The 5-door Kia Niro is a crossover made by South Korean carmaker Kia. The Niro is a mid-range car that does well as a family or business car. In 2021, it was the best-selling car in the Netherlands with 10,812 units at spot 1. And if we are honest, we do think it is a very nice car to look at! On top of that, Kia is known for its reliable cars with an appealing design.
Three different powertrain options are available: a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or the all-electric Kia e-Niro. Because the car is a great success, the range of 2nd hand models is also quite large.
Kia Niro a good choice?
Popular SUV class models are actually not known for being particularly efficient and economical. The Kia Niro is markedly different. The compact SUV, available as a hybrid or 100% electric car, is popular with its owners because of its low fuel consumption.
The Niro also makes a good impression in other respects. However, there are weaknesses too. Whether it is problems with the charging process, uncomfortable seats or empty starter batteries, we have tried to list the problems and weaknesses on this page.
The Kia Niro has only been available for a few years, so feedback and experiences are still limited. Perhaps you own a Kia Niro and can report first-hand positive and negative experiences? Feel free to leave a comment at the end of the article.
Niro Type SG2 (since 2022)
The 2nd generation of the Niro has been on sale since 2022. The model is available as a hybrid and as a pure electric car (Niro EV). In the hybrid, an inline four-cylinder engine with 105 hp and an electric motor with 44 hp or 84 hp work together. Power is transmitted via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The electric version delivers up to 204 hp.
Currently, there is still a lack of experience with the problems, weaknesses and teething problems of this generation. Do you have experience with this model? If so, feel free to let us know!
Kia Niro Type DE (2016 to 2022)
In February 2016, the compact SUV Niro was presented, designed to fill the gap between the Kia Soul and Kia Sportage. During development, the South Korean carmaker paid attention to maximum efficiency at low consumption. Therefore, the vehicle is only available with front-wheel drive.
A four-cylinder in-line petrol engine, backed by an electric motor, initially provided propulsion. The Niro was initially available only as a hybrid, before a pure electric version followed in late 2018. The hybrid models are equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Few weaknesses?
Researching the Niro's weaknesses has not been easy, as little information is available so far. Is it because the compact SUV really has no weaknesses? It seems so. Numerous owners of the Niro say they are completely satisfied and have been driving trouble-free for a long time.
Still, the starter battery is a (possible) weak point. The ANWB had to pull in several times because the Niro could no longer be started in the morning. The problem was solved with a simple jumpstart, but the cause remained unknown. Crashed control units or forgotten interior lights could cause the battery to discharge overnight.
Difficulty loading
One of the few weaknesses we could find is charging problems. Several car owners tell us about these problems, which can be very different. Sometimes the vehicle is not recognised by the charging station at all, in other cases the light on the display is on but the charging process does not start.
The good news: apparently, some problems could be fixed with car software updates or charging stations. If you experience charging problems, you should visit the responsible Kia workshop to read out the error memory.
Sometimes the plug is also responsible for the problems. If the latch is not correct, the charging cable may not be connected properly. In addition, some owners are annoyed by the quality of the plug, as damage can quickly occur if used incorrectly.
This is what owners say about the Niro
First-hand experience is valuable, this is what owners say about the Kia Niro. Plus points are the seat ventilation, the good sound quality of the music system and, of course, the low consumption that characterises the compact SUV.
Among other things, the automatic cruise control, which is meant to keep the distance to the car in front constant, has been criticised. However, reliability seems to be lacking, as some motorists said the safety distance was questionable at times. Therefore, you should also not let attention wander.
The seating position is described as uncomfortable during long journeys. Not only do the headrests extend too far forward, the backrest also starts to pinch as driving time progresses.
Many motorists find it annoying that the combustion engine kicks in in many situations. Pure electric driving with the hybrid model is only possible when no consumers are activated and the accelerator pedal is only lightly depressed. Once heating or air conditioning is active, operation is only possible with a combustion engine.
Recalls
The first Niro was hit by several recalls. Among them was a defect in a plug connection for the power steering, which could cause the support to fail. The internal leak in the control for the hydraulic clutch could lead to a short circuit and thus a fire in the vehicle.
A faulty relay also caused a short circuit, increasing the risk of fire. The motor's faulty electrical connection forced several owners into the workshops, as a drive failure was possible.
Update September 2022: Gluing spark plugs (hybrid)
I have been driving a Niro Hybrid (EZ 10/2018, mileage so far 40,000 km) since May 2019. Since then, individual spark plugs had to be replaced about 6 times.
Dealer's explanation: Since I mainly commute to work and almost never drive an internal combustion engine, the spark plugs 'stick' (because the engine is only run for heating in winter, for example).
Solution: Drive on the motorway more often and turn on the combustion engine. This can be seen as a weakness for the Niro.
Listing
The Kia Niro's problems in a row:
- Sporadic problems at the charging station
- Starter battery empty (control units may be responsible)
- Cruise control system (safety distance)
- Seating position uncomfortable during long trips
- Pure electric driving only possible without consumers (hybrid)
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