2025 Kia Niro PHEV
Pros
33 miles of electric range + 48 mpg combined on gas (saves fuel)
Spacious cabin and ample passenger room
Lots of standard tech and safety features
Cons
Front-wheel drive only–no AWD option for winter traction
Top SX Touring trim gets pricey around $40K
Some road and tire noise on the highway

2025 Kia Niro PHEV

Starting MSRP*
$34,490
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Our Verdict

The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a city-friendly subcompact crossover with 33 miles of EV range and smart tech, but it’s not built for speed or off-road use.

Best For

Small FamiliesCommuters

Not Ideal For

Performance Enthusiasts
Pros
33 miles of electric range + 48 mpg combined on gas (saves fuel)
Spacious cabin and ample passenger room
Lots of standard tech and safety features
Cons
Front-wheel drive only–no AWD option for winter traction
Top SX Touring trim gets pricey around $40K
Some road and tire noise on the highway

Car Specifications

Trim
Engine Type
Horsepower
MPG (Hwy)
Seating
Cargo Capacity
Transmission
MSRP (Starting)
Car Type
About Image

About The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Niro PHEV delivers EV-like efficiency without the range anxiety, making it ideal for urban drivers and short commutes. This subcompact crossover offers up to 33 miles of all-electric driving for city trips, plus hybrid gas range for longer journeys.

Its sleek, eco-chic design features a distinct C-pillar and aerodynamic profile, while the modern cabin seats five comfortably with nearly 105 cu ft of passenger space and versatile cargo capacity. A tech-forward dashboard and open interior add to its appeal, blending everyday practicality with efficient performance.

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What It Costs to Drive
The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV's annual ownership costs:
Yearly
Monthly
Avg. Yearly Cost
$2,350 – $2,900
Fuel
$700 – $800
Insurance
$1,200 – $1,400
Maintenance
$500 – $600
Avg. Yearly Cost
$2,350 – $2,900
Fuel
$700 – $800
Insurance
$1,200 – $1,400
Maintenance
$500 – $600
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).

Trims, Features & Pricing

EX

  • Well-Equipped Efficiency
  • ~$34,500

The EX is the entry-point Niro PHEV, but it hardly feels basic. In fact, this trim is packed with standard features that make daily driving comfortable. You get the same 180-hp plug-in hybrid system as the SX Touring. Notable highlights include heated front seats (great for winter), dual-zone automatic climate control, and Kia’s full Drive Wise safety suite (forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and even smart adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go).

SX Touring

  • Premium Tech & Comfort
  • ~$40,800

The SX Touring is the fully-loaded Niro PHEV. On the exterior, you’ll notice the upscale touches: larger 18-inch alloy wheels, bright LED projector headlights (replacing halogens) for improved illumination, and a power sunroof that lets light into the cabin. Inside, the SX Touring swaps in perforated vegan leather seats (no cloth here) with both heat and ventilation for the front seats.

Recommended Trim by AutosMarket

2025 Niro PHEV EX (Best Value Choice)

  • The EX saves you over $6,000 compared to the SX Touring
  • You’ll enjoy a comfy and high-tech drive without paying for the top trim
  • The money saved can go towards installing a Level 2 home charger
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Recommended Trim Image

A Review From Every Angle

GOOD

4.5/5

1. Exterior

4.0 / 5.0

Sleek and Distinctive

The Niro PHEV sports a clean, modern design that broadcasts its eco-friendly mission without going too wild. It’s more conventionally shaped than its sibling, the Soul, but still stands out in the subcompact SUV crowd.

  • The Niro is designed to slip through the air efficiently (its drag coefficient is a low 0.29)
  • Niro has a futuristic flair
  • the Niro is city-friendly, easy to park and maneuver

2. Interior

4.0 / 5.0

Modern & Spacious Cabin

Inside the Niro PHEV, Kia has created a space that feels unexpectedly roomy and high-tech for a subcompact. Thanks to smart packaging (the battery is tucked under the floor), the cabin offers ample headroom and legroom, even 6-foot adults can fit comfortably in the rear seats.

  • The dashboard features a clean horizontal layout with a pair of displays
  • The infotainment is intuitive, and you get standard navigation plus smartphone integration for a connected feel
  • Material quality is good for the class

3. Safety

4.0 / 5.0

Advanced Driver Aids

Every Niro comes standard with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (which can automatically brake for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists), Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following (to help center you in your lane), Blind-Spot Collision Warning with parallel parking exit alerts, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance – to name a few of the highlights.

  • These systems are remarkably well-tuned for a car in this price range
  • For 2025, Kia even added rear seatbelt pre-tensioners on all trims
  • Engineered with advanced materials (like high-strength steel)
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4. Fuel Economy

5.0 / 5.0

Exceptional Efficiency

In daily use, many owners will find they can do most of their short trips or commutes without using a drop of gas, the Niro can travel around 33 miles on electricity alone. When the battery is depleted, the Niro PHEV still operates as a high-efficiency hybrid, earning an EPA rating of 48 MPG combined (49 city/47 hwy) in hybrid mode.

  • This is better than many non-plug-in hybrids
  • The Niro PHEV achieves 108 MPGe and boasts a total range of about 510 miles on a full tank and charge
  • The transition from electric to hybrid is smooth

5. Tech & Infotainment

5.0 / 5.0

Feature-Rich & Connected

The Niro PHEV packs in tech for the price, with a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen (standard on EX and SX Touring) that supports split-screen views, built-in nav, and Kia Connect. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard—USB plug-in keeps your phone charged—and physical knobs make quick adjustments easy.

  • Both trims include keyless entry and push-button start (with Smart Key)
  • The SX Touring’s Digital Key 2.0 lets you unlock or start the Niro via your smartphone
  • Both trims are stocked with USB ports (including modern USB-C ports) for all passengers

6. Performance & Handling

3.5 / 5.0

Smooth, Easygoing Drive

The Niro PHEV is not built for thrills, but it delivers a pleasant and confident drive that suits its mission as a high-efficiency commuter. The combined 180 horsepower from its 1.6L engine and electric motor is modest by today’s standards, yet the immediate torque from the electric side makes it peppy off the line and in city traffic.

  • From 0–30 mph (where the electric motor does most of the work), the Niro feels zippy
  • At higher speeds or under full throttle, the gas engine joins in; 0–60 mph takes roughly 7.5–8 seconds
  • Handling is predictable and stable, if not particularly sporty

What's New From Last Year?

  • All 2025 Niro models now come with front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners
  • The top-tier SX Touring trim now includes the Cold Weather Package as standard
  • Even back-seat passengers in the SX Touring get warm seats on winter mornings
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New from Last Year Image
Cars Similar to 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
If you’re considering the 2025 Kia Niro PHEV, you might also look at a plug-in hybrid with more space or a fully electric alternative. Two notable options are the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Kia’s own EV6 electric crossover. Below is a quick comparison highlighting how the Niro PHEV stacks up against these alternatives:
2025 Kia Niro PHEV (FWD only)
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (AWD standard)
2025 Kia EV6 (RWD or AWD)
Feature2025 Kia Niro PHEV (FWD only)2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (AWD standard)2025 Kia EV6 (RWD or AWD)
Performance
180-hp 1.6L hybrid; peppy in town, FWD only
248-hp 2.4L hybrid; quicker than Niro, AWD adds grip
225–320 hp EV; dual-motor AWD hits 0–60 in 4.5s
Tech & Interior
Modern cabin: dual displays, nav, full ADAS included
Traditional SUV feel; comfy, practical, with 9″ touchscreen option
Futuristic interior; dual 12.3″ screens, AR HUD, OTA updates
Practicality
Compact size = easy to park; 19.4 cu ft cargo behind rear seats (54.6 cu ft folded)
Larger SUV dimensions; about 33 cu ft cargo with 2nd row up
Sporty crossover shape; ~24 cu ft cargo behind rear seats, ~50 cu ft folded
Comfort & Space
Comfortable for four; smooth, quiet ride with supportive seats
Roomier cabin, plush ride prioritizes rear-seat comfort
Low center of gravity = stable ride; firm yet comfy suspension
Who’s It For?
Drivers who want maximum fuel savings and mostly do city or suburb driving
Those who need a larger, family-oriented SUV but still want some electric capability
Ideal for quick, stylish driving with easy home/work charging
Best Choice For
  • Excellent fuel economy without going full EV
  • Easy to drive and park in the city
  • Lots of features for the price
  • All-weather traction
  • 5+2 flexible seating
  • EV feel with road-trip comfort
  • Zero-emissions driving and no gas ever
  • Thrilling acceleration and modern EV tech
  • Bold, head-turning style with a premium feel
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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2025 Kia Niro PHEV have all-wheel drive?
No, the Niro PHEV is front-wheel drive only
How long does it take to charge the Niro PHEV at home?
On a standard Level 2 home charger (240V), the Niro PHEV can fully charge its 11.1 kWh battery in about 2.5 to 3 hours
How far can the Niro PHEV go on electricity alone?
About 33 miles is the EPA-rated all-electric range for the 2025 Niro PHEV EX (around 31 miles for the SX Touring with its larger wheels)