“The Kia Niro really missed in technology when they designed a car that does not show an alert when a light is left on and the 12 volt battery is running low.”
2022 Kia Niro: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2022 Kia Niro is a light-update year, led by a regular-hybrid trim reshuffle: the new LXS Special Edition replaces the former Touring trim. The rest of the first-generation Niro is largely unchanged.
About the 2022 Kia Niro
1st generation (2017-2022), final US model year before the full 2023 redesign
Kia positions the Niro as an easy entry point into electrified driving for shoppers who still want a familiar small crossover. Its core appeal is simple: compact size, useful hatchback-like cargo room, strong fuel economy, and a choice of hybrid or plug-in hybrid power without asking the owner to move to a full EV. Compared with many small SUVs, the Niro leans more toward efficiency, everyday comfort, and low running costs than sporty driving.
The 2022 Niro spans straightforward regular hybrids and plug-in hybrids aimed at electric-first commuting. The LX hybrid has a 139-hp powertrain and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the plug-in EX provides 26 miles of electric range. At the upper end, EX Premium emphasizes comfort and technology with a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
New Kia badging appears on the grille, tailgate, steering wheel, and wheel center caps. In the regular-hybrid lineup, the new LXS Special Edition replaces the former Touring trim and adds a sunroof, power driver seat, upgraded seat trim, and rear parking sensors over the LXS.
Safety
The plug-in hybrid LXS gains Lane Following Assist. There is no broader expansion of driver-assistance equipment across the lineup.
2022 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 | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 51 mpg | 51 mpg | 51 mpg | 51 mpg | 51 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 46 mpg | 46 mpg | 46 mpg | 46 mpg | 46 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp | 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 | 19.4 cu-ft | 19.4 cu-ft | 19.4 cu-ft | 19.4 cu-ft | 19.4 cu-ft | 19.4 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 | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the 2022 and 2021 Kia Niro?
The main difference is a regular-hybrid trim reshuffle: the 2022 lineup adds the LXS Special Edition and drops the former Touring trim. New Kia badging also appears inside and outside, while the core powertrains and overall equipment structure carry over.
Did the 2022 Kia Niro get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2022 Niro keeps the existing 1.6-liter gas-electric powertrains and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There is no significant mechanical update for either the regular hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Did the 2022 Kia Niro receive any new driver-assistance features?
Yes, but only on one version: the 2022 plug-in hybrid LXS gains Lane Following Assist. The wider Niro lineup does not receive a broad safety-suite expansion.
Is the 2022 Kia Niro the final year of the first generation?
Yes, 2022 is the final U.S. model year of the first-generation Niro. Kia introduced a fully redesigned second-generation Niro for 2023.
Is the 2022 Kia Niro a major upgrade over the 2021 model?
No, the 2022 Niro is not a major upgrade over the 2021 model. Its meaningful differences are the hybrid trim reshuffle, updated Kia badging, and Lane Following Assist on the plug-in hybrid LXS; the core design and powertrains are unchanged.
2022 Kia Niro Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Kia Niro.
4.2
2022 Kia Niro
(664 reviews)
“Kia Niro EV is a good EV hatchback, not flashy but reliable and useful. Other EVs have better acceleration, roomier interior and more features, but cost significantly more.”
“Its great to have the plug-in option and EV battery charging to help with fuel economy”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2022
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2022 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro Phev / 2022
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2022 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2021 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 18798 / Designed For A Sustainable Future The All New 2023 Kia Niro Debuts
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / 2022 Suv Brochure
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2022 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2023 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2022 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2023 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2021 / Features