SUMMARY
The 2022 Kia Niro is the brand’s smallest SUV on offer right now. However, don’t let its small stature fool you into thinking it’s a pushover. This small SUV’s hybrid powertrain grants it some insane range compared to many of its market rivals. Although the 1.6-Liter engine and the AC electric motor won’t be absolutely roaring with power, it’s more than enough for any family drive or just your day out in the city. If you’re looking for a great and fuel-efficient SUV, then the Niro hybrid might be just the one for you. This 2022 Kia Niro review will look into the hybrid system, the features, and the different trim levels of this small SUV.
LATEST
Aside from the addition of Kia’s new logo styling, the Niro doesn’t have much in the way of major or even minor changes. Even the roster of 2022 Kia Niro colors haven’t seen any new additions for this year.
ESTIMATED PRICE
The 2022 Kia Niro price point is split among the 5 different trim levels available for this year’s release. The LX model, being the simplest of all, focuses everything on value as it’s missing a lot of the standard features found on even the next model. Starting from the LXS, drivers will be able to enjoy a lot more of what the lineup has on offer. Below is our 2022 Kia Niro cost table detailing the various starting MSRPs of the different models:
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| 2022 Kia Niro LX | $24,690* |
| 2022 Kia Niro LXS | $26,090* |
| 2022 Kia Niro LXS Special Edition | $27,590* |
| 2022 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition | $29,890* |
| 2022 Kia Niro EX Premium | $31,990* |
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
One thing to note about the 2022 Kia Niro specs sheet is that the powertrain system used is a Full Parallel Hybrid. Partnered by an AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor, the 1.6-Liter 4-Cylinder engine generates a combined total of 139 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque. This is all paired with a dual clutch 6-speed automatic transmission and a Front-Wheel drivetrain. Other performance specs included with the Niro involve the 4-wheel disc setup that comes with an Anti-Lock Brake System. Steering is facilitated by an Electric motor-driven power steering system, granting the driver accurate and reliable steering response all around. The paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, although only available on higher-end models, give drivers more options for changing up gears and selecting between levels of regenerative braking.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
The EPA’s MPG ratings for all the models of the 2022 Kia Niro show that it’s a capable and reliable option for those who put fuel efficiency as one of their highest priorities. The base model is only barely more fuel efficient compared to the LXS, LXS Special Edition, and even the EX Premium. The least efficient option in terms of fuel usage is the Touring Special Edition. Below is our table detailing the different MPG scores given to all models of the 2022 Kia Niro:
| Trim Mileage Estimates | City/mpg | Highway/mpg | Combined/mpg |
| 2022 Kia Niro LX | 53 | 48 | 50 |
| 2022 Kia Niro LXS | 51 | 46 | 49 |
| 2022 Kia Niro LXS Special Edition | 51 | 46 | 49 |
| 2022 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition | 46 | 40 | 43 |
| 2022 Kia Niro EX Premium | 51 | 46 | 49 |
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
Kia hasn’t made any considerable updates on the 2022 Kia Niro interior space. However, it’s still the same interior layout that we’ve loved since the last iteration. The passenger capacity of the Niro stands at 5 passengers accommodated within the 100.9 cubic feet of passenger volume. The LX models come with a cloth trim which is upgraded to a leather seat trim on the Touring and EX Premium trim levels. For cargo capacity, the amount of space stands at 19.4 cubic feet with the rear seats set up. With the rear seats folded, the 54.5 cubic feet of cargo space should be enough for a decent amount of items. There’s also a luggage board which can be found underneath the hatch floor which adds up to the cargo capacity.
TECHNOLOGY
For infotainment, the base models of the 2022 Kia Niro make use of an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that comes with AM/FM/USB Audio capabilities. Starting from the Touring Special Edition model, drivers can make use of a 10.25-inch touchscreen that comes with Kia Connect features. All models come with some form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity with the option for Bluetooth features as well. The premium models also include Hands-Free Phone capabilities, Cruise Control Buttons, and Audio Buttons mounted on the Steering Wheel. Wireless Phone Charging is available starting on the Touring Special Edition. For audio, the base models use a 6-speaker audio system which is further improved on the Touring and EX Premium. These models use an 8-speaker setup that’s sourced from Harman Kardon and comes with Clari-Fi technology alongside an integrated subwoofer.
SAFETY
The NHTSA has given the 2022 Kia Niro a rating of about 4 stars for overall safety rating. This is because most models of the Niro come with a pretty decked out safety and driver-assistive suite. Although we do note that the LX model has quite the lack of driver-assistive features so that might be a good thing to consider when deciding a model. Some of the included features that come with the Kia Drive Wise suite include a Rear Occupant Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Driver Attention Warning System, and Lane Keeping and Following Assists. The higher models gain additional features which include Cyclist Detection, a Smart Cruise Control System, and even a Park Distance Warning which uses an ultrasonic sensor for object detection.
WARRANTY
The warranty programs offered on all Kia vehicles are some of the most valuable on the market right now. The limited warranty spans for 5 years or the first 60,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. There’s also the powertrain warranty which lasts 10 years or the first 100,000 miles driven. Currently, there’s no options for complimentary scheduled maintenance made available.