[TEST DRIVE] Kia's Niro Hybrid solidifies its place as price-competitive, fuel-efficient SUV

By Lee Min-hyung

Kia’s Niro Hybrid SUV seems to have solidified its identity, making it one of the most price-competitive and fuel-efficient options for drivers seeking both comfort and impressive fuel efficiency.

The Niro debuted in 2016 and has since established itself as a versatile vehicle, suitable for both leisure activities and daily commutes.

When this reporter test-drove the 2025 Niro Hybrid, it proved comfortable enough to rival a typical sedan. The ride was smooth with no noticeable downsides, ensuring a comfortable journey even on a recent four-hour trip between Seoul and Daejeon.

The vehicle is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering a combined power output of 139 horsepower. The carmaker’s claimed fuel efficiency for the model is 20.8 kilometers per liter.

There has been widespread skepticism about the fuel efficiency claims made by carmakers, as many drivers have been disappointed by lower-than-expected mileage when driving their vehicles on the road.

However, this was not the case with the Niro Hybrid, which achieved an actual fuel efficiency of over 19 kilometers per liter during the four-hour drive, covering both city and highway routes between the two cities, approximately 170 kilometers apart.

The starting price for the vehicle is 27.13 million won ($18,400). Few automakers are currently capable of mass-producing such an economical SUV, as most luxury carmakers offer similar models at more than twice the price.

This is evident from the strong export performance of the Niro Hybrid. According to data from the carmaker, the vehicle was the top-selling model exported to other countries during the first 10 months of 2024.

However, the vehicle is not a good option for drivers who prefer swift acceleration or robust cornering, as the Niro Hybrid was designed to offer economical driving and smooth acceleration.

Demand for vehicles like the Niro Hybrid is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the ongoing gap in electric vehicle adoption both domestically and internationally.