“Great little car for the price. Surprisingly comfortable and roomy inside. Electric aspect has been trouble-free so far.”
2023 Kia Niro: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Kia Niro is fully redesigned, marking the start of its second generation. The headline change is a larger, roomier new body shared by the hybrid and plug-in hybrid, along with fresh styling, a new cabin, and broader standard safety coverage.
About the 2023 Kia Niro
2nd generation, first year of the redesign
Kia positions the Niro as an easy-to-live-with electrified small crossover for commuters and small families who want efficiency without stepping into a larger SUV. Its core appeal is simple: compact outside dimensions, a roomy cabin, useful cargo space, and electrified powertrains wrapped in more expressive styling than the first Niro. Against rivals, the Niro’s identity is practicality first, with user-friendly tech, strong mileage, and a city-friendly footprint rather than sporty performance.
The LX is the efficiency-focused starting point, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and core driver-assistance features. EX adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat, while SX Touring tops the range with a sunroof, power tailgate, premium audio, ventilated front seats, and LED headlights.
What changed, by category
Structural
The second-generation Niro has a larger body with more passenger and cargo room. Rear legroom increases from 37.4 to 39.8 inches in the LX hybrid, while its cargo capacity increases from 19.4 to 22.8 cubic feet.
Styling
The exterior and interior are fully redesigned. Changes include the contrasting Aero Blade rear-pillar design and a more modern dashboard layout.
Powertrain
The plug-in hybrid gets a larger 11.1-kWh battery, and its electric driving range increases from 26 to 34 miles. Both hybrid types remain front-wheel drive and use a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Safety
Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance, lane keeping assist, and lane following assist become standard across the lineup.
Tech
The redesigned cabin introduces updated screen-based controls. LX has an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while EX and higher trims use a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen with wired phone integration.
2023 Kia Niro specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, GDI, 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, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 53 mpg | 53 mpg | 53 mpg | 53 mpg | 53 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 45 mpg | 45 mpg | 45 mpg | 45 mpg | 45 mpg |
| Horsepower | 139–180 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp | 139–180 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 22.8–54.6 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8–54.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5–39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.5–39.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 34 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 34 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||
| MPGe Combined | 108 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 108 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Kia Niro fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2023 Kia Niro begins the model’s second generation with a larger body, a new exterior and interior, more passenger and cargo room, and expanded standard driver-assistance equipment.
How far can the 2023 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid drive on electricity?
The 2023 Niro plug-in hybrid has an electric driving range of 34 miles, up from 26 miles in 2022. Its redesigned powertrain uses an 11.1-kWh battery.
Does the 2023 Kia Niro have all-wheel drive?
No. Both the 2023 Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid are front-wheel-drive models, and both use a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What safety features became standard on the 2023 Kia Niro?
The 2023 Niro gains broader standard safety coverage across the lineup. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance, lane keeping assist, and lane following assist are standard.
Is the 2023 Kia Niro a meaningful upgrade over the 2022 model?
Yes, especially for shoppers who value cabin space, updated technology, and added driver-assistance features. The 2023 redesign is larger and roomier, and the plug-in hybrid also travels farther on electricity than the 2022 version.
2023 Kia Niro Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Kia Niro.
4.2
2023 Kia Niro
(803 reviews)
“It is economically sound to enter the EV era, plus extremely easy to drive with plenty of room for 5 people. It looks and drives like its gas counterparts, without the cost of fuel or maintenance of them.”
“Kia Niro Hybrid es un carro muy bueno, seguro, confiable y con muy buen ahorro de combustible siendo amigable con el medio ambiente también. La desventaja es que obviamente no es un deportivo y no tiene el torque pero si usted busca un vehículo familiar confiable y amable con el bolsillo.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 18798 / Designed For A Sustainable Future The All New 2023 Kia Niro Debuts
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 19404 / Kia America Announces 2023 Niro Hybrid Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 19481 / Kia America Announces 2023 Niro Plug In Hybrid Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2023 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Niro Phev / 2023 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro / 2024
- kiamedia.com — Models / Niro Phev / 2024
- kiamedia.com — Niro / 2023 / Specifications
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / Brochure Niro Phev 2023