“Climate change is real, get an EV to do your part. In my experience range anxiety was unwarranted. After a couple of weeks I discovered that the range met all my needs. I also have not had to upgrade to a Level 2 charge station at home. I use a dedicated outdoor outlet and it's worked great. The Kia and apps are great for managing car.”
2020 Kia Niro: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Kia Niro's biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid received updated styling and a reworked cabin.
About the 2020 Kia Niro
1st generation Niro (2017-2022), mid-cycle refresh year.
Kia positions the Niro as a practical small crossover that gives shoppers SUV-like seating and hatchback utility without the fuel-economy penalty of a typical SUV. Its core appeal is simple: strong efficiency, everyday cargo flexibility, and easy city driving, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions for buyers who want different levels of electrification. A key difference versus many rivals is that the Niro pairs its electrified powertrain with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic instead of a typical CVT.
For 2020, LX is the straightforward hybrid with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and roof rails. LXS emphasizes safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance, while Touring Special Edition adds LED headlights, a 10.25-inch navigation screen, upgraded audio, and leather seating. Plug-in EX combines up to 26 miles of electric range with heated front seats and adaptive cruise control, while EX Premium focuses on comfort and cabin technology.
What changed, by category
Styling
Kia reshaped the front and rear with a new grille, revised lighting, and updated bumpers. Roof rails became standard across the refreshed Niro family.
Tech
The cabin received a cleaner dashboard, revised instrument graphics, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen. Upper trims gained a 10.25-inch navigation screen, and selected trims added features such as a 7-inch digital instrument display and wireless phone charging.
Safety
The new LXS trim brought automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and driver-attention monitoring together in a lower-level trim.
Powertrain
The engines and hybrid systems did not receive a stated mechanical overhaul, but their trim placement changed. The hybrid powertrain left EX and joined EX Premium, while the plug-in hybrid left LX and the new LXS became its entry trim.
2020 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 | Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 52 mpg | 51 mpg | 46 mpg | 51 mpg | 46 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 49 mpg | 46 mpg | 40 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 | 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 | 26 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 26 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||
| MPGe Combined | 105 | 105 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 105 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| 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
Was the 2020 Kia Niro fully redesigned?
No. The 2020 Kia Niro received a mid-cycle refresh within its first generation. The update changed the exterior details, dashboard, displays, and trim lineup without replacing the vehicle with an all-new design.
How did the 2020 Niro hybrid trim lineup change?
The 2020 Niro hybrid added LXS, Touring Special Edition, and a hybrid version of EX Premium. FE, S Touring, and the hybrid version of EX left the lineup.
What changed in the 2020 Niro plug-in hybrid lineup?
The 2020 Niro plug-in hybrid gained LXS as its new entry trim, while the plug-in LX left the lineup. EX and EX Premium continued with the refreshed styling and cabin updates.
Does the 2020 Kia Niro have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The 2020 Kia Niro has an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while upper trims use a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation.
How far can the 2020 Niro plug-in hybrid travel on electricity?
The 2020 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is rated for up to 26 miles of electric driving and uses an 8.9-kWh battery. Its gasoline-electric system continues driving after the electric charge is used.
2020 Kia Niro Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Kia Niro.
4.2
2020 Kia Niro
(394 reviews)
“It's great, reliable, a smooth ride, and a lot of bang for the buck while still doing what you can for emissions.”
“nothing fancy, but great value for what it does have; excellent safety standard features”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2020
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2020 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16040 / 2020 Niro Phev Overview
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2020 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2021
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2020 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2020 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2019 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2020 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2020 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2021 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2019 / Features