“I love the amount of miles I get with the Kia Niro Hybrid. It's also just a cute vehicle to drive.”
2018 Kia Niro: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Kia Niro is the arrival of the Niro Plug-In Hybrid, which travels up to 26 miles on electricity before operating as a regular hybrid. The standard hybrid otherwise carries over with modest trim and equipment updates.
About the 2018 Kia Niro
1st generation, second model year for the hybrid; first year for the Niro Plug-In Hybrid.
Kia positions the Niro as a practical small crossover-shaped hybrid for shoppers who want strong fuel economy without giving up everyday usefulness. The core pitch is simple: five-passenger room, hatchback cargo flexibility, and a driving feel that is more familiar than many hybrids thanks to its 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. It stands out by blending hybrid efficiency with small-crossover packaging instead of asking buyers to live with a more specialized, car-like hybrid body style.
The FE remains the efficiency-focused regular hybrid, rated at 50 mpg combined and equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. EX models add everyday comforts such as heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring. Touring is the loaded regular hybrid with navigation, premium audio, and a fuller safety suite, while the new plug-in EX Premium combines electric commuting with leather seating, ventilated front seats, and parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new Niro Plug-In Hybrid joins the range in LX, EX, and EX Premium forms. Its 8.9-kWh battery provides up to 26 miles of electric driving before the vehicle continues in regular hybrid operation.
Styling
A limited Graphite Edition joins the regular-hybrid lineup.
Safety
Touring gains standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Tech
Touring gains standard HID headlights, a wireless phone charger, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a household-style power outlet. The regular-hybrid EX also gains a standard auto-dimming mirror.
2018 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 | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 51 mpg | 52 mpg | 51 mpg | 46 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 46 mpg | 49 mpg | 46 mpg | 40 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp | ||
| Torque | 109 lb-ft | 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 | 54.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 26 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 26 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 26 | ||
| MPGe Combined | 105 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 105 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 105 | ||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Kia Niro?
The biggest change is the introduction of the Niro Plug-In Hybrid. It adds electric-only driving for shorter trips while retaining a gasoline engine for longer drives.
How far can the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid travel on electricity?
The 2018 Niro Plug-In Hybrid travels up to 26 miles on electricity. After that, it continues operating as a regular hybrid using its gasoline engine and electric motor.
Which 2018 Kia Niro trims are plug-in hybrids?
The 2018 Niro Plug-In Hybrid comes in LX, EX, and EX Premium trims. EX Premium is the most richly equipped version, with features such as navigation, premium audio, leather-trimmed seating, and parking sensors.
Did the regular 2018 Kia Niro hybrid change much?
No, the regular 2018 Niro hybrid received only modest updates. EX gains an auto-dimming mirror, while Touring adds HID headlights, more active safety features, wireless phone charging, and a household-style power outlet.
Is the 2018 Kia Niro a meaningful upgrade over the 2017 model?
The 2018 model is a meaningful step up mainly for shoppers who want the new plug-in hybrid or the Touring trim's broader standard safety and convenience equipment. Lower regular-hybrid trims changed little, so vehicle condition, mileage, and service history may matter more when comparing used examples.
2018 Kia Niro Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Kia Niro.
4.3
2018 Kia Niro
(247 reviews)
“Great battery performance, features, 2nd row roominess and overall value. After months of daily driving, we are still on the first tank of gas. Highly recommended.”
“Some weird features you have to get used to, but over all a good car. I'm happy with it.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2018
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2018 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro Phev / 2018
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 11952 / 2017 Niro Overview
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2018 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2018 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2018 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2018 / Specifications