my car every two to three months. It has superior features for parking, syncing to your phone, and seats in back lay down flat. I would recommend to anyone and everyone.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 11952 / 2017 Niro Overview
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 12346 / Kia Motors America Announces 2017 Niro Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2017 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2017 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2018
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2018 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro Phev / 2018