“I am getting high gas mileage than advertised, cutting my fuel cost by 60%. The car rides great and is very quiet. I am very happy with the car.”
2019 Kia Niro: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Kia Niro is a light trim-update year, not a redesign. The main change is the S Touring hybrid trim, which takes over the former Graphite Edition’s role; hybrid trims with navigation also get newer software.
About the 2019 Kia Niro
1st generation Niro (2017-2022 in the U.S.), pre-refresh year; 2019 is the third model year for the hybrid and the second for the plug-in hybrid, one year before the 2020 facelift.
Kia positions the Niro as a practical small crossover/hatch that blends hybrid efficiency with everyday usefulness and more conventional styling than many dedicated eco cars. Kia's 2019 overview says the Niro "redefine[s] the hybrid segment" with engaging design, functional utility, and an efficient powertrain, while the plug-in version keeps that same utility and adds the ability to drive on electric power alone. In plain terms, the Niro is for shoppers who want excellent fuel economy without giving up hatchback space, easy tech, and normal-car drivability.
The 2019 lineup ranges from the efficiency-focused FE hybrid, rated at 50 mpg combined, to the well-equipped Touring with leather seats, a full driver-assist suite, and premium audio. The plug-in hybrid’s EX Premium trim adds a 26-mile electric range, ventilated front seats, navigation, and wireless phone charging.
What changed, by category
Styling
The S Touring trim succeeds the former Graphite Edition with a sportier-looking package that includes 18-inch wheels, gloss-black roof rails, and metallic grille trim. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid also receive minor color and trim-combination updates.
Tech
Navigation-equipped hybrid trims move to Kia’s newer AVN 5.0 touchscreen software. This update applies to S Touring and Touring rather than the entire lineup.
2019 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 | 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 51 mpg | 52 mpg | 51 mpg | 46 mpg | 46 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 46 mpg | 49 mpg | 46 mpg | 40 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 | 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 | 54.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 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 | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| 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 2019 Kia Niro?
The biggest change is the S Touring hybrid trim, which takes over the former Graphite Edition’s place in the lineup. It combines a darker exterior treatment with navigation, premium audio, heated front seats, and 18-inch wheels.
Was the 2019 Kia Niro redesigned?
No, the 2019 Kia Niro was not redesigned. It remains part of the first generation and carries over without major structural, chassis, or suspension changes.
Did the 2019 Kia Niro get a new hybrid powertrain?
No, the 2019 Niro keeps its existing 1.6-liter electrified powertrains and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This applies to both the regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
Which 2019 Kia Niro trims received updated navigation software?
The S Touring and Touring hybrid trims received Kia’s newer AVN 5.0 navigation software. The update was limited to navigation-equipped hybrid trims rather than the full Niro range.
What changed on the 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid?
The 2019 Niro Plug-In Hybrid received only minor color and trim-combination updates. Its core plug-in hybrid system carried over without a major mechanical change.
2019 Kia Niro Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Kia Niro.
4.2
2019 Kia Niro
(557 reviews)
“Very economical, fuel efficient. Roomy on the inside. Easy to drive & get in and out of.”
“I had my doubts about buying a hybrid, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again! I don't know how it works, but I'm in love with the mileage. The car is a perfect mix of things that were important to me: mileage, passenger capacity, and storage capacity. I got the most basic package, but I am happy with the features, especially for the price.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro Phev / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Downloadhandler / Whatsnew / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2020
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2020 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2019 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2019 / Specifications
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / Brochure Niro 2019
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2019 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16040 / 2020 Niro Phev Overview