Kia America has refreshed the 2027 Niro hybrid crossover with restyled front and rear fascias, an expanded driver-assistance suite, and a new S trim joining the LX, EX, and SX lineup. The update marks the first significant visual overhaul since the current-generation Niro debuted for the 2023 model year. Kia says the changes are meant to sharpen a formula that has anchored the nameplate since it launched a decade ago. The refreshed Niro is expected to go on sale this summer, with pricing to be announced closer to that date.
“Niro has established itself as an important part of Kia’s lineup and continues to resonate with customers,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director, Product Planning, Kia North America. “For the new model year, we’ve made meaningful investments across several areas of the vehicle to further enhance the ownership experience and ensure Niro remains a compelling choice for years to come.”
Highlights
- New front and rear fascias incorporate Kia’s Star Map lighting signature and revised bumper treatments
- Cabin gains a curved panoramic display pairing a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen with an available 12.3-inch digital cluster
- Hybrid powertrain carries over with a combined 139 horsepower from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor
- New S trim expands the lineup to four grades: LX, EX, S, and SX
A More Confident Front and Rear
The redesign follows Kia’s “Opposites United” design language. Up front, a new fascia adds Star Map lighting elements and daytime running light graphics that emphasize horizontal and vertical lines, along with revised bumper and grille treatments. At the rear, a new liftgate brings 3D-style taillamps, and body-colored C-pillars replace the outgoing model’s contrast-color panel. Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige join the exterior color palette.
Inside, the cabin is built around a new curved panoramic display combining the 12.3-inch infotainment screen with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (a 4-inch cluster is standard). A new two-tone steering wheel rounds out the redesign.
Expanded Connectivity
The available Kia Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) — the same platform Kia recently brought to the redesigned Seltos — adds over-the-air update capability and Quick Controls, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all trims. Streaming apps including Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube are available on certain trims through Kia’s Entertainment and Data Services, alongside a voice-activated Kia AI Assistant for climate and audio controls. Kia says NBA-themed display personalization is available through the Kia Connect Store, with Disney-branded themes rolling out through 2026.
Hybrid Powertrain Unchanged, Suspension Retuned
The Niro remains hybrid-only, pairing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 139 horsepower through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kia says engineers focused this cycle on suspension tuning, ride comfort, and cabin quietness rather than powertrain output.
Wider Driver-Assistance Coverage
The standard Forward Collision Avoidance system adds Junction Turning, Cyclist, and Direct Oncoming detection, while standard Lane Following Assist now includes a Hands-on-Detection sensor. The SX Touring adds an available 360-degree Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor. Newly available is Highway Drive Assist 2, which helps maintain speed and following distance while assisting with lane centering on the highway.
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